I normally charge the PS3 controller by connecting it to the PS3 while its idling, but I guess it's much easier to charge it through my PCs USB port.
Would this work?
Yes, you can charge it from any USB port.
The PS3 controllers were designed before USB charging was standardised (DCP), so they need to do some simple negotiation with the host they're connected to before they'll charge.
All the made for ps3 chargers have a simple chip in them which tells the controller it can charge up.
With respect to charging the controller with a PC: If the controller does not start charging when plugged in to your PC (for me, light was on/solid), open Device Manager, find the game controller listed under Human Interface Devices, disable the controller using the right-click context menu, unplug the controller, plug the controller back in, and the controller should start charging (light(s) on/blinking). I just verified this procedure works on Windows 8.1
Yes the PS3 controller can be charged from a USB port on a computer, and there are also specialised controller charging stations available. It appears that generic AC-to-USB adapters won't work, possibly because the controller requires device drivers on the host or some kind of "handshake" in order to charge.
Yes. As long as your charger can successfully negotiate with the object is it charging from, it will work. The chances depend on a lot of things.
Experience: I have tried this successfully with my laptop.
Can also be a bad cable. That was my problem I had to get a new cable online. After I did it worked like a charm.
And yes they are right you'll have to connect to a host to charge the controller. A simple usb wall plug won't do it.
Yes charging on PC works. Had mine plugged in through a USB 4 way port took ages to complete the handshake, hence my finding this thread be patient It'll start blinking eventually.
I'm charging my PS3 controller using a portable backup power supply right now, it also worked with my PC as well as my laptop. It worked with my wall fastcharger for my Motorola but not the wall chargers for my notebook, i-phone, nor Samsung.
PS3 controllers will not charge using a wall charger, however they will charge when using a USB cable connected to a PC or any other port.