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Get an iPhone charging dock for $5.99 shipped
Why spend $49 on Apple's charging dock when you can get one for 6 bucks?
(Credit: Meritline)Tired of your iPhone's USB cable flopping all over your desk? Wish your handset could sit upright while it's charging? Sounds like you need a dock. Unfortunately, Apple charges a whopping $49 for its Universal Dock. Surely there's an alternative for cheapskates?
There is! Meritline has an iPhone charging dock for just $5.99, shipping included. (From Hong Kong, no less!) It normally sells for $15.99, already a good deal compared with Apple's product.
Granted, this dock doesn't come with a remote, nor a bunch of dock adapters for charging various iPods. However, although Meritline's product page doesn't specifically mention the Touch, Nano, etc., my semi-educated guess is that this dock will have no problem charging them. (If it can charge a 3G, it should be able to handle anything with a dock connector.)
The dock does have the same kind of line-out port as Apple's, so you can plug in headphones, speakers, etc.
And there you have it! There's not much more to say, other than "I just ordered one." Docks are decidedly handy to have around, and for 6 bucks, how can you go wrong?
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
- A robot construction toy (kinda like KNex) listed with the image shown being built from more than one kit.
- Toner listed as recycled original cartridges, but turning out to be generics
- Limited the star rating to a minimum of 2 (they may have corrected this)
On the plus side: Their prices are often unbeatable, and shipping is often included. Their deals of the day are limited in quantities, but absurdly good
While this looks tempting, I'm holding out for an inexpensive dock for my Touch 2G that has component or composite video out (in addition to audio line out) to a TV (rather not pay the Apple premium). I've noticed that there are a number of overseas (i.e, Hong Kong) suppliers for these, but have read there are issues with compatibility and build quality. Do you have any recommendations?
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by NathanGibson12
June 16, 2009 12:35 PM PDT
- Ordered from Meritline on 5/22 and didn't receive until 6/15. Over 3 wks when they claim a possible 5 days. Sent 3 emails and it finally came. The product seems fine but a little disappointed with the service.
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by ywkhgqo
June 16, 2009 12:53 PM PDT
- yeah i wish it had said this doesn't fit any of the HD based ipods....
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(12 Comments)