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

[MacRumors]

Griffin yesterday announced (via Engadget) the forthcoming launch of its PowerDock 5, a $99.99 charging station that organizes up to five iOS devices in the space otherwise taken up by one iPad laid flat.

PowerDock 5 is the ultimate space-saving, countertop charging and storage solution for up to 5 iPads. Designed for convenience and efficiency, PowerDock 5 contains five charging bays large enough to accommodate an iPad encased in even the largest of cases, including Griffin's own Survivor case. When not in use, PowerDock 5 keeps all the users' device cables tucked away and organized, ready for use at any time.

The PowerDock 5 will launch later this spring.

Griffin PowerDock 5

Griffin is also introducing several other charging accessories at CES, including the PowerBlock wall charger ($29.99) and PowerJolt car charger ($24.99). Both devices include Griffin's new "ChargeSensor" technology that automatically senses a device's power profile and charges the device accordingly.

All mobile devices have specific charging profiles that dictate how much, and how quickly, they can charge. Most chargers are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach which typically does not support the requirements of each individual device. Griffin's new ChargeSensor technology senses the requirements of any device plugged into it, providing optimal charging for all USB-chargeable devices.

Both the PowerBlock and PowerJolt will also be launching in the spring.

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

[capoeirista]

It looks like a toast rack.

[mrxak]

That's more iDevices than I have, but if they made one in a 3 model, that might be perfect.

I do notice on their website, cables not included.

[mac1984user]

And since few cables are 3 inches in length, this setup will look messy REAL fast (that photo is deceiving). As if Griffin would offer cables...(and an array of Lighting/Dock Connector cables to boot)...

P.S. My wife is already flabbergasted that I have a 'cable box' in the first place. At least that's hidden away under the bed.

[jessica.]

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

[Hakone]

First world problem: filling in all 5 slots

[nep61]

$99 is a bit steep, but this is perfect for a family with 3 iPhones, 2 iPads, and a couple of older generation iPods.
Griffin's products have been pretty reliable in the past -- in my experience anyway. Might give this a shot.

[yod]

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

[snebes]

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.

Because they aren't showing short cables. The cables (probably not even real cables) are tucked behind the devices. In real life, this thing probably looks like a cluster**** if you have 5 devices in there.

Seeing the empty picture, I was hoping the devices could sit upright connecting directly into a lightning or 30-pin connector. That would be a great 5- or 3-device dock.

[notjustjay]

If it's just USB ports, there's no reason why you couldn't also use this to charge Android phones, Windows phones, mp3 players, cameras, Kindles, etc. It's not just for iOS devices. And that's going to make it pretty handy.

Would have been nice if short cables were included.

[technopimp]

Hmm..$100 for what is in effect a 5-port power-only USB hub?

Nope, no such thing as an tax

[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/

[Elvin77]

So what's the difference between this and a 5 port powered USB hub other than the plastic little dividers and the $100 price tag?

[mrgraff]

When did MacRumors become the iOS edition of the SkyMall catalog?

[Rocketman]

So it doesn't pass through internet at all?

[nep61]

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/

Yes but, that's $50 more and can only hold iOS devices with 30-pin connectors...
Even having to supply your own cables, Griffin's product is more versatile than the XtremeMac version you describe. The Cables, however could be a nuisance.

[Blomkvist]

We have a family of five and there are 8 iOS devices between us, so this dock could be a nice way to easily charge many devices at once. But jeez, for that sticker price, I would expect either:
A. Include short cables to help keep the station clutter free and ease ability to pull one device out of many.

B. Even easier, incorporate some slots in the dividers that allow you to wrap cables around to keep them up and out of the way.

I'll wait for actual reviews on this one and see when the price drops.

[jessica.]

I'd be inclined to buy the letter sized version of something like this:

And stick it on top of something like this:


There are plastic versions of the letter holder, I used to have one at work. You can find a nice USB hub for < $30 easy. This is basically what they're selling us for $99. If it provided some sort of actual power and cables, I would probably see the point of the price.

[ALMF]

Originally Posted by nep61

Yes but, that's $50 more and can only hold iOS devices with 30-pin connectors...
Even having to supply your own cables, Griffin's product is more versatile than the XtremeMac version you describe. The Cables, however could be a nuisance.

That's why "hoping" hoping that it was lightning. But I do see what u mean by versatile since u could power droids or anything USB.

[kipj77]

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.

Because they in fact are long cables that have been nicely tucked behind each device.

[ALMF]

Originally Posted by jessica.

I'd be inclined to buy the letter sized version of something like this:

And stick it on top of something like this:


There are plastic versions of the letter holder, I used to have one at work. You can find a nice USB hub for < $30 easy. This is basically what they're selling us for $99. If it provided some sort of actual power and cables, I would probably see the point of the price.

I can make ur version in my office tomorrow n save $99 lol

[notjustjay]

That's actually pretty brilliant! You could hide the USB hub behind the last divider and it would look pretty clean.

[jessica.]

That's also a great idea.

[Lukkee24]

Originally Posted by notjustjay

If it's just USB ports, there's no reason why you couldn't also use this to charge Android phones, Windows phones, mp3 players, cameras, Kindles, etc. It's not just for iOS devices. And that's going to make it pretty handy.

Would have been nice if short cables were included.

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?

[hchung]

Originally Posted by jessica.

I'd be inclined to buy the letter sized version of something like this:

And stick it on top of something like this:


There are plastic versions of the letter holder, I used to have one at work. You can find a nice USB hub for < $30 easy. This is basically what they're selling us for $99. If it provided some sort of actual power and cables, I would probably see the point of the price.

USB hubs typically won't provide more than 500mA to each port. So if it charges, it'll charge your stuff slowly. (there's the other problem in that some devices don't like to charge from a hub which has no computer attached to the other end)

That said, there's no way I'm paying $99 for a couple of USB chargers.