Samsung Tab - Charging Problem

[joko]

I have a samsung tab p1010 - bought off ebay.

when i plug the charger in the device recognizes it, and changes the symbol to a kind of lightening bolt as though its charging, but also has a red X next to it - and it is not charging.

then after a random amount of time, it will make a two tone beep - like when you attach something to a laptop through the usb port - and then it charges for a while as normal ... then it goes off again.

I have tried various ways of charging and it does it with all - i have 2 separate data cables, and tried them both in a single 3 pin plug adapter.

the same thing happens when i plug it into my laptop too.
it connects and i can access the device data - but it does not charge up

i have wiggled the connection etc and it has no effect

is this some setting i need to adjust? - or is the device just faulty?

once its charged it holds it fairly well.

is it because i am using a data cable and adapter instead of a solid charger?
i know some devices don't charge with usb connection - does anyone know if this one will?

I don't want to bother buying a solid charger if its a known fault

thanks

[Kevink]

It's not clear from your post whether you are using the charger that's specific to your Galaxy Tab, or a generic one.

Most tablets require a current output which is greater than the maximum of 500 mA available from a standard USB port, so will not reliably charge from a PC or laptop (except for those that are equipped with special high-current ports), nor will they charge from cheaper or older mains units designed for phones and mp3 players, etc.