• Do NOT click on any vaporpedia.com links. The domain has been compromised and will attempt to infect your system. See https://fuckcombustion.com/threads/warning-vaporpedia-com-has-been-compromised.54960/.

Arizer Solo

mongrel

Well-Known Member
hey, received my solo today and i am blown away with both the build quality and the efectiveness of the unit. the build quality goes a long way in explaining why this unit is expensive. the effectiveness of the unit completes that explanation.
it is certainly heavier though not uncomfortably so, than other portables i've tried (iolite & mflb). i'd probably not like to lump it around in my pocket all day. the current iolite or mflb are probably better suited to pocket power.
it's great strength for me is it's portability for things like watching tv, reading (like now) or in the glove box of the car as passenger or sitting in the garden watching the world go by.
the variable controlled temperature choice is a huge plus for the solo. i prefer my vape temps at the lower end of the scale 190-195c so i expect battery life to be a couple of hours for continuous use and much longer with intermittent use. the machine goes up to 210c so ppl who like it hotter are also catered for though i'm sure battery longevity would be impacted
the draws are thick and smooth at my temps and the two small holes for vaping are imo perfect for it's use and delivers vapour evenly and cooly.
the silence is golden!
the iolite fills a place but this little number is a true gem and i can see myself becoming very attached to it. i was truly surprised at what an excellently manufactured device this is. i truly cannot fault it. the money hurt a bit though.
a car charger would be a good thing, as would a charger that you can use as you vape as a standard supply choice, rather than as an extra purchase.
to arizer, well done. a true next generation vape!
 

pakalolo

Toolbag v1.1 (candidate)
Staff member
I dropped by Rockwise yesterday because I knew I could get a look at a Solo. I couldn't try it out, of course, but I had to see this thing for myself.

Congratulations to Arizer for making a device that oozes quality as soon as you see it. Holding it confirms that it is extremely well made (sorry about the pun). It feels nice in the hand, although it is a bit weighty to carry around in your pocket. It's not a portable in the style of the MFLB or the VG, but it's easily transported.

This thing cries out for some glassblower to make a GonG adapter, or perhaps a bubbler or something in the style of a VXC HydraTube. I'm assuming Arizer has things like that in the works, since it's too obvious that the Solo begs for accessories.

Those worrying about shipping a contaminated used unit can rest easy; the design looks ridiculously easy to clean up. The glass tube fits right into the ceramic heater. Unless you blow into the tube, there's virtually nowhere for the material to collect. The top unscrews, giving you access to the only place that could get dirty, although I don't think much will collect there.

The connection for the charger is on the bottom, unfortunately. This isn't much of an issue with the supplied charger, but once the optional use-while-you-charge charger is available, this will be a minor annoyance.

I walked in with no real desire to own one of these. Now that I've handled it, I am tempted. I know lots of people think it's overpriced, but I think a lot of them would change their minds if they could hold one. If you picked one up without knowing the price, you'd know right away you were handling an expensive piece of kit. It has that look and feel. One of these days, I hope to try one. It might even be mine. I don't need another vaporizer, but this one is seductive. I just have to convince the wife...
 

max

Out to lunch
mongrel said:
it's great strength for me is it's portability for things like watching tv, reading (like now) or in the glove box of the car as passenger or sitting in the garden watching the world go by.
I like the idea of being able to easily go to another room, without hauling an AC adapter, or go sit on the deck or back porch, and as a hassle free vape to take to a friend's house, it seems to be ideal.

I just have to convince the wife...
Wait a while and it may take less convincing. I suspect it'll be available at a more attractive price later on, although it may take an eBay purchase to get the best price.
 

Willeh

Well-Known Member
Since I have shortened the bowl with a screen, I have now started using the lower temperature settings in the morning (2 and 3). A very small load (~0.6g screen adjustable) of powdered herbs yields three light blue tasty hits and I dump out a completely evenly yellowy light brown pile I can safely throw in with the rest of my ABV without worry of it being unfinished. Previous to using a screen, I would use high temperatures and larger amounts to try to completely finish the bowl; and while I would get large hits at first, I found the back of the bowl to be unproductive to the vapor-making on low temperature settings so I avoided them all together. Using a screen makes this thing very scale-able, allowing bigger bowls that go around and around, or tiny personal bowls that you can walk from very low temps to high temps to get all the different flavours out all along the way in a couple hits.
 
Willeh,

IAmKrazy2

Darth Vapor
Hmmmmm, wondering why Arizer didn't include an "optional" screen. I assume an E elbow bowl is much bigger then the mouth tube and wouldn't work? Ill at least be sure to try with a screen, but i kindof like how it doesnt need one.
 
IAmKrazy2,

pakalolo

Toolbag v1.1 (candidate)
Staff member
max said:
pakalolo said:
I just have to convince the wife...

Wait a while and it may take less convincing. I suspect it'll be available at a more attractive price later on, although it may take an eBay purchase to get the best price.

We're fortunate enough that price is not the sticking point, it's the idea of accumulating vaporizers when I already have all I need.

Besides, now that I've met Kevin, Rockwise is the only place I'd buy it from.
 
pakalolo,
  • Like
Reactions: Red Indy

Hippie Dickie

The Herbal Cube
Manufacturer
I like the idea of being able to easily go to another room, without hauling an AC adapter, or go sit on the deck or back porch, and as a hassle free vape to take to a friend's house, it seems to be ideal.

i do find that to be ideal
 
Hippie Dickie,

mongrel

Well-Known Member
Willeh said:
Since I have shortened the bowl with a screen, I have now started using the lower temperature settings in the morning (2 and 3). A very small load (~0.6g screen adjustable) of powdered herbs yields three light blue tasty hits and I dump out a completely evenly yellowy light brown pile I can safely throw in with the rest of my ABV without worry of it being unfinished. Previous to using a screen, I would use high temperatures and larger amounts to try to completely finish the bowl; and while I would get large hits at first, I found the back of the bowl to be unproductive to the vapor-making on low temperature settings so I avoided them all together. Using a screen makes this thing very scale-able, allowing bigger bowls that go around and around, or tiny personal bowls that you can walk from very low temps to high temps to get all the different flavours out all along the way in a couple hits.

gotta agree with you willeh. a good idea. i adapted a screen from the eq into a birds nest shape that fits snugly in the glass mouth-piece. the result is a very noticeable increase in vapour flow and less gunk in the mouth-piece and even colour. plus, the screen is easy to clean. i have a grinder in the shed so i reckon i'll be able to adapt one of the little baskets from the eq to the task by grinding down the edges till it's the same diameter as the tube. let you know how it goes.
 
mongrel,

vapeguy

Well-Known Member
Willeh said:
I've actually got a couple questions too now :lol:

Will the battery need to be fully discharged before every charge for it to keep its full capacity, or at least for the first few times? Or is this battery's chemistry not like that?

Someone else also asked but is stirring necessary to finish the bowl thoroughly if you have a good grind/loose pack?

I read it has a lithium battery, if so discharging it regularly is a guaranteed way to kill the battery in no time. Lithium batteries should always be kept as full as possible, if you can always keep the charge over 50% then that'll significantly prolong it's life, but try never to let it drop below 30% charge or only in rare cases. Especially if the battery is non replaceable like in Apples crappy products you will want to take good care of it, and draining a lithium battery to a low level causes irreversible damage. I used to have a color palm size pc in high school, one of the first models ever made and the lithium ion battery only lasted maybe 3-4 hours when new, after a year it lasted maybe 20 minutes. That's because since it had short battery life to start with, I was draining it to nearly dead each and every week day, so after a year it went from lasting 4 hours to 20 minutes on a charge. I got my lesson with that one, and luckily later Pocket PCs had 12-14 hours of battery life so I never drained them much below 40%.

lesvape said:
This looks pretty interesting, and actually has me thinking about getting one. Do you have any pics or what not comparing it to a red bull or any other soda can?

BTW is it the standard red bull can or the bigger boy?

I tried vaping with a redbull before but never got it to work, there's no power button anywhere and I thought this weird pull tab on top was to open the herb chanber but this yellow-green liquid poured out. I immediately cleaned my hands as it's likely the battery acid that poured out of it. The red bull vaporizer is absolute junk, plus it didn't come with a charger and you need to buy 4 of them at a time, ridiculous!

So I have no doubt the Solo will be a much better vape than the red bull which I never even got to work before it's batteries spilled all over my hands.
 

vapeguy

Well-Known Member
*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***
*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***
*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***

I've noticed several posts from people saying they are intentionally draining the battery completely before each recharged in order to maintain it. This was true for NiCad batteries from the 1900-1990s, but is the absolute best way to kill a lithium battery (which the solo uses) in absolutely no time at all. Every time you've drained it you caused severe, irreversible damage. Even just a week of this will cause major irreversible damage to the battery.

Lithium batteries should always be kept as full as possible and every single deep discharge will severely damage it permanently. If you can always keep it over 80% full then do it. You should immediately plug the Solo to charge as soon as it's no longer in use and always leave it fully charged. Even if you use it just 10 minutes, put it to charge after, especially since the battery is not replaceable.

I'm surprised in 2011 people are applying principles from 110 year old battery technology (NiCad batteries from 1899), I mean lithium batteries have been around for over 15 years and every modern device like cell phones run on lithium batteries, and even the NiMH batteries from the 1990s didn't need to be drained like Nicads.

To those who have been draining their batteries fully, perhaps you might want to keep doing it as your battery will be dying very shortly, if it hasn't already, so you can have it replaced under warranty (haven't read the entire thread yet, won't be surprised if I see replies from these people complaining their battery now lasts 5 minutes on a full charge, which will be the case very shortly). Then again we shouldn't have to pay for misinformed people applying 110 year technology principles to 2011 technology. I guess those who drained their batteries on each use are an older generation (currently in their 40-50s or more) that is used to the old NiCad battery problems, but don't just assume today's technology needs the same maintenance as 110 year old technology.

*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***
*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***
*** NEVER drain the Solo battery completely ***
 

Willeh

Well-Known Member
I asked and got told that the batteries had no memory, so I have simply been charging it when I haven't been using it and unplugging it isn't fully charged (except for when I first got it to test the battery life, or on a long night out), it rarely gets fully uncharged unless I have a big session. Most of time time it is over 50% charge, so woohoo for me. I'm yet to notice a decline and battery life, and probably wont for a long time anyway... though good advice.
 
Willeh,

vapeguy

Well-Known Member
pakalolo said:
In order to run directly from the mains, the Solo would need to include some sort of transformer. I don't know how small you could make such a thing but there's no doubt it would add to the size, weight, and cost--all to support a mode that is directly opposed to the primary design intent: portability.

There will be a optional charger that allows you to use the Solo while charging, which is almost what you want. The down side is that using it in that way will reduce your battery pack life somewhat. Exactly how much depends on the sophistication of the charging circuitry. Laptops have struggled with this problem for years, and the ones with poor charging circuitry lose up to half their battery capacity in as little as a year. The good news is that some laptops lose an insignificant amount to this problem.

I'm not sure where you got that but I think your understanding of electricity is quite wrong.

You need a transformer whether you can use it while charging or not, the difference is the power of the transformer needed. The battery is likely between 10 and 20 volts, so to charge it you need a transformer anyway as AC power is 120 or 240 volts depending on your country. The transformer is in the power adapter anyway, so your idea that it might not fit in the Solo makes no sense, the transformer is the "box" at the end of the plug that you plug into a wall outlet, it's not in the Solo. The reason it can't be used while charging is simply that they were too cheap to include a transformer that delivers enough power to both charge the battery and power the unit, it may not even be powerful enough to power the unit at all. Often with this kind of device that can't be used while charging the problem is that the device uses power power than the transformer can supply, so it's impossible to run it on AC power, but it still provides enough power to slowly charge the battery, yet the battery can provide more power than the AC adapter can. That's why they say another adapter will be available that can both charge and power it, it will be nothing more than an adapter with the same voltage but a higher amperage output.

The next part where you're wrong is when you say the new power adapter will reduce the battery life, it's completely the opposite, it will dramatically increase the battery life as the battery will not be used when you're using it on AC power, and it will charge exactly the same way as it otherwise would.

It's strange how so many people are so wrong on batteries and electricity in this thread, I keep wanting to talk about the Solo but I have to correct these people as they are severely damaging their batteries permanently.

I wanted to read the entire thread before replying but it's getting late so I'll post now.

I just got an EQ 2-3 months ago and just saw this new Solo and I think it's going to be hard for someone to convince me not to sell my EQ on eBay and get a Solo, it looks absolutely perfect and I'd use it as my home vape too. I want to limit myself to one vape and this one seems like it would make both a great home vape and portable vape. I was considering perhaps getting a portable in addition to my EQ, but with this new Solo I think I'll replace my EQ altogether (I couldn't afford the Solo otherwise anyway).

I used to have a Volcano and though I had issues with my EQ at first I much prefer it to the Volcano. The Solo doesn't have a fan but I only used it in potpourri mode on my EQ and don't even do that much anyway.

So is there any reason I shouldn't sell my EQ to get the Solo? Because so far it looks like I need to get the Solo.

Ironically one benefit of the EQ was that since it's also an oil diffuser I could tell others that it was an oil diffuser and leave it on my night table, but I'm tight on cash these days and could only afford it by selling my Volcano I got years earlier. So it would have made no sense to people that I would have bought a $260 oil; diffuser when I was so tight on cash, so I ended up hiding it when certain people came anyway (my plan was too when I have more money and it would make sense that I'd buy that, I'd pull it out and say "hey look what I 'just' bought!"). With the Solo I can easily hide it in my drawer, with the EQ I need to unplug it and go hide it somewhere big enough to fit it.

What I like about the Solo:
-I love the sleek and simple design and shape, especially the silver/black model
-No filters to clean! Awesome!
-It can be easily hidden in a drawer
-Adjustable temperature
-I like that it shows you the actual temp rise with the LEDs
-Long battery life means you can easily always keep it above 80% charge which is ideal for lithium batteries

So at this point I don't see what can stop me from selling my EQ to get this Solo, but I'll at least finish reading the thread tomorrow before deciding.

BTW to the guy that said the salesmen told you to drain your iPhone completely each time is either himself misinformed or is knowingly misleading you so you come back for expensive battery replacement ASAP. Anyway if you bought an iPhone you're not someone that thinks for himself so I'm not surprised you trusted the salesman as blindly as you trusted the TV ad that told you to buy an iPhone. Don't take this wrong, but next time before blindly trusting a TV ad or salesman, do your own research and think for yourself, what the TV ad and salesman told you is for their benefit, not yours (the iPhone is the worst smart phone choice from all brands and models available, and what the salesman told you is the best way to kill your iPhone battery in a matter of months while it otherwise would last 4 years or more if cared for like I mentioned above).
 

jdee

Well-Known Member
my iphone is indespensible, I use it for everything from streaming porn to running my business, and sometimes looking up new strains in the leafly app :ninja: but thanks for assuming I can't think for myself :lol:
 
jdee,

Hippie Dickie

The Herbal Cube
Manufacturer
i wonder if draining the LiIon battery to such a low level is even possible ... the A123Systems battery (LiFePO4 technology) is 3.6v and should not be drained below 2.0v, but my vape shuts off when it gets to 2.5v -- that's when the voltage regulator says "no mas, no mas". In over 2 years of constant charge/discharge to this level i see very little (if any) decrease in performance.

The new LiIon are way better than the old LiIon.
 
Hippie Dickie,

Herborizer

Well-Known Member
I agree with most of aab1's points above. To get down to the details of how to manage these batteries see this: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries

I am hoping that the manual that comes with the solo and the new optional power adapter gives instructions on proper battery management. Usually, the manual is quite accurate.

The general rule of thumb with lion batteries is lots of mini charges. Or basically, whenever near a charge source, use one. Though, if you read that link I provided above you Can over charge a lion battery if the type of charger you have doesn't prevent it. I know the iPhone doesn't overcharge and it's fine to leave it plugged in. Hopefully a peak at the manual will answer this for us. Or even a call to Arizer and talk with an engineer to get the specifics.


Looks like smokem beat me to it. He posted great links. A good read.

So back to vaping this thing. So from the videos I have seen it looks like the bowl is inserted upside down?? How does the weed not fall into the device like this?
 
Herborizer,

vaporizers.ca

Well-Known Member
Retailer
Great post about batteries aab1, the more people know how to properly treat their units, the longer they last and the happier people are.

I did want to address the people saying that they want to replace their Extreme Q with the Solo. You can do that but honestly, having both is the best option. I know that's not affordable for some and if you have a tight budget, I respect that. For those of you that can afford both, don't give up your Extreme Q. The Solo is pure whip, the EQ is forced air. The Solo is direct flow only, the EQ does direct flow and bag.

End result: Both units are top notch but completely different, they do not replace or compete with each other, that was kind of the point. One units is a high quality ceramic glass direct flow portable, the other is a ceramic glass forced air plug in unit that can do direct flow and bag.

Herborizer, easy, you turn the whip upside down and fill up the bowl. You then have the unit on a side angle and insert the bowl on its side. If you really want, you can turn the solo upside down and insert the bowl that way. Once the bowl is inserted into the unit, the herb will stay inside the bowl and the chamber.

Also, as someone who has used the solo quite a bit including the prototype, I don't recommend a temp setting higher than 5. Your ideal vapor is the temperature that is farthest from combustion while still able to release the active ingredient. If 4-5 produces vapor, all you are doing by going up to 7 is producing unnecessary extra heat for your lungs. If you've ever been to the desert, you will notice your lungs don't like hot air. So the cooler the air you inhale, the better. Try 4-5, if you are happy with the vapor, don't go higher.

ADDED NOTE: There are 1-2 herbs out there that might need higher than 5 but the major ones people use do not. Just try to find the lowest temp that produces a lot of vapor, that simple. Also, each unit is a bit different temp wise so don't always use the same temperatures. I do agree with the poster about the Extreme Q needing a bit hotter, 200C-210C, the Solo is fine at 5 though, I personally prefer 4.

Happy vaping!
 
vaporizers.ca,

lwien

Well-Known Member
vaporizers.ca said:
Your ideal vapor is the temperature that is farthest from combustion while still able to release the active ingredient. If 4-5 produces vapor, all you are doing by going up to 7 is producing unnecessary extra heat for your lungs.

What may be ideal vapor temp for one person may not be ideal for another. There are medical users who use cannabis for pain relief and for those that do, a higher temp may be in order.

For me, I have no problem with a fixed temp vape. Been using one for years, but for others, it could be an issue, eh?
 

Vitolo

Vaporist
lwien said:
For me, I have no problem with a fixed temp vape. Been using one for years, but for others, it could be an issue, eh?
So very true.
For a light nice clear high, I will use a low setting, and I increase for nausea.
When my physical symptoms are under control, I too will use a fixed temp vape, for a light euphoria, or to maintain my level.
 
Vitolo,

Herborizer

Well-Known Member
vaporizers.ca said:
Herborizer, easy, you turn the whip upside down and fill up the bowl. You then have the unit on a side angle and insert the bowl on its side. If you really want, you can turn the solo upside down and insert the bowl that way. Once the bowl is inserted into the unit, the herb will stay inside the bowl and the chamber.

Also, as someone who has used the solo quite a bit including the prototype, I don't recommend a temp setting higher than 5. Your ideal vapor is the temperature that is farthest from combustion while still able to release the active ingredient. If 4-5 produces vapor, all you are doing by going up to 7 is producing unnecessary extra heat for your lungs. If you've ever been to the dessert, you will notice your lungs don't like hot air. So the cooler the air you inhale, the better. Try 4-5, if you are happy with the vapor, don't go higher.

Happy vaping!

Thanks for explaining how the bowl works.

For heat, I can't agree there. I have two Exteme's (two houses I use them at) and I consistently like 215C. I have experimented for months at temps from 170C - 230C. I feel strongly that one of the reasons I dislike my oilite is because it only goes to 190C. After 1.5 years with my extreme I am very sure about this for me. I expect to put the Solo at 210C and keep it there.
 
Herborizer,

max

Out to lunch
vaporizers.ca said:
I did want to address the people saying that they want to replace their Extreme Q with the Solo. You can do that but honestly, having both is the best option. I know that's not affordable for some and if you have a tight budget, I respect that. For those of you that can afford both, don't give up your Extreme Q. The Solo is pure whip, the EQ is forced air. The Solo is direct flow only, the EQ does direct flow and bag.

End result: Both units are top notch but completely different, they do not replace or compete with each other, that was kind of the point. One units is a high quality ceramic glass direct flow portable, the other is a ceramic glass forced air plug in unit that can do direct flow and bag.
Exactly. The E and Solo are apples and oranges. Deciding between the two would be like narrowing your choices to the herbalAire and N02- a dual mode model vs. a large 'ish' portable. I can see switching from the E to the Solo if you've decided to change your vaping style/habits, but other than that they're complementary designs, and of course the company would prefer that you own both. ;)
 
max,

vape4life

Banned for life
Some good points made all around and very many excellent reviews and vids...much thanks. I purchased the Solo when it came out so have a fair amount of use under my belt now. I've been into Arizer products since the orignal v-tower classic and didn't hesitate on the Solo knowing that it would be a pure quality product. I have been absolutely stoked about this portable! It works very effectively and I have no regrets paying the $275+taxes (Friendly Stranger, Toronto) now that I know it's a keeper.

I too thought about selling my EQ but as previously mentioned they are different animals. And what's the point, you might get $100 for it if you're lucky? They seem to be selling for soooo cheap these days ($140ish brand new in box). So I figure that it will continue to serve home use, otherwise since I dont combust, it's perfect for a backup should the Solo require service for whatever reason.

There is some accurate info regarding battery life by aab1, although I don't think you need to be as vigilant. aab1, not sure why you are bringing smartphones into this? I don't wanna change topic at all, but i've owned an android phone, BB, and iphone, and gave ALL a fair shot and IMO the iphone destroyed the other two in many categories (AND i'm OCD with researching) :)

The Solo is AWESOME. YES it is expensive..... is it worth the price? That's up to you...i'm VERY impressed, BUT there are a couple of negatives that bug me a little. The thing should have came with an adapter that allows charging during use....pretty lame and cheap not to, and if the add-on is affordable fine (under $20?), but i'm guessing it's gonna be more like $30-$40+. Some sort of case or velvet case should have been included, at least for the glass. Would be nice if the parts were available... I already broke a glass piece so I have no backup anymore :( I also hope they won't be more than $15 or so.

I have read some inconsistencies in the glass blowing. BOTH of mine (as I imagine many of yours) are slightly loose when connected. I definitely don't have one of the oval shaped ones. This is kinda, I dunno, somewhat of a 2 hand op because of this loose fit. I try to sip it like a straw, but there is too much "play" and wiggle. So I just treat it like a pipe, and the Solo is my expensive "lighter" that I just hold to it.

The battery life is "ok" but nothing great.... ok for several sessions, but then you need to hit an outlet. I think the one hour is pretty accurate. I typically use temps ranging from 3 to 6 with 4 or 5 being average. You can go up to 7...no prob you won't combust. I disagree with vaporizers.ca, yes you get effects after visible vapour, but much goodness can be unlocked at higher temps, and with my personal experience, it makes ME higher lol

With my EQ I use ranges from 195C - 215C or there about, higher when using the water tool if anyone wants a comparison with my Solo which I use similar temps.

This is a great product and you can not go wrong with Arizer's impeccable customer service! The only thing I don't understand is why it's not on their website? I mean lots resellers do, but the company that makes them doesn't add it to their line up? My guess is web design issues lol
 
vape4life,

vape4life

Banned for life
If you NEVER use the bags, fan, potporri, etc. and are a dedicated whip user like myself, then you can completely replace the EQ with the Solo IF you get the optional power pack, however IMO I think the major reason is cost. An EQ goes for about 150 brand new.... so yeah, if you have the cash then you have have both since they are ofcourse toys :) But if you have one and thinking of selling, IMO it's not worth it, and better to have a backup.

max said:
vaporizers.ca said:
I did want to address the people saying that they want to replace their Extreme Q with the Solo. You can do that but honestly, having both is the best option. I know that's not affordable for some and if you have a tight budget, I respect that. For those of you that can afford both, don't give up your Extreme Q. The Solo is pure whip, the EQ is forced air. The Solo is direct flow only, the EQ does direct flow and bag.

End result: Both units are top notch but completely different, they do not replace or compete with each other, that was kind of the point. One units is a high quality ceramic glass direct flow portable, the other is a ceramic glass forced air plug in unit that can do direct flow and bag.
Exactly. The E and Solo are apples and oranges. Deciding between the two would be like narrowing your choices to the herbalAire and N02- a dual mode model vs. a large 'ish' portable. I can see switching from the E to the Solo if you've decided to change your vaping style/habits, but other than that they're complementary designs, and of course the company would prefer that you own both. ;)
 
vape4life,

pakalolo

Toolbag v1.1 (candidate)
Staff member
aab1: You're right on your first point, I didn't think the transformer comments through.

On the second point, are you trying to tell me that constant charging with poorly designed chargers doesn't reduce battery life? That flies directly in the face of my experience and my reading on this subject. For example, from batteryuniversity.com:

Some portable devices sit in a charge cradle in the on position. The current drawn through the device is called the parasitic load and can distort the charge cycle. Battery manufacturers advise against parasitic load because it induces mini-cycles. The battery is continuously being discharged to 4.20V/cell and then charged by the device. The stress level on the battery is especially high because the cycles occur at the 4.20V/cell threshold.

A portable device must be turned off during charge. This allows the battery to reach the set threshold voltage unhindered, and enables terminating charge on low current. A parasitic load confuses the charger by depressing the battery voltage and preventing the current in the saturation stage to drop low. A battery may be fully charged, but the prevailing conditions prompt a continued charge. This causes undue battery stress and compromises safety.

Laptops in particular have gotten improved charging designs that minimize these problems. As far as I can determine, mini-charging cycles are still problematic for devices that are used while charging, and this kind of use always reduces battery life somewhat. The degree depends on the charger design. If you have a source that shows otherwise, I would appreciate being directed to it because I do not like to be misinformed.
 
pakalolo,
Top Bottom