Apple Universal Dock for iPod

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Might be right for you, might not be.
Reviewer: Omnideus from Delaware, Ohio on Mar 3, 2008
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I like to do a lot of research before I buy a product, so I hope this helps anyone out there with questions. The Apple Universal Dock has proven to set the standard for quality in MP3 player docks. However, the most recent model still has some compatibility issues. Apple's official site claims that the dock will work with the following: iPod with video, iPod nano: 3rd generation (aluminum), iPod classic, iPod touch, and the iPhone. I can confirm the dock works according to specifications on the classic and the video iPods. I've heard claims that there are some issues with the nano, (just look at the other reviews for the dock,) but they are unconfirmed for me. The touch, however, is my area of concern. Although Apple says the dock is compatible with it, only music is supported no video or photo support is available at this time. On top of that, the remote only controls playback of the currently playlist and doesn't allow for any changes to it. It is somewhat inconvenient and defeats the purpose, especially if you've purchased a set of AV cables (sold separately for about $50). I suspect that the iPhone would be involved in a similar problem with video and photo playback, due to the identical interface of the touch. However, once again, that claim goes unconfirmed.

If you're satisfied just using the remote for playlist control, this dock is fine for you. Although a bit pricey, 50$, mainly for the remote control feature, it works well. The interface is easy to use and blends in well with that of the iPods'. You might say that the only drawback to the remote is the 'menu' button. If you do not own a Macbook, consider the button useless. It is not used for the dock in any way whatsoever. I myself would never even CONSIDER buying a Mac, so I find it a useless button. But, if you already own a Macbook and lost the remote it came with, maybe you'll find the button a thing to consider when purchasing the dock.

In conclusion, despite the compatibility issues, the dock is fairly nice. If you own an iPod touch, there are plenty of ways to get around using a dock to control your music playback from afar. If you've used jailbreaks, you might find the Firefly installation package useful. It allows you to stream music from your iPod to iTunes. Then, you can control this playback, along with your entire computer remotely, with the VNsea package. I use it all the time, it's incredibly convenient and uses virtually no wires, unless you've got a sync cable hooked up. If you're not computer (or iPod) savvy, however, you might find the dock the best alternative.

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Doesn't come with any of the wires you need
Reviewer: TBW from San Diego on May 25, 2008
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Doesn't come with AC adapter so you can charge your iPod, that's extra

Doesn't come with cables to hook to your stereo, they're extra too

Basically, It's good for nothing out of the box. You'll need to send twice as much to be able to have it do anything useful.

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