Third-Party Manufacturer Fills Void With Lightning Dock
by Brent Dirks
October 5, 2012
While Apple is passing on developing a Lightning-enabled dock for the iPhone 5, an inventive third-party manufacturer has swooped in to save the day.
The aptly-named Lightning Dock looks to be a great option for fans of a simple and sturdy solution for the iPhone 5.
The dock is available in three materials – anodized aluminum, anodized black, and birch hardwood. Even though the company says the connector is very strong and will hold the iPhone 5 or fifth-generation iPod touch upright, you can order an optional backplate for support. It will also hold iPhones with or without a case, which is a nice plus.
The hardwood version costs $24.95 while either of the anodized choices are $34.95. The backplate is an extra $5, and if you don’t want to use your own Lightning-to-USB cable, the company will add one in your order for an extra $20. It can be ordered directly on the company's site.
We learned just before the iPhone 5 launch that Apple wasn’t planning on producing a dock of its own. In an email to a customer, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller said that “Most people who use docks use them with speaker or clock systems.”
I’m thrilled to see the Lightning Dock, and plan on ordering one soon.