Belkin Announces First Official Third-Party Lightning Accessories

MacRumors · Nov 5, 2012, 10:22 AM

While a number of vendors have been launching unofficial Lightning accessories while Apple works to bring official partners up to speed on the new standard, Belkin today became the first official vendor to introduce accessories using the Lightning connector.

Quote:

"Belkin was the first third-party manufacturer to develop accessories for the 30-pin connector back in 2003, and we are thrilled to be first to market again with solutions for the new Lightning connector," said Martin Avila, general manager of Belkin's core division. "People are eager for Lightning accessories and Belkin's give them a reliable way to keep their new iPhone 5, iPad 4th generation, iPad mini or iPod touch charged, protected, and ready to go."

Belkin's first two products include a car charger and a Charge + Sync Dock, each priced at $29.99. Belkin is currently accepting pre-orders for the new accessories, which will begin shipping by November 15.

The car charger is the only one of the two products to actually include a Lightning connector from Belkin, as the dock simply accommodates the standard Lightning to USB cable offered by Apple.

Article Link: Belkin Announces First Official Third-Party Lightning Accessories

GeekLawyer · Nov 5, 2012, 10:25 AM

About time! But a very welcome development!

robertosh · Nov 5, 2012, 10:26 AM

Love the dock!

Dorje Sylas · Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM

Now if only I trusted Belkin products not to break within a month perhaps this would be worth something....

DB2k · Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM

how is the dock a "lightening accessory" its a lump of metal with a hole. You have to provide your own Lightening to USB cable to make it work.

that is a gip.

burnout8488 · Nov 5, 2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB2k

how is the dock a "lightening accessory" its a lump of metal with a hole. You have to provide your own Lightening to USB cable to make it work.

that is a gip.

How hard is it to spell Lightning? Seriously?? Light. Ning.

This has got to be the most misspelled word on MR right now, ever since the iP5 launch.

doctor-don · Nov 6, 2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB2k

how is the dock a "lightening accessory" its a lump of metal with a hole. You have to provide your own Lightening to USB cable to make it work.

that is a gip.

It is NOT a "lightening accessory" since it does not lighten anything, only makes it heavier and darker (if you bought the white iPad).

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiggAW

Exactly. One reason I got a Scosche charger with dual-USB. It can charge the iPhone 4S just as well as an iPhone 5 or an SGS III or Nexus 4, or iPad or Kindle...

----------

If they are all from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, any other part of the former British Empire, or any other English-speaking countries, then they clearly are idiots. However, not everyone on here is from English speaking countries, and thus our bizarre and confusing language might trip them up. Just sayin'.

How difficult is it to LOOK at the article - even the title has the word. Copy. Past. Simple.

uwbadger · Nov 14, 2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB2k

how is the dock a "lightening accessory" its a lump of metal with a hole. You have to provide your own Lightening to USB cable to make it work.

that is a gip.

<sarcasm>Yeah, the Romani people strike again. Isn't there some sort of final solution to stop them from ripping us off with their overpriced electronic goods?</sarcasm>

RMo · Nov 5, 2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertosh

Love the dock!

I would if it:

actually included a Lightning connector instead of requiring you to snake your own cable up into it; and
didn't have a built-in headphone plug, because then it would be compatible with other Lightning devices instead of just the iPhone 5 (or anything that happens to have the exact same port configuration and spacing as it). Like 30-pin, Lightning can transmit audio--but that would require them to actually include the connector in the dock (and implement it properly).

I think their price for the dock would be reasonable (I'd even pay a few dollars more) if they did any of these things. As is, any old stand seems like it would do the same.

Macman45 · Nov 5, 2012, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertosh

Love the dock!

Just when I thought I'd finally go without a dock, having convinced myself that we really don't need them anymore, Belkin bring this out....It looks great....I guess the CC can stand one more accessorie purchase. Looks a nice dock too.

bacaramac · Nov 5, 2012, 12:21 PM

I'm sure that Belkin was not allowed to have a separate USB/Lighting cable per Apple's wishes. I'm guessing Apple has these cables on lock down. Just my thoughts.

I however already had a Belkin Micro USB/Car port and just bought an additional Lighting cable from Apple. Still have my other 30 Pin USB cable for my Girlfriends 4s.

Gurubarry · Nov 9, 2012, 08:46 AM

"Nobody wants to go back to days where the cable was permanently attached to the charger."
Apple does...and it will all be obsolete in 3 years .....like thunderbolt and my 2 iMacs ......

nightjar99 · Nov 14, 2012, 09:32 AM

The dock is a BIG disappointment.

I ordered one direct from Belkin when first mentioned here.

It came yesterday.

Very well made.. solid, attractive..

BUT, BUT BUT !!!!!!

The function is CRAP!

When you snake your own Lightning cable thru the bottom... all seems good.

UNTIL YOU TRY TO LIFT YOUR PHONE OUT OF THE DOCK!

Then the cable pulls up with the phone thru it's channel instead of releasing form the phone.

There is no "one-handed" removal of your phone from this dock.

You have to constantly "re-snug" the cable back into it's channel.

HUGE, IRRITATING FAIL.

iGrip · Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM

$30 for a car charger?

That is insane.

Porco · Nov 5, 2012, 10:41 AM

It's a shame so many companies ruin their designs (IMHO) by feeling the need to plaster their names all over the product, especially one like that dock, which as arguably one of its main functions is that of presentation (alongside being a place to charge/connect) might give them pause to think if it would increase or decrease potential sales to tarnish the otherwise sparse design with pointless branding.

DogHouseDub · Nov 5, 2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porco

It's a shame so many companies ruin their designs (IMHO) by feeling the need to plaster their names all over the product

Acetone is your friend when logos must go...

KdParker · Nov 5, 2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iGrip

$30 for a car charger?

That is insane.

Does seem abit high. Will go down as more choices become available.

croooow · Nov 5, 2012, 10:44 AM

Great to see a 3rd party Lightning cord but I will just stick with my USB car charger adapter.

I purchased an extra USB/Lightning cord from Apple but I would also like to be able to charge other devices.

Korican100 · Nov 5, 2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croooow

Great to see a 3rd party Lightning cord but I will just stick with my USB car charger adapter.
Image
I purchased an extra USB/Lightning cord from Apple but I would also like to be able to charge other devices.

nope these things are proven to degrade battery life

Want300 · Nov 5, 2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elec999

Excellent choice, the dual charger is amazing. And then get the thunderbolt cable.

Yup, it works out great.

Yesterday:
-We were listening to music off of my work phone (4S)
-I was charging my iPhone 5
-My GF was charging her 4S

Quote:

Originally Posted by Korican100

nope these things are proven to degrade battery life

What? Explain. Proof?

croooow · Nov 5, 2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Korican100

nope these things are proven to degrade battery life

Car chargers degrade battery life? Where is the proof you speak of?

elec999 · Nov 5, 2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Korican100

nope these things are proven to degrade battery life

How will they degrade battery life?

nfl46 · Nov 5, 2012, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croooow

Great to see a 3rd party Lightning cord but I will just stick with my USB car charger adapter.
Image
I purchased an extra USB/Lightning cord from Apple but I would also like to be able to charge other devices.

This is what I use...I have two lighting cables (iP5 and Mini) and I used one in my car, and just one in the house.

duncanapple · 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croooow

Great to see a 3rd party Lightning cord but I will just stick with my USB car charger adapter.
Image
I purchased an extra USB/Lightning cord from Apple but I would also like to be able to charge other devices.

Exactly. That was the first thing I noticed about that belkin/lightning charger. I have the older one by them that originally came with a 30 pin cord but that cord came out of the 12V plug via a USB end. So #1 it gave me another spare cord that could be used inside too and, #2 it allowed me to buy "just" a $19 usb/lightning cord from apple on iphone5 launch day and have a car charger immediately vs a month later.

I don't understand why its attached other than it will fray and break, causing people to buy a whole new charger sooner. Plus I am sure it saves them a whole 10 cents in manufacturing

jessica. · Nov 5, 2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iGrip

$30 for a car charger?

That is insane.

Pretty sure that is what I paid for my Griffin iTrip. It has lasted me through 3 phones thus far.

The dock is definitely pretty.

Nov 5, 2012, 10:26 AM	#3
robertosh macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spain	Love the dock! __________________ 2008 iMac 24" c2d 3.06Ghz 6Gb 1Tb OSX 10.8.3 2010 iPod Touch 4G 32Gb iOS 6.1 2012 iPad Mini 16Gb Cell iOS 6.1 2013 iBook G4 12" 1.20Ghz 1.25Gb 64Gb SSD
	3

Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM	#5
DB2k macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2007	gip how is the dock a "lightening accessory" its a lump of metal with a hole. You have to provide your own Lightening to USB cable to make it work. that is a gip.
	17

Nov 5, 2012, 12:21 PM	#11
bacaramac macrumors 65816 Join Date: Dec 2007	No USB I'm sure that Belkin was not allowed to have a separate USB/Lighting cable per Apple's wishes. I'm guessing Apple has these cables on lock down. Just my thoughts. I however already had a Belkin Micro USB/Car port and just bought an additional Lighting cable from Apple. Still have my other 30 Pin USB cable for my Girlfriends 4s. __________________ iMac 27" 3.06Ghz 2TB Time Capsule AppleTV3 x 2 16GB iPhone 5 White/Silver AT&T iPod Touch 4th Gen White and 5th Gen Yellow iPad mini White/Silver 16GB WiFi
	0

Nov 14, 2012, 09:32 AM	#13
nightjar99 macrumors newbie Join Date: Aug 2010	The dock is a big disappointment The dock is a BIG disappointment. I ordered one direct from Belkin when first mentioned here. It came yesterday. Very well made.. solid, attractive.. BUT, BUT BUT !!!!!! The function is CRAP! When you snake your own Lightning cable thru the bottom... all seems good. UNTIL YOU TRY TO LIFT YOUR PHONE OUT OF THE DOCK! Then the cable pulls up with the phone thru it's channel instead of releasing form the phone. There is no "one-handed" removal of your phone from this dock. You have to constantly "re-snug" the cable back into it's channel. HUGE, IRRITATING FAIL.
	0

Nov 5, 2012, 10:41 AM	#15
Porco macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2005	It's a shame so many companies ruin their designs (IMHO) by feeling the need to plaster their names all over the product, especially one like that dock, which as arguably one of its main functions is that of presentation (alongside being a place to charge/connect) might give them pause to think if it would increase or decrease potential sales to tarnish the otherwise sparse design with pointless branding. __________________ I really wish Apple would use the option key a little more, and the command key a little less. --- Sent from my magical iPowerMacBookG5PadPhonePod 50inch AppleTV Extreme Pro ---
	5

Nov 5, 2012, 10:25 AM	#2
GeekLawyer macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The post is coming from inside the house!	About time! But a very welcome development!
	2

Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM	#4
Dorje Sylas macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2011	Now if only I trusted Belkin products not to break within a month perhaps this would be worth something....
	4

Nov 9, 2012, 08:46 AM	#12
Gurubarry macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2010	"Nobody wants to go back to days where the cable was permanently attached to the charger." Apple does...and it will all be obsolete in 3 years .....like thunderbolt and my 2 iMacs ......
	0

Nov 5, 2012, 10:28 AM	#14
iGrip In Time-Out Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: The State of Yves. Yes, I love him THAT much.	$30 for a car charger? That is insane.
	12

Nov 5, 2012, 10:44 AM	#18
croooow macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2004	Great to see a 3rd party Lightning cord but I will just stick with my USB car charger adapter. I purchased an extra USB/Lightning cord from Apple but I would also like to be able to charge other devices. __________________ iPhone 4 15" MacBook Pro iPad mini
	11

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode