If you carry your iPod all the time you were probably as annoyed as I was when Apple switched the to proprietary “docking connector” in the 3G models. Suddenly the ability to use a standard FireWire cable with the iPod vanished and instead we got stuck with a proprietary connector. Yuck. I would invariably forget the 30-pin docking cable at the worst possible time. Now I simply leave the pocketdock in my PowerBook bag at all times. Read More…
If you carry your iPod all the time you were probably as annoyed as I was when Apple switched the to proprietary “docking connector” in the 3G models. Suddenly the ability to use a standard FireWire cable with the iPod vanished and instead we got stuck with a proprietary connector. Yuck. I would invariably forget the 30-pin docking cable at the worst possible time. Now I simply leave the pocketdock in my PowerBook bag at all times.
The PocketDock FireWire (US$19, original review) from SendStation is the answer. It converts the Apple 30-pin dock connector to a standard female 6-pin FireWire port – just plug in a standard FireWire cable and you’re all set. Last month SendStation introduced two new models that improve upon the original by adding USB (US$23) and line out (US$30) ports.
The new PocketDock Line Out is killer giving you the same 6-pin FireWire connector and adds an industry-standard 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo mini jack for high-quality audio output. The stereo mini out comes directly out of the iPod’s line level circuitry (like the port on Apple’s Dock), bypassing the iPod’s headphone amp for optimal sound quality when connecting to an external amplifier or stereo system.
The PocketDock with Line Out is a DJ’s dream offering a cleaner output from the iPod than the standard headphone jack, ideal for plugging into a mixer.
The cables included with the kit are an added bonus: The PocketDock Line Out Pack includes two 6-foot ultra-light and compact white audio cables: one with 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo plugs on both ends and another with stereo RCA and 3.5 mm plugs. They are slim enough to fit into the palm of your hand and come with detachable velcro straps for convenient storage and cable management.
I don’t leave home without mine.
Update: The PocketDock is recommended for use only with a standard FireWire 400 (6-pin to 6-pin) cable. My iPod was not recognized with a PocketDock connected to a FireWire 800 to 400 cable.
