Affordable iPod dock that actually does what it advertises.
Apple was somewhat silly for replacing an industry-standard
FireWire port with the dock connector, but now we get USB 2.0, FireWire,
line-out, and more (in the future?) on the same connection, provided you have
the right cable. The only problem is, you might not have the right cable when
you need it.
What’s about an inch by an inch in size, white, and helps
owners of a new iPod save their sanity? If you want to guess, and haven’t read
the title of the article, it’s the family of SendStation PocketDock. These
small devices allow people to use existing FireWire accessories and generic
cables with any iPod that has a Dock Connector.
Although all of the PocketDocks have similar designs and
features, they all have their own distinct uses. Previously, we had reviews of
the original PocketDock and other models separate, but with the inclusion of
the newest, the Line Out USB, we’ve consolidated and rewrote them to all be
together.
The PocketDocks essentially take the place of any cable to
connect an iPod to the computer or AC adapter. Everything works the same,
including synchronizing, charging, and disk mode. On the USB models, the USB
port charges fourth-generation iPods, iPod minis, and iPod photos. The FireWire
port models charge all iPods with a Dock Connector.
Also included with the latest PocketDocks is a “Keyring
Guard” — a small plastic cover for the Dock Connector that includes loop for
attachment to a keyring. The PocketDock doesn’t lock in place, but it does fit
quite snugly. It’s a good level of protection if you choose to keep the
PocketDock in your pocket or in a bag.
The original PocketDock (the FireWire-only model) features
two clips to lock the connector in place, like Apple’s cables. All of the other
models fit in place, but do not stay locked. Potentially, this means that if
you’re using a heavily shielded cable, the PocketDock could become
disconnected.
Also, the PocketDocks work with some cases, but not all.
Check the individual pages on the SendStation web site for supported cases.
Just like the original PocketDock, the PocketDock Combo
provides users with a FireWire port. Besides that, it also provides a USB 2.0
port, allowing you to use any USB cable to connect it to most newer Macs and
PCs with any standard USB cable.
It’s slightly bigger, and does not have the same locking
tabs. If the original PocketDock is like the Apple cable that connects the
iPods to a FireWire port, then the PocketDock Combo is like the split cable
that included both connectors.
As Apple is no longer including FireWire cables with its
iPods, this allows people to have the best of both worlds.
What makes this PocketDock useful is that it allows Mac or
PC users to connect their iPods to any computers they might encounter. The only
downside is that it does not include any cables, so you’ll have to carry your
own or make sure they’re already at whatever machine you’ll be using.
The Combo costs $22.95, which is still cheaper than buying
two different cables.
All products are priced between Apple’s own iPod dock ($39)
and cables ($19), and match the iPod aesthetically in a very small, easy to
transport package. For iPod owners that did not receive a dock, or appropriate
cable with their iPod, or simply would like another, the PocketDocks are
versatile products. They’re handy if the official iPod cable gets lost,
damaged, or left at home.
Although somewhat expensive for adapters, there isn’t
anything like the PocketDocks on the market, and they complement the iPod
nicely. They do what they’re supposed to, and work well.
