As Apple refreshed its popular iPod, it seems to have lost a few things along the way. One of the biggest changes was the Firewire connector. The 1st and 2nd generation iPods had a standard FireWire 400 port located on the top of the iPod. Starting with the 3rd generation iPods, Apple decided to change this connector to a flat non-standard port on the bottom of the iPod. This change was made to help accommodate various iPod add-ons like the iTrip, allow the iPod to have a docking station and to make the iPod more "connector" friendly for Windows users without a built-in FireWire port in their PC.

Unfortunately what gains Apple made in market share, by changing the Firewire port, also caused iPod users the nuisance of having to carry another product specific cable. The SendStation PocketDock seems to alleviate this problem for users by offering Mac and Windows connectivity to 3G, 4G, and mini iPods using the standard Firewire port at a reasonable price.

Three versions grace the PocketDock product offering: Firewire, Combo, and Line Out, priced at $18.95, $22.95, and $29.95, respectively. The least expensive model is the PocketDock Firewire and offers basic 6-pin port for standard Firewire cables. Mac & Windows users seeking a middle of the road solution with Firewire and USB 2.0 connectivity may find interest in the PocketDock Combo. Rounding out the SendStation product line is the PocketDock with LineOut, featuring an 1/8" stereo jack.

PocketDock Firewire
At first impression, the PocketDock appears merely as a postage stamp-sized substitute for the standard Apple iPod dock sold with most third and fourth generation iPods. The PocketDock Firewire effectively liberates users from Apple's bulky dock cable. This allows the user to connect his/her iPod using standard Firewire cables already attached to the user's computer. Fourth generation iPod owners may find PocketDock Firewire attractively priced at $18.95, compared to Apple's $39.00 dock, since it is no longer included in the 20 GB iPod.

PocketDock Combo
PocketDock Combo adds USB 1.1/2.0 to the Firewire model, which also liberates Windows users from the proprietary cable. Just as with the Firewire version, Combo users can charge their iPod with a "high power USB port." We assume USB 1.1 are excluded from this functionality but it wasn't clear on SendStation's website.

PocketDock with Line Out
The PocketDock with LineOut gives you a high quality audio-out jack in addition to the FireWire port. This second audio port is a standard 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo jack that connects directly to the iPod's line level circuitry. This connection means the PocketDock with Line Out eliminates distortion from the headphone equalizer and amplifier circuitry. This extra output also provides an alternative audio port in case the headphone jack on the top of the iPod is obstructed by an add-on like the iTrip.

Top Reasons to use a PocketDock

1. Eliminates the special docking cable
2. Costs less than Apple's dock
3. Extends the usage of older accessories designed for first and second generation iPods
4. Combo version frees the headphone jack to connect to a Griffin iTrip, offering multiple room stereo listening enjoyment

Which PocketDock is right for you?

PocketDock Line Out FireWire + Line-Out Audio PocketDock Combo FireWire + USB PocketDock FireWire FireWire Audiophiles Mac & PC users Mac Users

Bottom Line: The PocketDock is a must have add-on for your iPod. At the time of this review, the PocketDock Combo was priced at ~$20. WIth all the functionality it offers at this low price point, it's very hard to pass up.

If you own a dockable iPod (3G or 4G) or an iPod Mini, then you should consider getting a PocketDock.

This item is available for purchase from Amazon.com SendStation Systems, located in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, was founded in 1997. Its first product, the Mac-based SendStation Videofax turn-key video transmission system, was installed world-wide at leading advertising agencies and their clients, such as Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, Audi and Wrigley. It enabled them to transmit video clips in VHS quality within minutes anywhere on the globe. Rating: Requirements: iPod 3G+ or Mini Manufacturer: SendStation