You can charge your MP3 player even when you don't want to use your computer for any other reason. Most computers allow for power to be sent via USB while they are asleep, and some even allow it when they are turned off. If your computer doesn't supply USB power while in sleep mode, you will have to change your computer's power settings
Proper battery care can significantly increase the longevity of an electronic device and although measures have been taken to ensure that overcharging is unlikely, many electronic devices can still suffer from overheated batteries. Overcharging a device can also increase energy costs, with British energy provider E.ON reporting that consumers waste a significant amount of money by leaving devices plugged in for longer than necessary.