Topic: Universal charger or USB charger for the DSi XL?

Hi, I have a doubt and was wondering if any of you guys can help.

I live in Brazil and have a 110v AC charger for my DSi XL, but now I'm moving to Spain and the current there is 220v. I was considering buying an universal charger (100v-240v) but then I came across an USB charger, which seems to be a simpler solution for the problem, since I could just plug it on my laptop regardless of the voltage.

Which one do you guys recommend? Does the USB charger take longer to recharge the DSi and/or have any negative impact on the lifespan of the battery?

Thanks!

Pretty certain USB charging takes a helluva lot longer than charging from the mains, due to a low power outage, but don't quote me on that. It shouldn't have any negative impact on the battery though. Why not just buy a local charger once you've moved over there?

Thanks, Raylax. I guess I'll do what you've suggested, even though the USB charger is very tempting!

I use a universal charger and it works like a charm. Go for it.

EDIT: Oh, be careful about socket shapes. You may want to bring adapters if they use a different socket shape. In Spain, they use the following:

Type C

Type F

Wow, thanks HolyMackerel! Your post was very clarifying! I've been told that these adapters are quite easy to find on electronics shops over there. Thanks.

When I got my DSi, I too was tempted by the USB and even retractable USB chargers. But when my lightly-used DSi arrived, it included an AC, and DC (car ) charger. _{It also came with screen protectors, bonus styli, game case, and the promotional 1000 DSi points!} It was then, I learned to be content with what little I had.

Plug adapters are cheap, voltage converters, which you will also need are not. The DSi is the only electronic device out there now that's not universal it seems. I got a USB charger from Playasia when I was in China, and it was perfect. It only cost $5, and my computer adapter works with any voltage. Now that I'm back in the US I still use it a lot. It charges the battery about as quickly as a regular charger. If you have an iPod you can use the plug chargers with it to charge from a wall socket too (also universal voltage). You might need to pick up a plug adapter for that, but you can get those very cheaply once you're there.

Thanks for the info, Token Girl. I've just found this store that's near the place I'll live and they got a USB charger that must be similar to the one you're talking about:
http://www.game.es/ficha/ficha.aspx?SKU=059185
They also got the regular charger, of course:
http://www.game.es/ficha/ficha.aspx?SKU=070949