I know with the Iphone the wall charger is faster than the computer USB ports..500ma vs 1000ma..the Iphone senses the source and charges appropriately..maybe the Apple charging port is capable of the "fast charge" mode and has the correct variables to make the Iphone charge at the faster rate..the other USB port will probably charge it just at the slower rate..
just guessing from my experience with my Iphone though..
The flashlight has a regulator that can sense charge requirements from 300mA-2500mA. The home charger for my IPAD1 and IPAD2 has an output of 2.1a, but my Ipod touch requires 1a charge current. I don't have an iPhone, but I'd imagine it may require similar charge current as the Ipod Touch, perhaps a bit more. I'd have to assume the "Apple" side has additional circuitry for varying Apple device charging requirements.
HI BetweenRides, the 5th photo from the top shows how the light comes without the dust caps I installed.
...Has voltage on the data lines
The resistors (and therefore voltage at the data pins) vary between the generations of devices and is used to communicate the current that the device is capable of providing to the idevice.
The differences between how Apple charger USB port works and normal one does is described quite detailed-ly here:
http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/icharge.html
In short: Apple devices require specific voltages on data pins to charge quickly, otherwise only slow charge would be possible.
Yep, the only difference is a higher charge rate. I know the wall to usb charger that comes with ipads puts out 2000 ma, and the iphone one 1000 ma.
My Dell Streak also uses 1A USB charger. I believe they just short the data pins at the USB port to signal the device that high current is available.
ah I did not know the Ipad was so high, but makes sense with the larger battery capacity..
Does it tail stand?
It's very wobbly with the 2 main USB dust plugs I used, but without them it's totally rock solid. I may look into trimming down the dust plugs I used so it tail stands correctly with them in.
Actually, hoping to see pics of the actual dust caps themselves...
Beam shots added to #1 post.
How about direct links to the two companies I purchased them from some months ago. As I recall, both were received about 2 or 3 days after placing the order.
great review, thanks. if I hadn't spent $500 on lawn equipment this weekend I'd be on this instantly. Time to figure out where to find some cash!
I'll be curious to hear if the dust caps stay in place when the light is handled a lot (pocketed or bagged).
I'd just finished making a 4s6p AA usb charger w/ 3 jacks when this light first popped up. Timing is everything 
Hi Dthrckt, they are perfectly secure no matter how much handling you do thanks to the soft rubber each type is made from. You won't have any problems with them falling out.
Most usb's put out 500 ma not enough for an iphone, i have burned out some cheap multi cigarette lighter adapters with 500 ma usb ports charging iphones.
I use this while play music in my man cave and plug the iphone into the cigarette lighter sockets not the usb port as it can not supply more then 500 ma, then plug the cigarette lighter adapter into my hobby charger's power supply.
I brought a XTAR - WP2 II Li-ion Battery Charger for my old man to charge is Torch batteries we tested it for charging Iphone 4's even though its usb out put is rated for 500 ma only, it fully drained a single trustfire flame 2400 mAh to charge the phone 75% and took a long time but did not burn out on the test.
So this torch really interest's me since it can charge our apple products correctly with decent speed and becuase there is 3 cell's in parrallel you could charge a couple of phones no problem and would be good for camping, but will need dust covers, i have added this to the wish list thanks for the great review.
I agree about the xtar wp2 II. I bought this as a li-ion travel charge and was planning on using with my ipod and htc phone. My ipod nano is a little older (4th gen?) and seems to charge this pretty easily. It also charges my htc phone, but very inefficient. Draining a panasonic 2900mah down to 3V (it seems to pretty much stop drawing current at 3V), it probably only charges it to 90%. I believe the battery in the htc phone is only ~1500mah; so its pretty inefficient.
I'm interested in tests to see how the USB output performs for this light. This might be a handy travel charger/flashlight.
Also what are the medium and low outputs for this light? having trouble finding that information.
Yes the usb on the xtar wp2 II stops at 3 volt and struggles to charge an iphone 4.
Since some are using the xtar wp2 II that has to plug into an outlet, then connecting that to cigarette lighter adapters, this Wagen Tech AC Adapter that I use is another fantastic item I'd be lost without. I purchased mine about 6 months ago from Walmart, which was the best price around. After using it for numerous projects, I don't know how I ever did without it.
My personal uses for it in the house are as follows:
Software updates for my Beltronics GX-65 radar detector.
Software updates for my GPS (Garmine Nuvi 255W)
Programming my Marine GPS (Raymarine A65)
Basically I use it to power any automotive item that plugs into a cigarette lighter that I need to use for extended periods of time.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wagan-5-Amp-AC-to-12v-DC-Power-Adapter/10928407
Update for Wagen Power Adapter - I also use it to rechage the battery in my Garmin Nuvi 255W prior to going on a trip so the cigarette lighter cord isn't necessary to use. I don't like wires strung over my dashboard in the car, so this is just another convenient use for it.
Thanks for digging those links up. That was a good find.