Can you explain something to me? If what you say is true, how come the replacement units sunc fine? The problem is _not_ within the PC, it is in the cradle. The cradle has absolutely no protection against static discharge (which the PC does). If the problem was within the PC, then the PC's USB port would be the one getting fried.I've had my 505 since Christmas, and the only thing wrong with it so far, IMO, is the battery life. But then again, I read e-books on it every day. Solution: I recharge it every night.