Do computers charge things plugged into them?

Question

In this case, it's my Garmin Nuvi 260 (navigation/GPS). To load pics onto it, you just plug into the USB port. After I was done, it appeared the battery had charged. Is this really happening? It sounds like iPods work this way? If this is the case here, is this a good method to charge the unit's battery? If so, that is freakin' sweet because it means I won't have to buy the AC adapter! Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes if correct drivers are installed (if needed)

Some laptops even charge devices when they are off and leave USB ports enabled for this purpose.

Answer 2

idk about batteries but it charges my phone sony ericcson and stuff so idk bout batteries it prob jst looked more but it prob wasnt

Answer 3

Some low voltage usb devices will charge over a usb connection. That includes many gps units, some mp4 players and a few pda. I have a Becker gps that charges that way.

Answer 4

Yep! Mine will charge my digital and my cell phone. How nifty!!

Answer 5

yes, computers charge things plugged into them. i pods do work that way.

Answer 6

Although it depends on the device's features, USB cables are capable of carrying electric energy to a device's battery unit.

Your GPS device is probably picking up this type of energy while connected to your computer, just like the common iPod.  

This is, in fact, a very good way to charge any device with this feature, and you should use this as your primary charging method henceforth.

In this case, an AC adapter is unnecessary, Friend!

Answer 7

i think they can, but only if theres a computer program that goes along with the device (ie: itunes to ipod)

Answer 8

Many devices are made to be able to be charged by the computer. Generally, if it comes with a USB cable, the computer can and will probably charge it. iPods are charged by the computer, as are most other music devices and many digital cameras.

Answer 9

Why yes, yes they do.  I charge my cell phone and Ipod from my computer.

Answer 10

who knows, the manual says nothing about that

Answer 11

On some things, yes

Like my mp3 player (Sansa clip, btw)

I just plug it into my computer to charge it ^-^

It's so convenient, lol

Answer 12

some things yeah. it charges my wireless xbox 360 controller.

Answer 13

yes, depending on what it is and what type of cable

Answer 14

My husband charges his zen mp3 player, but it really slows my ancient computer down so we do it after we are finished with the computer for the night.

Answer 15

yes, this is correct

anything you plug into a computer will charge :)

hope this helps

Answer 16

you are correct !

Answer 17

yes most USB adapter things you can connect to the computer to charge themm almost all cameras work that way... :)