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MrForgetable · Jul 22, 2004, 04:54 PM

I thought the 4G 20GB iPod would come with a dock the day it came out and I jumping with joy. Then went I went to order that day, and it was just like the 15GB; Nothing. Of course, I was a little dissapointed but now I ask myself, is the dock really worth the 40 or so dollars if you don't get it with the iPod?

wataru · Jul 22, 2004, 05:05 PM

If you plan to use a fitting case, then no. For 99% of cases you can't use the dock unless you take iPod out of the case.

Link · Jul 22, 2004, 06:10 PM

Hardly. The ipod cable is pretty easy to plug in and the case that used to come with the ipod was a piece of crap anyway

HotSoup · Jul 22, 2004, 06:23 PM

Agreed ^^

The dock seems just like a cool factor for me. I might get it just for that reason, it makes my iPod look cool when it's getting charged and what not. I heard there is a stereo out, but I don't know how well that works or what the plug looks like.

TailsToo · Jul 22, 2004, 06:37 PM

I just like how there are no cables lying around my desk, since I can just pop my iPod on the dock.

psk-ele · Jul 22, 2004, 10:12 PM

I enjoy using the dock to keep my desk neat and orderly, and you can't beat the way it looks next to your iBook!!

phantomo · Jul 23, 2004, 01:26 AM

I rather have the iPod lay on top of the 2 US$20 bill.

Lancer409 · Jul 23, 2004, 04:10 AM

Originally posted by phantomo:
I rather have the iPod lay on top of the 2 US$20 bill.

zanyterp · Sep 24, 2004, 01:24 AM

so what exactly does the dock do? is it required to be able to transfer music/files/backups to/from the ipod or to charge? or is it possible to do all that without having a dock? i get the impression that it is possible to do it all without the dock, but i am not sure. thanks!! ( i am deliberating getting an ipod and wondering what the point of the dock is) thanks.

scaught · Sep 24, 2004, 10:37 AM

ipod dock is just a thing to hold your ipod while you transfer music to it and charge it.

the same cable that can be plugged into your ipod, goes into the back of the dock. the ipod then sits onto a connector in the bottom of the dock.

i have a dock that came with my 40gb, but it doesnt work with my iskin. so its sitting in a drawer.

TimmyDee51 · Sep 24, 2004, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by TailsToo:
I just like how there are no cables lying around my desk, since I can just pop my iPod on the dock.

Except for the one connecting the dock to your computer.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

AC Rempt · Sep 24, 2004, 11:44 AM

Yeah, but the cool thing about the dock is having the iPod sitting up and looking cool all leaned back an such. It has a huge Fonzie factor in that respect.

Function? Nah. Form? Hell yeah! But it's an iPod, THE cool device.

bbales · Sep 24, 2004, 11:57 AM

I bought a mini dock, to share with 2 of my daughters (we all have minis). Do I ever get to use it? No, it's up in one of their bedrooms! I just use the cable.

Interestingy, I just noticed the 20 GB one doesn't come with a dock (I'm thinking of getting one for my husband) and I, too, was mulling whether the dock is worth it. I'm thinking not.

chessplayer · Sep 24, 2004, 12:30 PM

I like the dock, it's certainly not necessary though.

I would mainly recommend it if you want to hook up speakers to the dock.

hab · Sep 24, 2004, 01:15 PM

Putting the iPod in the dock is a little easier than plugging in the firewire connector but no big deal. The iPod does look better, it is not laying on the desk when plugged in, and you get a better view of what it is doing in the dock but again no big deal. The line out plug in the dock is a feature that is great for connecting the iPod to a stereo (or in my case the Bose clock radio in our bedroom) - the sound is arguably better as you are not going through the headphone equalizer, again not a big deal.

I got the dock (and the remote) as part of the package with my 3G 20GB iPod last year. I do not think I would have justified buying them if I had to pay for them separately. Now that I have used both, I appreciate their form and function and would buy them as options with a new iPod. They are extras however and you do not NEED them.

mattyd · Sep 24, 2004, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by wataru:
If you plan to use a fitting case, then no. For 99% of cases you can't use the dock unless you take iPod out of the case.

i bought one of these cases...

http://www.speckproducts.com/4Gskins/singleindex.htm

it allows you to use the dock without removing the iPod from the case.

GORDYmac · 04:08 PM

I received my 4G this week as a gift (!!!), and I considered buying the dock today, but I opted not to because a case is more important to me. Not really worth it, considering the other options.

Furthermore, since the Bose, Harman Multimedia, and Altec Lansing products have docks integrated, I don't think I'll buy Apple's dock, rather, opting for the winner of the Bose vs. Altec vs. Harman grudge match. I'd prefer a dock that can recharge/play the iPod at work.

I'll just use the cable for syncing at home.