Just-Mobile iPod Universal Dock

Company	:	Mobis Technology Ltd
Price	:	RM 150
Rating	:

The latest generation iPods (video and nano) do not come with docks. So if you wanted to connect your iPod to your TV via S-video or have your iPod standing while it's charging or syncing with your Mac, you would need to buy a dock.

Apple's Universal Dock costs RM199. Apart from the functions mentioned above, Apple's dock also has an Infrared receiver which allows you to control your iPod from a distance using the optional Apple Remote. However, for RM199 all you get is the dock and 5 dock adapters which allow you to use any previous generation iPod with dock connectors.

To connect your dock to your Mac, you would need to use the cable that came with your iPod. To use the dock as a stand-alone charger, you would need to connect the dock to an iPod Power Adapter which costs RM179. This means to have a 'fully-functioning' dock from Apple you would need to fork out RM378.

A cheaper alternative is the Just-Mobile iPod Universal Dock from Mobis Technology. It looks very similar to Apple's dock though it's a bit thicker. It doesn't have an Infrared receiver but it does come with everything else you would need: 5 dock adapters, S-video, line out, power adapter and USB connector. All this for only RM150!

I tested my iPod photo and even though it was a bit tight trying to insert the specified dock adapter, it did fit nicely in the end. A USB cable which is permanently connected to the dock allows you to easily plug it into your Mac without having to search for other cables. Unlike Apple's dock you can also plug in the power adapter which allows you to charge your iPod (via an electrical outlet) and have it connected to your Mac at the same time - though I'm not sure if this means the dock is being charged via two sources simultaneously: the outlet and the Mac!

The S-video connection works well but the volume from the line-out socket is too soft. Connecting external speakers using the iPod's own headphone socket provides a much better and louder sound. But I believe this line-out issue also exists with Apple's dock.

Even though it has one or two minor concerns and the plastic does look cheaper than Apple's, I would still recommend the Just-Mobile iPod Universal Dock simply because it comes with almost everything you need and it costs less than half of what Apple charges.

The Just-Mobile iPod Universal Dock is available at all Apple Centres.