[brahms117]

I searched the forum for posts and /or pics but I'm still stumped -- what's that plastic psuedo-stand thing that comes with the nano? Clearly the USB cable can go in one end and the nano can fit in the other, but why would I want an extra slab of plastic between the two?

My first thought was that it's a cheap base stand, but it doesn't support a standing nano. Then I thought it might somehow be attached to the plastic case for support, but that didn't work either.

My next theory was that it's some sort of adapter for some docking system, but I don't know why it would be packaged with the nano and not the dock itself.

My third theory, after noticing the t-shaped tabs on the bottom, is that it's something to wrap the headphone cable around, or maybe the USB cable -- but the USB cable is too thick, and the headphone cables don't wrap neatly.

Am I the only one puzzled by this thing? Sorry if I'm just being really dense.

[Sherman Homan]

Your "next theory" is the right one. It is an spacing adapter to allow the nano to fit into your existing player. You know, the player whose plastic nano adapter you threw out!

[DavidHossack]

It comes with the nano instead of the dock so the dock - or accessory like the iPod HiFi - doesn't need to be replaced when you upgrade ipod model.

It is quite a good idea and means you wont have redundant accessories.

[pboparis]

I've got the same problem but with ipod 30GB and I think it is for the 'Universal Dock' but I'm not 100% shure.

[brokenjago]

It's a "universal dock adapter."

When apple introduced the original Nano and iPod with Video, they instituted a program by which accessory makers, for their accessories, could usse a "universal dock" - a dock, which, by the use of various adapters included with iPods, would theoretically allow them to support every foreseeable iPod, and therefore lower costs for everyone involved.

Quite ingenious, actually.

[brapper]

Wowzers.