Anyone know if there a USB power management conf somewhere I can tinker with?

I have a Nokia phone (N95), and like to change it from the laptop's USB port, so I don't have to bring an additional charger when I am on the move. Yes, I am sure the USB controller can supply enough power, because it works when I dual boot into Windows.

You can buy the adapter off Nokia or eBay, simple device, just two pieces of wire to tap the 5V rail from the USB. Worked well on Windows, just plug it in, and charge away.

On linux however, it will charge for the first second or so after you plug it in, but then the phone receives no more power from the USB port.

Ok, according to the USB standard you are suppose to negotiate the power usage, and the USB controller can disconnect you if the negotiation fails.

But there are plenty of USB power abusing appliances out there, from cooling fans to BBQ cooker (not that I will do silly things like this).

I wonder if there is a way to override the power negotiation procedures, if that is what stop my phone from being charged.

I don't know if this will help you fix the problem, but in every version of Linux I use, usb devices will only charge if they show up as valid usb devices. If they don't, they won't charge because I think that the linux USB subsystem only turns on usb ports if it thinks something is plugged in. (i.e. my Motorola RAZR will only charge if it is turned on, no luck if the battery is dead). However, my usb hub will charge whatever I plug into it. This leads me to think it has something to do with the linux USB host adapter drivers. Just a thought.