AC Power Required? Does this need to have AC power to function or can the USB plug supply the power as well?
1592135
I took a 5 Volt DC cell phone car charger and changed the plug to fit the power jack on the Sansa base. I was able to buy a 2 pack of plugs at Radio Shack for $5.00. I found the cell car charger at a friends for free (from an old phone). This works great to charge and play my E280 in my vehicle. I also took a set of Boston Acoustic sub satellite computer speakers that ran on 12 volts and made a car cord for them. I use them with the Sansa and base in the back of my pickup when I camp. Works great and remote control too.
1191298
No, no ac aadpater was not included. It uses power from the usb connection but like someone else mentioned, it has a mini dc plug. Personally, I have only used the usb for power. No need for anything else.
1352718
No sadly it can't be powered by USB. You have to either use the AC adapter or use 4 AA batteries.
1262266
Not with the supplied AC to USB adapter, you would need to supply a different one.
242527
If you want only usb cable, yes. It is not AC powered, though. I use one to supplement an AC powered 4-port USB hub.
1323540
Steven it is USB powered but comes with a second USB cable to provide extra power if required. In my experience it seems to be needed. Regards John Docherty.
2209744
It comes with a 110w transformer, so yes you need power, unless there is something that I am not aware of as far as the usb. I do like them though. The 4 position dimmer is a must, othewise you might find it a bit to bright. Hope this helps.. Jeff
352172
The USB hub doesn't need one for most devices, the AC adapter that comes with can also easily be replaced with a universal one you buy locally.I am using it just with the USB power fine.
2028218
I believe mine came with an AC Adaptor. I don't USB would be enough even if it was an option.
87592
Yes, this needs usb power to function at all. You don't have to use the sound, but usb is always necessary.
1272887
No, it will need to get power from USB cable. Meanwhile, it will also need to get signal and drawing through computer's support.
1228897
The power cord for the unit requires USB, so yes, you do need usb. You can get a usb adapter to plug into the wall and then plug the usb power cord into the adapter.
1727979
It's supposed to need two USB ports to power it.source: http://reviewstash.com/viewtopic.php?id=1046
1330377
This is powered by the a/c adapter, not the USB. I think it may know when to turn off and on because its hooked up to the computer. When the computer is on, it is on, and vice versa.
1446522
It is powered by the USB port on your computer. There is no AC connection to worry about.
402435
Mine came only with a USB cord, no AC plug. Good luck -- it seems to be inconsistent!
343760
It requires a 5V power source. Since it doesn't come with its own usb wall plug, that all depends on whether you have a power source with a micro usb cable that will provide that and is suitable for 220V.