CES 2013: Griffin PowerDock 5 Charges and Organizes Up to 5 iOS Devices

[JAT]

Originally Posted by jessica.

For that price why not include the short cables like they have pictured?
I also wish they had a 3-device rack.

Absolutely. Silly marketing choice.

But for your other post, this is the key difference, from the specs:

10 watts (5 volts DC @ 2.1 amps) for each charging bay

[mrsir2009]

Originally Posted by yod

A burglar's dream - a couple grands in iOS devices neatly packed together ready to be taken.

And with the included USB to lightning cables, the theif can be restorin’ your iDevices moments after he gets home

[notjustjay]

Originally Posted by Lukkee24

You've started your post with exactly why the cables are not included, because it's not just aimed at iOS products but any product that charges via USB, which means many different cables can be used - even if it was iOS, it's still lightning or 30-pin, which would they give you?

Well, if they're marketing it specifically as an iOS device charging bay, which they seem to be doing, then it would be nice if they would include short iOS style cables to get you started. Agreed about lightning vs 30-pin though. They'd have to pick one. The price point could be higher to reflect the additional cost, and it would be justifiable.

Since they don't include the cables, they shouldn't be advertising it as an iOS device charger. And it should be cheaper.

[GoCubsGo]

Originally Posted by JAT

Absolutely. Silly marketing choice.

But for your other post, this is the key difference, from the specs:

I am sure you can find a USB hub that will provide the appropriate power.

[needfx]

iToasted

[JAT]

Originally Posted by jessica.

I am sure you can find a USB hub that will provide the appropriate power.

Maybe, but I doubt it. Not consumer level models, just the 16-port or higher "carts" for schools or whatever. You made me curious enough to search a little, let's see:

• Newer Tech. Claims 2.1a capability, but actually only one port supports a 10" tab.
• This one is 8 ports, so I was slightly off. But I can't seem to find a date. Betting it is more $$$ than the Griffin, as it appears to fall in the more industrial-level "cart" group.
• Here is one for 2 devices in a car. That's a start. But one review claims it can't even handle charging one Galaxy Tab when the Tab is on. I'll bet it's not actually better than my dual-car-charger that only claims to provide for one large tablet. Unless it's one of those designed-for-Apple issues and is only providing the Samsung .5a. You'd think there would be a home version, maybe I missed it.
• I have some no name wall-wart-style charger with 4 USBs from Amazon, which claims to handle 2 iPads, but reviews say it burns out charging 2 iPads or 4 phones. I've only used it for up to 3 smaller devices to avoid burning it out. (didn't bother with a link)
• I've looked through a few wall receptacles, too. But they all seem to stop at 2.1a total rating, not each port. Example.
• Here's a power strip with 4 USB. Still only one 2.1a.

I would love to see one, don't get me wrong. But all these companies have pretty clearly relied on the standard USB spec of .5a. Remember when PCs were shipping with ports that couldn't even supply that? And people couldn't charge their smartphones well. I think the Griffin is the first.

For the Griffin that is the topic, I'd be interested if it was about $60 max, with some cables. Even if the cables weren't exactly what I needed, at least they'd be trying.

For my house, we've gotten the kids 7" tabs, so I don't really need 2.1a for every slot in a multi-port charger, but the typical .5a isn't really enough, either.

[Mike Oxard]

There was something similar on Lifehacker the other week:

[snebes]

Originally Posted by ALMF

total fail.

this is just a fancy looking USB multiplier. does not come with short cables. when i clicked on the article i was hoping it was something like: http://www.xtrememac.com/en-US/produ...cking-station/

I didn't know this thing existed. And in a 3-device version... tempting....

[Lukkee24]

Originally Posted by notjustjay

Well, if they're marketing it specifically as an iOS device charging bay, which they seem to be doing, then it would be nice if they would include short iOS style cables to get you started. Agreed about lightning vs 30-pin though. They'd have to pick one. The price point could be higher to reflect the additional cost, and it would be justifiable.

Since they don't include the cables, they shouldn't be advertising it as an iOS device charger. And it should be cheaper.

Yeah I wasn't sure what they were marketing it as. The short cables would definitely be great though, but $99 still seems a lot.

[unplugme71]

I have a power strip with 3 USB chargers that came with my iPhone, iPod, and iPad. I didn't spend any extra money to accomplish this 'feat'.

Sorry but $99, another overpriced item.

What's with people making such high priced items? And what's with people buying these?

Stop giving in. I'm sure most are putting it on your credit cards adding to your debt. What a waste!

[olowott]

So
so bloddy Xpensive


it cud charge anything but then you knew android users wont pay such money

[centauratlas]

For a large number of devices one would need a bunch of really short cables to avoid a huge tangled mess. ;-)

[OrangeSVTguy]

Build a modular dock with adapters for Lightning and 30pin and micro SD etc. Make it out of aluminum so it can be heavy for one hand docking/removal. Then charge $99 + $29 for each additional add-on dock.

[macs4nw]

Originally Posted by yod

A burglar's dream - a couple grands in iOS devices neatly packed together ready to be taken.

Precisely; forget about heading for the jewelry in the bedroom, head for the charger in the kitchen. LOL

[Gemütlichkeit]

A lot of haters on this forum lol.