Introduction
Review iPod Accessory
Manufacturer Belkin
Product TuneDok Car Holder
Amazon.com
Pricegrabber.com
We here at WhiningDog thought we've seen it all but boy were we wrong. The popularity of the Apple iPod has spawned a number of new markets in the computer industry. We all know that the iPod has helped spur the growth of the online digital music market. What many do not realize is that the iPod has also cultivated an industry of iPod accessories - ranging from portable speakers to armbands to cup holder accessories. That's right folks - cup holder accessories. Today we're going to take a look at the Belkin TuneDok for the iPod. The TuneDok makes it easy to take your iPod with you while you're driving out on the roads. Of course I bet you never really thought it was a pain to use the iPod while driving. We sure didn't think so but the TuneDok supposedly makes life a little easier for you and your iPod. And while you're still laughing at the notion of a cup holder accessory, let's check out the TuneDok and see if it's worthy of some respect shall we?
Packaging
The Belkin TuneDok comes in the following plastic packaging:
It comes with three rubber bases and a cradle.
Specifications
Features innovative AirGrip Technology for secure placement
Provides a large and small rubber base and adapter cup for exact fit and stability in your car's cup holder
Also comes with a Small Rubber Base with Adapter Cup for VW Jetta and Golf expanding cup holders
Repositions easily with ratcheting screw neck
Includes a discreet cable management clip
Comes with a 3 year warranty
Works with both original and 3G iPod
Does NOT work with the iPod mini
Setup
Setting up the TuneDok involves figuring out which rubber base to use for your car's cup holder. Belkin includes three different sized options for the variety of cup holders out there. There is a large rubber base for large diameter cup holders and a small rubber base for smaller diameter cup holders. If you own a VW Jetta or Golf car, then you will want to fit the adapter cup onto the bottom of the small rubber base.
Once you've figured out the proper base to use for your car, all you need to do is adjust the position of the iPod cradle. The cradle fits into the slot in the middle of the rubber base. You can adjust the height of the cradle by twisting the cradle into place until you get the desired height.
The back side of the TuneDok has a cable management clip which can be used to guide any cables that might go to the iPod such as a power cord or an audio cable.
To insert the iPod into the TuneDok, just to slide the iPod into the cradle and then position the player onto the suction cup to secure the placement.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! You can use the TuneDok as a desktop stand for the iPod. All you need to is to flip the rubber base upside down and then attach the cradle to the bottom of the cup. Pretty cool eh?
Usage
The Belkin TuneDok works effectively to secure the iPod in a car environment. The suction cup in the cradle provides a good amount of stability and security for your iPod. Do you usually have a bumpy ride to work? No worries there - the iPod is held securely into place.
The design of the cradle provides access to the iPod dock connector which of course means you can use add-on's such as the Belkin Auto Kit.
The following pictures show my 3G iPod sitting on the TuneDok accessory inside my car. The iPod is powered by the Belkin Auto Kit and is connected to the stereo system via a cassette adapter.
Once you're done traveling in your car, you can easily remove the iPod from the TuneDok. The suction cup on the cradle has a small tab which you press down to release the iPod. That's it!
The TuneDok isn't just an accessory to securely hold your iPod. The TuneDok places the iPod into a more manageable position for your user access. The TuneDok's height is adjustable and the cradle rotates for convenient access to the iPod.
Summary
Just when you thought you've seen it all, out comes something like the Belkin TuneDok. There are products out there that make you say "What the?" - the Belkin TuneDok is definitely one of them. At first glance, one can't help but snicker at the TuneDok. Come on now - this is not a product of necessity. It's not difficult for an iPod to sit inside a cup holder during travel. The 25 minute buffer on the iPod easily shields the device from the bumps that your car may encounter along the road. Thus the real motivation for the TuneDok is to make the car just a bit more hospitable to the Apple iPod. Or is the TuneDok really a way to complete the geek in you that needs all things iPod? Whatever the case, the TuneDok is an effective solution for those on the go. With the TuneDok in place, the iPod looks right at home inside your car. Granted the wires coming out of your iPod do appear to be a bit unsightly but hey - it's hard to have everything. This inexpensive accessory provides a secure environment for the iPod while offering convenient access to the controls while you're driving. It's not a necessity by any means but it's a fun add-on for that car of yours. If you find yourself on the road and you're an iPod fiend, then check out the Belkin TuneDok.
from http://www.whiningdog.net/Reviews/Apple/iPod/20040611-BelkinTuneDok/index.php
Review iPod Accessory
Manufacturer Belkin
Product TuneDok Car Holder
Amazon.com
Pricegrabber.com
We here at WhiningDog thought we've seen it all but boy were we wrong. The popularity of the Apple iPod has spawned a number of new markets in the computer industry. We all know that the iPod has helped spur the growth of the online digital music market. What many do not realize is that the iPod has also cultivated an industry of iPod accessories - ranging from portable speakers to armbands to cup holder accessories. That's right folks - cup holder accessories. Today we're going to take a look at the Belkin TuneDok for the iPod. The TuneDok makes it easy to take your iPod with you while you're driving out on the roads. Of course I bet you never really thought it was a pain to use the iPod while driving. We sure didn't think so but the TuneDok supposedly makes life a little easier for you and your iPod. And while you're still laughing at the notion of a cup holder accessory, let's check out the TuneDok and see if it's worthy of some respect shall we?
Packaging
The Belkin TuneDok comes in the following plastic packaging:
It comes with three rubber bases and a cradle.
Specifications
Features innovative AirGrip Technology for secure placement
Provides a large and small rubber base and adapter cup for exact fit and stability in your car's cup holder
Also comes with a Small Rubber Base with Adapter Cup for VW Jetta and Golf expanding cup holders
Repositions easily with ratcheting screw neck
Includes a discreet cable management clip
Comes with a 3 year warranty
Works with both original and 3G iPod
Does NOT work with the iPod mini
Setup
Setting up the TuneDok involves figuring out which rubber base to use for your car's cup holder. Belkin includes three different sized options for the variety of cup holders out there. There is a large rubber base for large diameter cup holders and a small rubber base for smaller diameter cup holders. If you own a VW Jetta or Golf car, then you will want to fit the adapter cup onto the bottom of the small rubber base.
Once you've figured out the proper base to use for your car, all you need to do is adjust the position of the iPod cradle. The cradle fits into the slot in the middle of the rubber base. You can adjust the height of the cradle by twisting the cradle into place until you get the desired height.
The back side of the TuneDok has a cable management clip which can be used to guide any cables that might go to the iPod such as a power cord or an audio cable.
To insert the iPod into the TuneDok, just to slide the iPod into the cradle and then position the player onto the suction cup to secure the placement.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! You can use the TuneDok as a desktop stand for the iPod. All you need to is to flip the rubber base upside down and then attach the cradle to the bottom of the cup. Pretty cool eh?
Usage
The Belkin TuneDok works effectively to secure the iPod in a car environment. The suction cup in the cradle provides a good amount of stability and security for your iPod. Do you usually have a bumpy ride to work? No worries there - the iPod is held securely into place.
The design of the cradle provides access to the iPod dock connector which of course means you can use add-on's such as the Belkin Auto Kit.
The following pictures show my 3G iPod sitting on the TuneDok accessory inside my car. The iPod is powered by the Belkin Auto Kit and is connected to the stereo system via a cassette adapter.
Once you're done traveling in your car, you can easily remove the iPod from the TuneDok. The suction cup on the cradle has a small tab which you press down to release the iPod. That's it!
The TuneDok isn't just an accessory to securely hold your iPod. The TuneDok places the iPod into a more manageable position for your user access. The TuneDok's height is adjustable and the cradle rotates for convenient access to the iPod.
Summary
Just when you thought you've seen it all, out comes something like the Belkin TuneDok. There are products out there that make you say "What the?" - the Belkin TuneDok is definitely one of them. At first glance, one can't help but snicker at the TuneDok. Come on now - this is not a product of necessity. It's not difficult for an iPod to sit inside a cup holder during travel. The 25 minute buffer on the iPod easily shields the device from the bumps that your car may encounter along the road. Thus the real motivation for the TuneDok is to make the car just a bit more hospitable to the Apple iPod. Or is the TuneDok really a way to complete the geek in you that needs all things iPod? Whatever the case, the TuneDok is an effective solution for those on the go. With the TuneDok in place, the iPod looks right at home inside your car. Granted the wires coming out of your iPod do appear to be a bit unsightly but hey - it's hard to have everything. This inexpensive accessory provides a secure environment for the iPod while offering convenient access to the controls while you're driving. It's not a necessity by any means but it's a fun add-on for that car of yours. If you find yourself on the road and you're an iPod fiend, then check out the Belkin TuneDok.
from http://www.whiningdog.net/Reviews/Apple/iPod/20040611-BelkinTuneDok/index.php
