Overview of one dock

    A couple of years ago, when I bought my first iPod (and then the  second one ), I found in the box the so-called adapter for the dock. Such a plastic platform with a hole for the connector. At that time I did not know what it was and why. Then, over time, I saw firsthand this docking station. As it turned out, this is just a desktop cradle, popularly called the “glass”. Now my phone is charging in a similar way.

    image

    At that time, I did not understand, and to be honest, I didn’t really want to understand why it was needed. However, now many companies release docking stations and this is not just a stand with charging, but also stylish speakers with which you can make a small multimedia center. One of these stations fell into my hands, I had not had to use it before.

    PS At the end of the article are some links to unusual docking stations.

    The very idea of ​​a gadget, in my opinion, is beautiful. In order to listen to music loudly and not connect the player via Aux to speakers, speakers are created in which you can simply put the device and listen to audio or enjoy video. Of course, there are many options for miniature speakers, but you can’t insert a player and watch a movie in them, that is, you need to come up with something else to vertically install your player. And with the docking station, you can arrange a small cinema or a disco without much stress.

    image Appearance


    So, I got into the hands of the Philips Fidelio dock. A nice device made with a zakos for Mac. White, smooth, very pleasant to the touch. In shape, it resembles a half of a huge egg; more precisely, this form is difficult to describe.

    image

    In front are the speakers hidden behind the fabric, as well as space for an iPod or iPhone. The material is gray, the touch is pleasant and rough.

    image

    In a kind of niche is a connector for devices. He leans forward so that it is convenient to insert the device, and then tilt it again so that he stands a little under the slope.

    image

    As well as a rubber strip, so that your device is firmly in this station.

    image

    Under the platform is a metal plate with the logo of the company, which is nothing more than a rocker button for changing the volume. By the way, it’s very interesting that when you press the buttons, the volume does not change in the docking station, but in the player / phone itself, that is, the speakers are always set to the same volume level.

    image

    I don’t understand why I made a big hole in the device. Yes, it’s convenient to hold him, but the times of boomboxes are long gone and now people don’t go listening to DISCO. And if only for transfer, then, in my opinion, it’s too irrational to use the place. It would be possible to make a more compact case then.

    image

    A recess is made for three connectors at the bottom right. This is a mini-USB, 3.5mm Aux-In audio. and power connector. Everything is standardized, so even if you lose some cable, it will not be difficult to replace it.

    image

    image Equipment

    Complete with the docking station is, in principle, everything you need for its work.
    • Dock itself
    • USB cable
    • 220 ~ adapter
    • Audio wire


    image

    image

    Not enough, perhaps, the iPhone itself or the iPod. And batteries, but about them later.

    image Functionality and Feelings


    So, this docking station is needed for several functions.
    1. Play sound from iPod / iPhone
    2. Play sound from any other device
    3. Charging iPod / iPhone
    4. Stylish stand


    IPod play is easy. You insert the player on a special platform on which there is a connector and that's it. From now on, you can select music or movies and listen to sound through the dock. Playback from any audio device is, in principle, also easy. Only for this you need to connect the device to the dock with a 3.5mm audio cable. In fact, the station will simply serve as speakers.

    As soon as you insert an iPod or iPhone into the port, provided that the station is connected to the computer, iTunes starts and your player or phone is detected as if it were connected with a regular cable. You can upload music to it, synchronize it and, of course, it charges.

    But there is an interesting feature in this device. It can work autonomously. For this, a compartment for x4 finger batteries is made at the bottom of the housing. Thus, you can listen to your player even in the forest, on the beach, in general, wherever there is no outlet.

    image

    Batteries, unfortunately, are not included. :( The

    image

    feeling of using this station is pleasant. The plastic is high-quality, all the elements are worked out and thought out. There were no difficulties, all the connectors came up and worked, the sound was reproduced. The sound is adjusted conveniently. Unless the “Mute” button is enough, you have to quickly press or "Stop" on the player or pull it out of the dock to make it quiet.

    image Sound


    Once upon a time, when reviewing the iPod, I seemed to foresee and write about everything. But I forgot one thing - the sound. I was very ashamed. Now I am writing right away so as not to be in a delicate situation. Like this, an audio device and no sound description.

    No, now there will be no description about the warm tube sound . Although, in general, it is difficult to describe the sound in words, but I still try.

    In general, the sound in this docking station is solid 4. It does not reach 5, because low frequencies still do not reproduce speakers as well as a separate subwoofer. And also, sometimes the speakers are a bit loud. Perhaps this is due to the presence of various waves in the apartment, but still, small noises were heard. Treble play well, clean and clear. Feels like the sound. Yes, this is not a professional system, but also not the sound of a mobile phone. The quality is quite close to the mid-range type 2.0 speakers.

    image Summary


    To summarize, I want to say that the docking station is not such a useless thing in the household. It is convenient to listen to music from it, especially when the computer is turned off. And also, it’s quite comfortable to have it on the table as a charger. And of course, battery life is good. Just a little pumped up the sound, but otherwise everything is super. Stylish and fashionable device, looks good and convenient to use. Even the price is not as high as you would expect for a docking station. Although for the same price you can buy large speakers, but they will be large and stationary.

    Price: ~ 3000 r.

    Comparison of size with a matchbox. In the depth of 2 boxes, in height 3, in width a little more than three. In general, here are the dimensions in millimeters: 562 x 214 x 216 mm.

    image

    Photos from devices:
    iPod Classic

    image

    iPhone 4

    image

    Pluses
    image Stylish design
    imageAvailability of standard connectors
    imageAcceptable sound quality
    imageOff-line operation

    Cons
    image Minor noises
    imageSlightly high price

    imageReferences


    Having searched for topics about the docking station on Habré, I came across several interesting articles.


    Thanks for attention.

    Also popular now: