Griffin PowerDock Dual

For iExhibitionists only

Vertical marketing

Griffin highlights the fact that when the iPad is slotted into its Dock, its speaker is unobstructed so ‘you can listen while you watch’ making the PowerDock Dual ‘perfect for bedside entertainment.’ Who could resist?

Well, I’d take issue with that first claim for one, fairly obvious, reason: when docked, the iPad is in portrait mode and while you can watch video in that mode, it’s far from ideal as it squeezes the screen down to a little over two-thirds of its size. Moreover, if your favoured ‘bedside entertainment’ involves listening to music, you’d be better off investing in a speaker dock, rather than relying on the iPad’s puny audio output.

Yes, you can even travel with it, if you must

Perhaps the biggest concern over a dock like this one is the stability of the iPad. The dock connector itself is liable to damage if the iPad isn’t supported at the rear. Despite initial concerns caused by the fact that the PowerDock Dual doesn’t have a fixed back, once the clear plastic supports are fitted, the iPad is, due in part to the wide base, perfectly stable.

Verdict

Shop around and the PowerDock Dual can be found for a little over £30, yet it is hardly an impulse purchase. For around the same price you could buy, say an Idapt i4 desktop charger, which will not only charge Apple devices but various mobile phones, handheld games consoles and USB gadgets too. It won’t, however, hold your keys or your spare change. ®

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