Barbara wrote on Jan 23
rd, 2013 at 6:48pm:
I take speedy's point entirely; it's also an issue when one goes on holiday etc, not everyone (I hope!!!) takes a computer or laptop. Taking SCV's point, if these universal ones exist, why doesn't 02 supply one of these free with new handsets for those who need them? Oh, could it be that it's all about saving money for 02??
This has nothing to do with requiring everyone to charge their phone from their computer or laptop!
Why would people charge up their phone only when their computer is switched on?
The point is that up until a few years ago the connection between the power supply and mobile phone was a plug/socket peculiar to the handset in question (even across manufacturers they varied). This meant that each phone had to come with a power supply.
Today the connection is a USB one which contains power contacts/conductors. Thus in order to connect it to the mains one simply has to use a power supply that has a USB socket on. You don't need a new one if you get a new phone as the existing one performs the same function.
Outlets that sell handsets are likely to sell power supplies with USB sockets on ("chargers") for which one will work with any phone.