When it comes to my desk, and keeping my work space organized, I tend to be fairly orderly. I prefer to keep my documents in digital format, and always use my bluetooth keyboard and Magic Trackpad instead of a wired keyboard and mouse. One of my biggest annoyances is when I have to charge one of my iDevices and end up with the charging cable stretched across my desk to keep my phone off the floor. Thankfully, the folks over at Bluelounge felt my pain (obviously), and upgraded their MiniDock to support my iPhone 5 and other (small) lightning equipped iOS devices.
Overview:
Bluelounge’s MiniDock for iPhone 5 (available now for $39.95) is the refreshed, lightning equipped variant of their original MiniDock (see our review). Designed to help eliminate cable clutter and keep your iPhone up and accessible where ever you are, if features a fantastically simple design that could easily come straight out of Cupertino.
Made of a hard, durable plastic, the MiniDock pairs perfectly with your iDevice’s provided charging block via USB, and holds your iPhone or iPod at the perfect angle, suspended from the wall outlet. Simply plug the MiniDock into the 5W Apple charging block (also works with the 10W variant), and plug it into the wall. Drop your iPhone or iPod onto the lightning plug, and your phone is securely situated up on the wall, with no need to worry about cables or the surface your iPhone is getting set on.
Because of the setup of my desk, I am able to dock my phone right next to my display, and keep and eye on incoming calls, texts, and other notifications, without needing to pull my phone from my pocket or prop it up against my coffee mug, only to have it fall every time it vibrates. Knowing that when I walk out for lunch or head home at the end of the day, I have a plenty of juice in my iPhone is also very reassuring, especially if I’ve spent the afternoon streaming my favorite college radio station.
A Dock Away From Home
When traveling, the MiniDock can be the perfect hotel companion. Instead of needing to unplug the alarm clock or lamp to find an outlet close to the nightstand, you can plug your iPhone in anywhere, without the risk of stepping on it in your morning trip to the can. The MiniDock is also small enough to fit in most briefcases, backpacks, messenger bags, etc, so you can always have it on hand.
As an added perk, if you use a 12V USB charger in your car (the kind with the USB ports for whatever USB cable you have), the MiniDock will also work with that charging base to support and charge your iDevice while you’re on the road (obiously depending on the make/model and design of your car’s interior). For me, being able to dock my iPhone in the car is a huge perk, as it keeps me from getting the chord wrapped around the shiter. Because the MiniDock keeps the iPhone in place, I’m also a lot less tempted to unplug it to read or attempt to respond to texts while driving, which makes an extra safe driver.
Verdict: [rating: 4.5]
When Bluelounge releases a new product, people take note. They are always looking to provide beautifully crafted, Apple inspired solutions for even the tiniest of problems. Sure, you use the provided lightning cable that came with your iPhone, but doesn’t it look so much cleaner and nicer sitting on the Bluelounge MiniDock? Absolutely. Having the MiniDock for charging my iPhone without the clutter of a charging cable across my desk or dash makes life a little simpler. The only thing missing with the MiniDock is a way to plug it into a stand to use on a desk without power (or maybe with a miniUSB port? *hint*) The beauty, simplicity, and ease of the MiniDock make it well worth the price and a must-have accessory for your iPhone 5, iPod Touch (5th Generation), or 7th Generation iPod Nano!
Pros:
- Simple, Apple-inspired design
- Use of Apple’s factory charging block assures accurate power delivery
- Convenient, compact size
Cons:
- No way to (easily) use unplugged as a stand or away from a wall
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, compact, cable-free way to charge your iPhone 5 (or lightning-equipped iPod), look no further than the Bluelounge MiniDock, available now for $39.95
