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The iPad dock disassembled by iLounge

by Mike Schramm Apr 13th 2011 at 6:00PM

Wondering what the guts of the new iPad 2 dock look like? iLounge dove into the nitty gritty, and it turns out that there were a few surprises, actually. While the docks may look like pieces of plastic (and indeed, at just around $30, they could be about that), iLounge figures that Apple puts the same amount of thought into its accessories as it does into what they're supporting. In each stand is a solid piece of metal that makes it weighty, not only holding it down on the bottom, but actually curved up to support the iPad as it stands. And iLounge says it was "harder to get these Docks apart than any of the first three or four iPods," which means Apple built these things sturdy and to last.

In terms of actual computer hardware, as you might guess, there's not a lot -- just a few chips for functionality, like authentication and, of course, iPad synching. In fact, the iPad 2 dock, says iLounge, has more empty space than the first dock, even though the actual design is a little more compact than before. That likely means that Apple has been thinking about the dock not just as a computer add-on, but as an actual stand for the iPad -- a bigger dock base makes it sturdier while holding the iPad up.

Very interesting stuff. Bonus: With that big metal block inside of it, the iPad 2 dock might come in handy if you ever need to face down a home intruder!



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Wondering what the guts of the new iPad 2 dock look like? iLounge dove into the nitty gritty, and it turns out that there were a few...
 

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elijahpr

Here is a picture of an overseas-manufactured dock I bought for my original iPad: http://gallery.me.com/elijahpr#100107/IMAG0034

There is a HUGE difference in quality compared to this one. It's amazing. Needless to say, it broke. All three of them hah.

April 16 2011 at 12:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mr Lizard

What's sadder - writing the article, or commenting on it?

April 14 2011 at 4:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hmlong

Bought one, and have to echo petrov's comments. The iPad 2 often takes a little trial and error in order to seat it in the dock, and the pad doesn't come off the dock easily either.

Also, the new dock has a raised lip on the front that prevents you from just placing an iPad with its Smart Cover on the dock to recharge. You have to remove the cover, put it on the dock, then take it off and reattach the cover.

Not one of Apple's better efforts.

April 13 2011 at 11:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to hmlong's comment
aber1kanobee

Use the first generation iPad dock...it fits (almost) perfectly and has an open front that allows for you to sync with the SmartCover on....

April 14 2011 at 2:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
petrov

Sucks that apple can't figure out how to make this thing useful. It's tippy as he'll, and every time I try to pick up my iPad, it drags the dock and cord along for the ride.

April 13 2011 at 10:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mark

I like keeping my original iPad on the dock but it drives me nuts that there's no easy way to keep the thing anchored to the table it's on. I hate picking up the dock when all I want to pick up is the iPad! I tried to use double sided tape on it won't stick to the rubbery bottom.

April 13 2011 at 7:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Mark's comment
Tim

Foam tape perhaps?

April 13 2011 at 8:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jonflaire

Try Velcro industrial strength sticky dots. It's what is used at Apple Stores to secure the docks.

And the adhesive comes right off with a plastic scraper and goo-gone.

April 13 2011 at 10:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
depotwest

Everyone forgets I guess what the word sync is derived from. Synch, while annoying, it completely and perfectly apt.

April 13 2011 at 7:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mr Lizard

Every time someone spells 'syncing' as 'synching' another kitten dies.

April 13 2011 at 6:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to Mr Lizard's comment
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