Product DescriptionThe optional FireWire and USB 2.0 dock makes charging and synching a simple, one-step operation. There's even an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers or a home stereo.
Works as specified (Rating: 5 out of 5) I'm, late to the game (see date ordered) BUT I only paid $4.50 for mine, brand new. Apple doesn't make the mini anymore but I had one that was barely used and needed it for powered speakers and it works great for that. It does what it was made for and at this price it was a no-brainer. As mentioned in earlier comments the mini came with all the cables needed. Looks good sitting on top of my desk or next to my speakers. Buy one if you have a mini. Check out the "new and used" link and you will find other vendors selling this for $4.25 on up, NEW and made by Apple!!
Essential Accessory (Rating: 4 out of 5) My ipod mini looked sad on my desk until I got the dock, and now it is displayed proudly, like the beautiful piece of industrial design that it is.
A classy product that does exactly what it needs to do. (Rating: 5 out of 5) This is well designed product that fits the iPod mini perfectly, and allows it stand upright so it doesn't get banged around etc. while syncing or charging.
I bought two - one is attached to my stereo system and used as a standalone charger (and for playing music through the stereo), the second sits next to my Palm cradle and attaches to my USB 2.0 hub for syncing my iPod.
No gripes whatsoever, it is a very good looking product. I initially bought a third party cheaper product, the opening for the iPod is too big (though it works), it was clearlu designed to be used for the larger iPods - and it has an annoying LED that can't be turned off. Not very nice to have in a room where people sleep.
It also looks cheap. The Apple iPod mini dock looks very classy, not an eyesore in the slightest.
For the reviewer who said:
---
Here's the joke, the dock is absolutely nothing more than a stand for your Mini. It comes with no cabling and it does not come with an AC adapter (that is another $40!) Apple makes sure that you can't get any idea of what you are buying until after you have purchased it and broken open the packaging.
---
My iPod mini came with an AC adapter and a FireWire cable that attaches to the adapter. They plug right into the dock, nothing else needed to make the dock a standalone charger. If you want to use FireWire to connect to your mac/pc - then you will need to buy a second firewire cable. Me? I just use the USB2 cable that came with my mini for syncing.
USB 2.0 fully supported on the Mac (Rating: 4 out of 5) The product description is incorrect, USB 2.0 works fine on the newer Macs that have such ports. It's overpriced; buy a gently-used one.
Must have for home stereo use (Rating: 5 out of 5) The price could use being a tad lower, but price aside, the product is excellent.
It's stylish in it's looks, which complement the Mini very well
it's practical as it provides a safe place to keep the Mini so it's always charged
It provides a great line-out connection for connecting to a home stereo (much better than hooking into the headphone jack)
In order to use the mini for those purposes you will also need some sort of dock-connector charger (I bought an off-brand charger off Amazon, works great), and a stereo-minijack to RCA (or whatever connector your hifi system has) cable as well.
I'm extremely happy with my purchase!