Do most chargers not run the ipod off AC during download?
When I hook my ipod to my desktop Mac I can charge and download.
When I download directly from my CF cards (via a CF reader) to the ipod there is no charger/power supply (at least not one avail last year) – every thing is running off the ipod.
You must be talking about the older Belkin type of readers. The new iPods and the Photo adapter let you plug in the camera’s USB cable and download from the camera directly. It is much faster and takes much less juice. The Belkin was always a little lacking.