SPECIFICATIONS

    The main item, the PocketDock AV, handles S-Video, composite, stereo L/R (line out), USB. The PocketDock AV consists of a 45" cable with female and male ends. The other items include a dock extender with balance plate, earBuddy and PocketDock combo. Each item has its own specific purpose, adding significant capability to your iPod experience.

AT A GLANCE

(all images link to higher resolution)

    Each item is individually packed in professional, easy open packages. Instructions and warranty information is included with the PocketDocks. The fist set of shots run through the packaging you can expect, then the items are displayed in greater detail:

A shot of the PocketDock AV. On display are the functions of this little marvel.

Here’s the boxed dock extender plus balance tab. An indispensable tool for an iPod cased.

The earBuddy is a headphone storage case and a great way to avoid cord tangle.

The standard PocketDock provides USB and FireWire capability to any dockable iPod. A great way to cut down on cords.

Here’s the PocketDock AV unboxed, adapter unit. Note outputs for video, audio (line out) USB.

Here’s a look at the output (TV, stereo, computer) end of the A/V cord.

Here’s the same lead, input side (iPod).

Here’s the lead with all three options connected to the dock.

Final image, plugged into a 5.5gen iPod. The S-Video image was nice and clear, slightly better than composite (to be expected).

Here’s dock extender. This is a truly wonderful bit of kit. The extender lets a user retain the case while docking an iPod. The balance plate/tab holds the iPod level so the extender does not load bear.

Here’s a side shot of the extender with balance tab attached (cased iPod).

Here we have the same cased iPod with the dock extender. Note how it provides about an inch of clearance.

Next we have the PocketDock Combo. This item basically adapts the iPod connector into both FireWire and USB. Great if you need to charge and don’t have an iPod cable.

Lastly, the earBuddy is an interesting way to stow loose headphones. Here’s a before shot…

And here’s the after shot. Nice and tidy!

The earBuddy zips shut and can be attached to a key chain – making for a very convenient way to safely carry an extra set of headphones.

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PURCHASING

    The items are available as follows: PocketDock AV: $36.95, Dock Extender: $28.95, PocketDock Combo: $19.95, earBuddy: $14.95.

PROS

• Adds significant capability to your iPod
• Small, compact, portable
• Dock extender invaluable for cased iPods

CONS

• No 3.5mm out specific jack
• earBuddy takes a bit of getting used to
• Complete suite can be expensive

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?

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OVERALL IMPRESSION

    For the sake of carrying another cable, the capability this brings quickly outweighs the space it consumes in your gear bag. This one size-fits-all AV solution is a great, high-quality way to quickly get your iPod video up and running on the big screen. The other additions such as the dock extender and earBuddy also provide added utility, I was especially pleased with the dock extender; this is one article that will come very much in handy. Bottom line, if you want the quality of S-Video (among other things) in a small package, this family of items won’t let you down.