SendStation's line of iPod PocketDocks have seemingly been designed under two premises: that USB and FireWire cables are so ubiquitous that carrying around a six-foot iPod docking cable is redundant and that listening to music through the dock connector produces a superior listening experience.

PocketDock FireWire and USB/FireWire Combo

One of the nice design touches of the first- and second-generation iPods was the built-in FireWire port that ensured an easy connection to any FireWire-equipped computer, provided a FireWire cable was lying about. The debut of dock connector iPods eliminated that convenience and gave birth to the original PocketDock, a tiny adapter plug less than inch long that gave your iPod a regular FireWire port.

The PocketDock line has grown since then with the addition of a FireWire+USB combo version, ideal for newer iPods that no longer support transferring music over FireWire. The idea is every bit as effective today as it was a year or two ago, and the only question that stands between you and PocketDock pleasure is whether the convenience is worth the $18.95 or $22.95, respectively.

For our part, we prefer the newest generation of PocketDocks, which pack a line-out port along with either FireWire or USB connectivity. SendStation claims that listening to the iPod through the PocketDock's stereo mini-jack produces a higher quality listening experience than the iPod's headphone jack. While that may be true thanks to the digital connectivity, our ears really couldn't tell the difference. What is definitely nice about listening to music through the PocketDock is that it leaves that standard headphone jack open, making it a cinch to share your music with a pal. Not to mention the PocketDock is smaller than most headphone splitters on the market.

PocketDock Line-Out USB w/ Cables

The line-out equipped PocketDocks will set you back $29.95, but splurging for the extra functionality also nets you a standard male-male stereo mini cable, as well a stereo RCA cable with an iPod-ready mini-jack at one end and connectors for your stereo at the other. And don't forget the detachable keyring that keeps your PocketDock at the ready.

Bottom Line

SendStation's PocketDocks are a fantastic example of how simple yet effective some iPod accessories can be. If you're tired of wrapping up that iPod docking cable and taking it everywhere with you or want a slick way to share your music with another pair of headphones, PocketDocks have you covered.