Product DescriptionThe iPod Dock Connector to USB Cable offers high speed data transfer for quickly loading an entire music library on iPod or iPod mini and convenient charging. The cable can also be connected to the iPod USB power adapter for charging on-the-go. Compatible with iPod models with dock connector.
Expensive, but the way to go (Rating: 5 out of 5) Good cable & plugs -- durable, guaranteed for a year, et cetera. Don't waste your time with cheap knock-offs.
Does not charge the iPod when plugged into computer, only transfers data (Rating: 2 out of 5) This cable transfers data, but it does not charge the iPod when plugged into your computer. If you want to charge your iPod using this cable it is possible, but you'll need to shell out an additional $29.99 for the Apple iPod USB Power Adapter. USB 2.0 data transfer works and the speed is comparable to firewire, so it does perform that function, but I don't understand why it doesn't charge when they make other USB cables that do! Lame.
If you have a PC, I'd recommend getting a firewire card for your computer and using that for data transfer & charging. I was doing that, but ran out of card slots and had to swap out my firewire card for another card - hence buying this cable. But this cable was disappointing.