Docking the iPad

By Bill | April 8, 2010 | 9 comments

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If you bought an iPad this weekend, you probably are looking for a good way to stand or dock your new toy. We have previously looked at a few docking solutions (here & here) for the iPad and we thought we’d give Apple’s docking solution a try.

We picked up our iPad dock from the Apple Store for $29. The stand is made of white plastic, similar to Apple’s current iPod docks, and is relatively small and unobtrusive. Apple has added weight to the unit to help stabilize it while an iPad is docked.

The Apple iPad Dock has two ports, one for a dock connector and one for audio. The stereo audio line out port allows you to plug the dock into a set of speakers or headphones while the iPad is docked. The unit also supports an iPad dock connector port so you can plug in a wide range of optional accessories such as the Camera Connection Kit, VGA Adapter or 10W USB charger. You’ll need to use the iPad’s included cable and charger, or buy a new set, as the dock does not come with any additional cables or charger.

When you combine the Apple Dock with a Bluetooth keyboard you have a very nice portable work environment. We plan on testing this, and several other options, on a trip next week. We’ll let you know what the best airplane options are for your iPad.

The dock is a nice addition to the iPad and does a good job of holding it securely in place on a counter or desktop. We think the small design and low price make it a great choice for anyone wanting a solution to hold and dock their iPad. PadGadget Recommended.

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Ari Blackthorne

There are a lot of gripes that the iPad case from Apple is incompatible with the iPad dock. I don;t know for myself as I have preordered a 3G version and don;t expect to see it for another couple weeks. Though as apart of that order I included the case, dock and 10w power supply.

The power supply because I didn’t know the iPad came with one. (So I understand by your description the extra power supply can *also* plug into the dock?) Because I intend my iPad to be more portable than not, I figure I’ll keep the iPad case and return the power supply and dock to the Apple store.

Unless there is a compelling reason to stick with the dock and power supply and return the case?

Here is a situation where I am relying on you (and other readers) who already have your iPads to help me decide my course of action (power supply will likely ship with my iPad, so I don’t have either of those yet, but do already have the dock and case – neither are opened yet – in hope to avoid any restock fees for whichever I end-up returning).

More information would be helpful for someone who is forced to continue the painful wait!

Bill

We haven’t tested the dock with the Apple Case yet but we’ll take a look and see if there are issues.

You can plug-in a 10W poser supply to the dock but the unit does not come with it standard. You need to use either the one that comes with the iPad or buy an
additional charger.

I would probably keep the extra charger. That way you can have one permanently plugged into the dock and the other one can go with you in your bag so you have a charger on the go.

Ari Blackthorne

Yes, my decision will be either: keep the case/return both dock and extra power supply OR – kep both extra power sully and dock and then return the case (and see if I can find a more suitable case – like a sleeve.

The issue that I am seeing (via user comments, by the way) all over the place is this: with the Apple-designed iPad case – the iPad does not properly *fit* into the dock (either dock: stand-alone or keyboard-dock).

The problem is that the iPad case is a “ridiculously” tight fit – not easy to insert and not easy to remove from the case, so that removing the iPad from the case to place it into the dock is a “no-go”.

Thus – a conundrum. I like the idea of the dock and extra power supply sitting ready to just drop my iPad into. But the functionality of the case (with its design to prom the iPad up) seems to handle the same paradigm. The only difference is attaching and detaching the sync cable by hand.

So function-wise, it just seems to me that the case trumps the dock. As for the extra power supply, I don;t see a need for it (except to use with the dock) – as my car has built-in iPod ability (I will test iPad charging there and report back) and it’s a simple matter of taking the included power supply if I travel any long distance (where I will be away for more than a day.)

So this is the reported problem: iPad inserted into Apple-designed case will not fit into Apple-design dock. iPad must be removed from the case to place into the dock (normally not an issue) – the problem occurs where the iPad’s fitting into the case is so tight that it is difficult to insert or remove the iPad into or out of the Apple-designed case.

So in the end, the issue comes from how the iPad fits into the case – it’s (apparently) meant to be left in the case at all times once inserted and not an insert/remove at will scenario.

Michele

Hi Ari, I have exactly the same complaint regarding the case and the dock. I’ve purchased both, but now do not use the dock. If you find a solution for this, I’d be grateful to hear. I thought there might be a cable solution, but can not find one.
Regards, Michele

http://joseq.com JoseQ

The dock is just that, a dock. It’s just a stand that includes the sync port, but you need to use your iPad included cable to sync/charge it.

The dock does not include any cables. They also sell just the cable separately, so if you ordered that, then you wouldn’t actually need it unless you want to have two separate ways of charging your device (say if you want to charge it in your bedroom, but do the actual syncing in your office/computer room).
Jeff

I need a dock that has both a power input from the AC charger and a USB input to sync with.

Anyone know of a product like this?
Allan

I can confirm that the Apple Case is incompatible with the dock. I have both, and will most likely return the dock (or probably both, as the case kinda sucks too). This is a pretty glaring flaw. Did Apple think we were going to pull the iPad out of the case every time we wanted to dock it?
Nikki

I just returned the dock.I got the case and they are definitely not compatible. Case is very versitle and aids in grip as well as providing protection.
Mezzrow

I ordered the extra power supply because Apple’s website didn’t if one came with the iPad, although I figured it probably did. I’m going to keep the order, though, because the cable is twice as long as the standard one, and looks beefier. And it’s always good to have a spare. Considering canceling the order for the case–the fact that you can’t use the dock with is a surprising oversight on Apple’s part.