Yes i can operate it when charging, and the wire is less in the way then the USB normally is. No the chargers i normally use can take all kinds of battery's, depending on what model im using. Here is a picure of 2x DX things combined to make a simple (not very fast) charger. Car Charger for Nokia 2.0mm Cell Phones Single 18650/17670 Lithium Battery Charger (1A Charging Current) = Attachment 18191