power output 5V - 1A vs 2A vs 2.1A

[mesmerized]

Dear Users, I don't know if this is the right section for such kind of question but... Is there a big difference between the 2A and 2.1A power output? Naturally, the higher the number, the faster the charging should go. Can Ipad mini take 2.1A? Would it make a big difference to use a 2.1A charger instead of a 2A one? Thanks

 

[Frankmezz]

The rating on the charger is what the charge CAN output. The thing you are charging will take as much as it can up to a limit that varies. Think of it like putting a 150 watt light bulb in a lamp. it still works just as well as a 75 watt bulb only brighter (draws more current), but if you put in a bulb that needs a higher current and/or a lot a amps, it will not work (like trying to run an air conditioner on a 12 volt power inverter). So if you get a 500 MA (1/2 an amp) your unit may not charge at all. its just not enough oomph to get the juice pushed into the battery charged (or it would take a very long time, which is some cases can be better for the battery).

 

[mesmerized]

I'm not sure if I got everything right... Would you suggest then to charge my ipad mini with the 1A output or 2A?

Is there a big difference between 2A and 2.1A?

 

[sliceoflife]

He means that if the charger outputs up to 2.1 amp, but your device only needs 2 amp, it will only draw 2 amp so it is safe to use. In other words, you should be safe with the 2.1 amp charger. The 1 amp charger will likely not be enough to charge your iPad.

 

[mesmerized]

He means that if the charger outputs up to 2.1 amp, but your device only needs 2 amp, it will only draw 2 amp so it is safe to use. In other words, you should be safe with the 2.1 amp charger. The 1 amp charger will likely not be enough to charge your iPad.

Are you serious? I've been charging my Mini with 1A charger all the time... Have I possibly harmed the battery in any way?

EDIT: Where can I check if Mini can draw 1A or 2A?

 

[giradman]

Are you serious? I've been charging my Mini with 1A charger all the time... Have I possibly harmed the battery in any way?

EDIT: Where can I check if Mini can draw 1A or 2A?

Hi Mesmerized - well, you're getting really over-concerned here - take a 'deep breath' and relax, please -

Apple iDevices come w/ chargers rated by power, i.e. wattage, usually 5 or 10 watts (a watt is amp x voltage) - the two usually offered are 5 watts (1 amp x 5 volts) or 10 watts (2 amps x 5 volts) - e.g. the iPod and iPhone are supplied w/ 5 watt chargers, while most of the iPads come w/ a 10 watt charger, such as my iPad 2 - now the iPad Mini is shipped w/ a 5 watt charger, however, the device can be charged w/ a 10 watt power supply, the advantage is a much faster charge (the device/battery are constructed so damage despite the wattage will NOT occur) - SO, you can use either a 1 amp or 2 amp charger w/ your iPad Mini (I charge my wife's Mini w/ a 10 watt charger when 'on the road') - finally 2 vs. 2.1 amps is completely unimportant - BOTTOM line, stop worrying about harming your battery - basically not possible w/ the standard wattage chargers (or OEM offerings of similar wattage) offered by Apple - Dave

 

[AdmiralAdama]

I learned something tonight. Thanks G-Man.


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