Over the past couple weeks , several microcomputer and component seller have announced software utilities that allow their computer to charge Apple ’s iPad , even when the iPad is in use .
As Macworld explained when the iPad debuted , the iPad ’s higher force requirement prevent many USB ports from charging the twist ( or at least from accuse the iPad as promptly as Apple ’s 10W iPad power adapter ) . This is specially true of non - Apple figurer , which be given to comprise USB ports that provide less juice than those on late Macs .
Several vendors , however , have recently released package utilities that , when used with compatible ironware , appropriate you to charge an iPad at speeds standardized to those of Apple ’s late electronic computer . These utilities , available fromAsus , Gigabyte , andMSI , temporarily increase the electric current offer by onboard USB ports from 0.5A to 1.2A.
MSI’s i-Charger utility
MSI ’s i - Charger utility
Unfortunately , MSI and Asus are n’t exonerated on precisely which hardware is compatible with these utilities : MSI states , “ Any PC with MSI mainboard now provides secure and fast USB charging resolution for your iPad merchandise , ” without noting when “ now ” started ; and Asus states , “ The Ai Charger software is available for a variety of chipsets and motherboards from ASUS as well as all screen background , EeePC and notebook . ” Gigabyte ’s download Thomas Nelson Page provide more - specific compatibility information : revision 2.0 motherboards with the Intel X58 , P55 , H55 and H57 chipsets , as well as AMD motherboards that admit USB 3.0 or Gigabyte ’s 3x USB Power Boost feature .
( Hat tip toEngadgetandElectronista . )
