Review: SendStation Dock Extender

One of the downsides of many iPod cases is that they require you to remove them while using various FM transmitters, speaker systems, docks, or other accessories that utilize the Dock Connector port. After having the Dock Connector on the iPod for more than 4 years, SendStation finally came to the rescue with the $29 Dock Extender.

When thinking about this review, I didn’t think it would have to be very long. Essentially, the Dock Extender plugs into the Dock Connector with the same clearance needed that a Dock Connector cable would use and extends about an inch outward allowing you to connect various accessories while leaving the iPod in most cases.

Also included in the package is a Universal Dock insert allowing you to use the Dock Extender with in Universal Dock accessories and give the iPod a bit of support while docked. It’s not necessary, but in the situations when you can use it, probably a good idea, as not to put stress on the Dock Connector. Three rubber caps fit on top of the support to accommodate all iPod sizes.

All 30 pins are passed through, allowing whatever iPod features exist now (and will exist in the future) to work just fine. We tried it in various accessories and had no troubles. The only situations where the Dock Extender will not work is for iPod nano accessories that also utilize the headphone jack.

Overall, the Dock Extender is a unique product that should have existed a few years ago. Fortunately, now that it does exist, most won’t mind paying the premium to get it (and won’t have to de-case their iPods anymore.