Some iPod accessories are more straightforward than others, and Marware's new Stand for iPod nano is about as straightforward as they come. The Stand is not merely just a stand as its name implies, it also sports a USB cable and two line-out ports, making it a full-fledged dock.

Marware Stand for iPod Nano

Unlike some docks, the Stand sports neither an AC adapter for charging your iPod nor a standard iPod dock connector cable. It instead includes a USB-A to mini-USB cable, like your digital camera probably came with.

Connect the stand to your computer, drop your nano in, and you're good to go. Just make sure you remove any case your iPod nano might normally wear, since there's no room for it on the stand. The stand is surprisingly light weight and slightly flimsy but stays stable thanks to the relatively large foot-print.

The two line-out ports—one on the side and one on the back—are curious, given that they're less than an inch apart, but they do allow you and your buddy to listen to the nano at the same time each with your own pair of earphones, however awkard that might be (the stand doesn't need to be plugged in, at least). But you better be happy with the listening volume, which we found a tinge on the loud side, because there's no adjusting it since the click wheel's volume controls are rendered inoperable by the fact that the iPod is stand is connected through the iPod's dock connector.

The Bottom Line

What appeared to be a solid if unspectactular iPod dock ends up being bogged down by sub-par build quality and materials. At $25, Marware's iPod nano stand doesn't even represent much of a bargain, given that Apple's own iPod nano dock will set you back just five bucks more. Unless you love the appearance of the nano stand, we suggest you look elsewhere.

The Stand for iPod nano is available in white or black.