Third Party iPhone Dock v Apple Dock

[greencode]

Is there really any need to purchase the rather expensive Apple version of their iPhone Dock or will I notice no difference if I just pick up a cheapo one from Hong Kong on eBay? Apple's Dock is £28 whereas you can pick one up on eBay for a tenth of that price! Are we just paying for the brand name of Apple with this product?

[ReyZero]

1/10th?
I see walmart selling them for 29 when the cheapest 3rd party one was 30 from sedio

[hanky]

1/10th?
I see walmart selling them for 29 when the cheapest 3rd party one was 30 from sedio

The Seidio doesn't looks as sharp but:

1) It's black if you've got a black phone

2) It much more versatile if you have a case

3) It has a charging light (and may have audio out or a power in for adapter, not sure which)

4) It also comes with a quality USB cable.

As a deal, the Seidio is more worth it.

[greencode]

1/10th?
I see walmart selling them for 29 when the cheapest 3rd party one was 30 from sedio

If you do a search for "iphone 3G dock" on eBay you get loads from around £2.50!

[Abouna]

The Belkin desk dock works with the Touch and the 3Gs. It won't do video output but it does sync and charge just fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Dock-Wall-Charger-iPod/dp/B000U9WU0O/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247016822&sr=1-15

Note also, the docks on eBay (all that I saw) don't look like they'd work with a case at all, they are molded to fit the iPhone precisely. The Belkin on the other hand uses inserts. My father is using the Belkin with his 3Gs w/ a case.

[hanky]

Note also, the docks on eBay (all that I saw) don't look like they'd work with a case at all, they are molded to fit the iPhone precisely. The Belkin on the other hand uses inserts. My father is using the Belkin with his 3Gs w/ a case.
EXCELLENT point and true. Seidio and Belkin both excel in this.

[paul100]

Of course its true that Belkin & Seido are good. But I still like the Original Apple Dock though it may be expensive.