Belkin Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone and iPod (30-pin)- Review
We are constantly using our phone or some other smart device and rarely are they turned off. The iPhone/iPod battery life is good enough to last for most of the day, but it eventually needs a charge.
We were looking for something to simplify charging our iPhone or iPod at home. The standard Apple USB cable is adequate but it isn’t the most elegant solution and it creates clutter.
The 30-pin Belkin Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone and iPod has become the solution for most of our charging needs. The Belkin dock comes with a 1-foot cable and a 3-foot cable extender is also included in the packaging if you need a longer cable. Connecting it to a nearby USB port on a desk is simple and cable-clutter free.
We are always looking to minimize the amount of cords that we have or how we access what they connect to. Using the Belkin dock, we don’t need to worry about taking our Apple USB cable from place to place.
On the box itself, Belkin claims the dock is “Case Compatible.” But does it fit all cases? This was our main concern with getting a dock for the iPhone or iPod as most users use them with a case.
Cases come is all different shapes and sizes so we tested the Belkin Dock with multiple cases. We used a NuGuard KX case, an Otterbox Commuter series case, cheap plastic cases, a rubber case, and a bumper case.
Every case fit the dock with no problems except for the bumper case. This particular case style did not allow the 30-pin dock to connect with the charging port on our iPhone 4s.
The case wraps around the iPhone and covers the dock and speaker ports with a thin plastic shell. The case is not very thick.
Cases like the Otterbox or the NuGuard KX have a similar type of charging port wrapping – yet for some reason, the dock fit them with no issue.
Removing the phone from the dock requires two hands for most cases. The dock isn’t heavy enough to remain in place while pulling the iPhone or iPod off the dock. The dock would need to weigh much more in order for it to stay in place, or it could have a flimsy connection to the charging port and that would not be ideal.
Overall the Belkin Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone and iPod (30-pin) is an elegant, simple, and clutter-removing addition for our desk and bedroom. This device retails for $29.99 but it is also available on Amazon for $20.67. For that low price we highly recommend it.
Pros
-Short cable for less clutter
-Most cases will work with the dock
-Easy to use and elegant
Cons
-Weight of dock may be too light for some
-Might not work with some bumper cases or cases that form around the charging port
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