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In-Depth Review
PowerBlock
Friday, December 9th, 2005 at 9:00 AM - by Misha Sakellaropoulo
Apple used to include an AC charger with most of its iPods, but like the case and dock the charger has been relegated to an after-market purchase. Accordingly, more third-parties have started offering AC charger options. The accessory gurus at Griffin Technology are the latest to bring one to the table, freeing you from the clutches of Apple's overpriced $30 charger with... their own $30 charger.
Griffin Technology PowerBlock |
Spec-wise, Griffin's PowerBlock will go toe-to-toe with Apple's, sporting a two-prong design that folds away neatly when not in use and offering international compatibility. Whereas Apple's square charger sticks out a couple inches from the wall, Griffin employs a more conventional design that hugs that power outlet. The PowerBlock is compatible with the iPod shuffle and all dock-connector iPods and, to its credit, Griffin includes a certified, high quality "Made for iPod" USB docking cable�an additional expense if you're looking at Apple's solution.
Bottom Line
The PowerDock will put the juice into your iPod as well as any other charger, and it does so with a practical design. The included docking cable is a nice extra, but the $30 list price is still expensive by our standards. Like most Griffin products, however, the PowerBlock will likely be available for less coin from retailers like Amazon.
Just The Facts
Pros:every bit as good as Apple's charger, docking cable included
Cons:every bit as expensive as Apple's charger
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