a review by Tom Piper
I’m now on my third generation iPad, and have used a variety of stands over the past two years from an inexpensive folding “plate stand” to a suction-cup iPad holder to a high-end microphone stand clamp, and more. Each was utilitarian, but was missing something.
The PadDock 10v2 iPad Stand and Stereo System for 2nd and 3rd generation iPads, including the newest iPad, is a great solution. This sturdy iPad stand provides custom designed oval speakers, a class D amplifier and a passive radiator for natural full-range sound. It uses the iPad’s own power supply to provide fast charging time and features an integrated charge and sync mode switch for syncing music, photos, videos and apps with iTunes without changing cables.
This PadDock cradles the iPad and allows 360° rotation for the best orientation, regardless of app, and tilts up and down to provide the best viewing angle. The strong, broad-footed stand includes a rubberized anti-skid bottom pad to keep it from moving around when using the screen. The black and grey plastic and aluminum frame and stand are attractive and very secure.
The iPad mounts by inserting it into a standard 30-pin connector on the right side (this part includes a switch with two green lights to alternate between power and sync mode). The top and bottom fit snugly, with a spring-loaded holder on the left and a rubber compression-pad on the back for a solid hold on the iPad. Once in place, the iPad easily swivels clockwise or counter-clockwise with secure spring-loaded stops at each 90° point.
The speakers are housed below the iPad in a chamber less than 2” high extending the full width of the device with a roller on-off/volume control on the right (a little green light here shows the status of the speakers). The sound projects to the rear, and is very impressive with a surprising amount of bass and excellent highs (this is independent from the iPads own volume control control and on/off switch).
Two cables plug into the back of the PadDock. The first is plugged into the power unit that came with the iPad to keep the unit charge (and power the speakers), while the second plugs into your computer for synchronizing when needed. I’m listening to podcasts and music from my iPad as I write this review, and am really enjoying the sound and convenience. I will be using it at our next user group meeting (along with AirPlay and AppleTV attached to digital projector) for our presentations.
The PadDock 10v2 iPad Stand and Stereo System is available for $99.99 at http://www.smklink.com/paddock10.html. I’m really pleased with this system, and highly recommend it for use at home, office and other locations.
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