Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPhone 5 dock watch thread...

I agree there isn't the same need for Docks with headphone jacks and line-outs any more. I wouldn't use one at home either. I think they do still have a place in the office though.

Personally when I'm at work I do want to be able to see the screen of my phone, especially if I'm listening to music and wouldn't otherwise hear calls. With most iPhone 5 docks currently you can either have your screen visible or listen to music, but not both. Maybe one day we'll have nice Airplay devices for the office, but today it seems we have to compromise.
 
sawah said:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dockplus/charging-dock-for-iphone-5

I'm waiting for this I think, already pledged. I made a dock for my desk out of the headphone case and some gorilla glue. That will do me fine until I get something else and then the one I made can go in my room.
Click to expand...



I'm really liking the idea of Dock+ on kickstarter. Works with my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, one-handed operation is done easily, you don't need a separate lightning cable since the connector is built into the stand, and it's only $59. Hard to beat that.
 
Last edited:
Looks nice. Only problem with Kickstarter is iPhone 6 will probably be out before the dock. Another thing, there is no easy undocking unless it is bolted down. And if you are using a case, make sure the connector can be moved up to fit.
 
mortfe said:
Looks nice. Only problem with Kickstarter is iPhone 6 will probably be out before the dock. Another thing, there is no easy undocking unless it is bolted down. And if you are using a case, make sure the connector can be moved up to fit.
Click to expand...

You should know the pattern by now. The iPhone 5S, internal changes, will be out around October. This dock ships in March.

They specifically show in the video them undocking with one hand.

They say it works with an Otterbox Defender which is a massive case.

Did you go to the site at all? I don't understand why somebody would say things with such confidence yet obviously didn't do the tiniest bit of research.
 
These kickstarter ideas may sound good, especially when they tell you that if you agree to fund them that you will get a dock at $10, $20 or $30 off the retail price. In reality, they will never be able to sell it at retail price, and at best what they would charge you. Most likely once it gets mass produced, it will be cheaper than what you paid to fund the dock. A lot of these kickstarter projects are gimmicks that puts very little risk on the developer, with those funding it paying more than what the product is really worth when finished.
 
I have never dealt with them. If I am reading them right, unless you pledge you cannot buy the dock. What happens if you pledge and Apple rejects the dock or limits the lightening cable. I guess you are up the creek.
 
mdavid727 said:
Finally got my ip5 adapter for my elevation dock. Works well but the original concept was that the phone would come out of the dock without having to hold the dock down. The new lighting connector breaks that concept. In any event, it's still a good looking dock.
Click to expand...
Received my Elevation dock for the 5 and that is a minor issue with it. I suppose one could find an aftermarket lightning cable that doesn't have the indents.

The lightning connector on mine isn't totally parallel to the slot in the dock so the 5 is slightly angled when docked. Also a minor issue and I don't really notice unless I'm looking straight down at it.

JNGold said:
True, but somehow less so with the older form factor.
Click to expand...
OH, I see, In terms of the connector itself it is more of an issue. Sorry, I meant that it was always difficult to design a dock that could accommodate any case out there without making a simple shelf versus an actual dock. That has always been a double-edged blade of a design issue.

mortfe said:
Everybody uses a case but they don't take that into consideration.
Click to expand...
Everybody does not use a case. Many do. Many != everyone.
 
Last edited:
Most people do use a case, especially with the iPhone 5, which is hard to hold. Doesn't even feel you are holding a phone. Too thin and too light. Already dropped it twice.
 
Purchased the JBL Onbeat Micro dock yesterday and returned it today. You cannot remove the iPhone 5 from the dock without a bit of wiggling. Really annoying. The Lightning connector creates a strong enough hold where it's impossible to easily remove your iPhone 5 from said dock. Any dock moving forward claiming easy iPhone 5 dock removal is going to need to be very heavy. The JBL isn't light and it still has no chance for this. I'm now using my old iPhone dock with a Lightning to 30 pin connector.
 
You are going to have that problem with any dock unless you bolt it down. Even holding it down, it is hard to remove it from dock. As I stated before, I built my own using the iGlobe. Filled the entire inside with small pebbles and still have to hold it down to undock it. The hold on the connector is too strong. Something we will have to live with if you want a dock.
 
I had a look at the pinouts for the lightning cable, and it doesn't seem that the casing is used as ground for any reason.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_connector

There shouldn't be anything stopping us from using a small amount of epoxy putty and a bit of sandpaper to smooth out the divots on the sides of the connector, making it pull free easily.
 
mortfe said:
You are going to have that problem with any dock unless you bolt it down. Even holding it down, it is hard to remove it from dock. As I stated before, I built my own using the iGlobe. Filled the entire inside with small pebbles and still have to hold it down to undock it. The hold on the connector is too strong. Something we will have to live with if you want a dock.
Click to expand...

It really isn't hard at all when you hold it down. In fact with the Onbeat Micro I could actually pull out the iPhone 5 with one hand and not need to hold down the dock with the other hand. But it required a little bit of wiggling and while perfectly safe, really annoyed me after a few times.

I don't think you need to bolt down a future dock, but the dock itself needs to be very heavy because as you said, the Lightning connector is very strong. To anybody looking for an iPhone 5 dock that allows you to undock the iPhone with one hand, I suggest you wait until something actually hits the market and you see a demo of it being used in this manner on YouTube.
 
mkbook said:
I'm really liking the idea of Dock+ on kickstarter. Works with my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, one-handed operation is done easily, you don't need a separate lightning cable since the connector is built into the stand, and it's only $59. Hard to beat that.
Click to expand...

I agree. I pledged my $59 last week. I actually saw this the week it started on kickstarter and did not pledge $49 because of the March ship date. 2 months later March doesn't seem too long away after seeing the cheap docks out there now. This dock looks better than any dock I've had before, does the one handed un-dock, rubber back to protect the iPhone from scratching, movable lightning pin to help with undocking, and mini USB connector instead of the lighting adapter.

I see no reason why Apple wouldn't let this one get to production, especially since Belkin has theirs out and... well, then there is this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LF162jx0FEQ
 
Modify Element Case for iPhone 4

I used my Element Case dock for an iPhone 4 and reworked it for my iPhone 5. I removed the old cable, and replaced with a Lightning cable. I used some simple craft wire to act as a collar to hold the lighting connector in place. Been using for a few months and works like a charm.

-Sheldon
 
I just got my Lightning Dock today. The thing is both brilliantly and poorly designed. The cable feeds through the dock under a removable plate and is quite firmly held in place by a tiny hidden screw. This is all good.

I bought the version with Back Support. They say it works with or without a case, but the back support slot is so close to the lightning cable slot that the back support piece can't be used with an iPhone in a case, even if the case is very thin and minimal. It ALMOST fits, but doesn't. If you use a case that is even just average thickness, it won't fit at all.

That's a shame because, except for the back support, I really like the Lightning Dock. In fact, I like it enough that if the back support wasn't flawed, I'd buy a second one to keep on the night stand by my bed.
 
I know a couple docks have already been made using Legos, but I had a problem with these, mostly because i jump around cases a lot. I use a Switcheasy Tones, an Otterbox Commuter, and usually I have the phone completely naked. In reality, the dock I made isn't really a dock, really just a stand that gives you the ability to string your own cable through. It works with all the cases I have but I will have to test to see if it will hold up to a Defender. The back support sometimes comes undone, so i ended up gluing it down. If you have any questions, or want a part list, just simply reply to this post.

NOTE: I was going for an all black design. For some reason, Lego sent me a few grey pieces. It may or may not have been my fault. Still not entirely sure. It isn't that big if a deal.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0207.JPG
    IMG_0207.JPG
    1.9 MB · Views: 128
  • IMG_0212.JPG
    IMG_0212.JPG
    1.7 MB · Views: 103
  • IMG_0845.JPG
    IMG_0845.JPG
    240 KB · Views: 98
  • IMG_0846.JPG
    IMG_0846.JPG
    238.8 KB · Views: 108
  • IMG_0847.JPG
    IMG_0847.JPG
    251.3 KB · Views: 111
Cubemaster13 said:
I know a couple docks have already been made using Legos, but I had a problem with these, mostly because i jump around cases a lot. I use a Switcheasy Tones, an Otterbox Commuter, and usually I have the phone completely naked. In reality, the dock I made isn't really a dock, really just a stand that gives you the ability to string your own cable through. It works with all the cases I have but I will have to test to see if it will hold up to a Defender. The back support sometimes comes undone, so i ended up gluing it down. If you have any questions, or want a part list, just simply reply to this post.

NOTE: I was going for an all black design. For some reason, Lego sent me a few grey pieces. It may or may not have been my fault. Still not entirely sure. It isn't that big if a deal.
Click to expand...

+1 for wanting, nay, needing a parts list for this amazing solution! Puts my lego dock to shame!
 
Lightning vs. Braeburn

I purchased both the Lightning dock and the Braeburn dock. Both are great docs. The Braeburn is pretty cool as it acts like a speaker but there is no speaker in it. It is definately a noticable difference. Their customer service is fantastic. I had some question and they emailed me right back. You can even use the Lifeproof case on the Braeburn. The lightning dock is nice but you can't use a large case or even the back support with any case. You can't take the iphone off with one hand for either... the connector is just tight. Both see to be a good value. The Braeburn dock the phone does stand a bit more straight. Just my opinion.....
 
mcdj said:
A dock made for one specific phone that only fits in one spot on one computer? Now that's what I call shortsighted. Nice looking but they will be lucky to break even.
Click to expand...

The guys posted a pictures on how you use two of those docks.

image-188206-full.jpg
 
iPhone5mod.com Pro Dock arrived!

I got the Pro Dock... Black. Simple. Effective...
It's great! Looks and feels solid and it charges 100%!
Unlike the rip off Belkin dock which uses the Apple cable, this one has a built in lightning connector. The iPhone can be taken off the dock with one hand with a little effort. As you probably know now, the lightning connector is a lot tighter than the 30-pin, making it harder to remove the phone. That is not iphone5mod's problem. It's the way the connector is.
Still, a great product. These guys are great and are doing what Apple is afraid to do. Check out their new lighting to SD and USB adapter for iPad and iPad Mini! I already own the previous version of 30-pin to CF Adapter for iPad and it always worked great! I am ordering a second dock and the SD adapter now! :)
 
mcdj said:
The rod on that thing is wonky. The whole thing looks like a mannequin stand from a department store or some sort of weird bathroom appliance.

And Podi-M might be the worst name I've ever seen. Is it supposed to be a play on podium? Umm, call me crazy but when you are selling an accessory for a product made by a company who makes millions of other products with the word POD in the name, not PODE, deriving your product name from the word podium is a really bad idea. People are not going to say PODE-E-UM. They are going to say POTTY-M. Which is why Podi-M is a crap name.
Click to expand...
See I disagree. I think Podi-m is a great name. If someone see's Podi-m and thinks potty, they shouldn't be looking for docks but maybe some kind of help of the psychological type.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back