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(More customer reviews)Another accessory in the line of products for the iPod from Griffin Technology. I am the owner of a few of their previous products and like them for the usefulness, quality and value for the dollar. The PowerBlock is no different. This products purpose is to provide AC power to your iPod. This is useful for me when I am at work and my battery dies. The PowerBlock also comes with a usb to dock connector cable so you can leave the one that comes with the iPod at home connected either to the dock or the computer. Nice bonus because I always seem to leave it at the place I don't need it. I am kind of an iPod junkie by owning a 30G 3G, 512MB shuffle and my newest edition the 60 gb iPod with video. So needless to say I can use a charger at some point. I think it was with the 4G that Apple decided to stop including an AC adapter cause I have the one that came with my 3G. It has a Firewire connector on it. Apple now sells the USB AC Adapter as an accessory to chagrin of many iPod owners myself included. The size of the AC adapter is nice and compact and is similar to Apple's product with the foldable AC plug. This makes it nice for transporting to and from home.
So with those words we move on to the testing of the Powerblock.
Test #1 - iPod Shuffle
You don't need the cable (included) to charge the shuffle. You just plug the Shuffle into the PowerBlock and the PowerBlock into the receptacle and away you go. The fit of the Shuffle is tight and this test worked just as one could expect.
Test #2 - iPod 3G
As I noted above , my 3G came with a Firewire cable and AC charger. The 3G normally resides in my truck via a Kenwood adapter. Occasionally I will use this at work as well. Well the 3G needed charging and I thought I'd give the PowerBock a whirl. Using the included cable I crawled under my desk (not an easy feat) and plugged it it. The Apple icon appeared on the iPod but it would not charge. I thought I might have something wrong but how could I, it was so easy with shuffle. I did not have the packaging instructions with me at work but a quick trip to the company website put me in touch with reality ... the 3G is not compatible. So I was a bit disappointed but it was clearly documented on their website. This was confirmed by an email to tech support. It could have been more timely as it took nine days to receive an answer from Technical support. I do have to give a kudos to Griffin Technology. They have a compatibility chart on their website that references the various iPod models with their products so you can be sure the product you buy will be compatible. And I might add if you are in doubt, please feel free to email them. I think it is in the iPod's firmware but am not completely sure of that so don't quote me on it. There are reviews on the Apple website stating a Firewire cable will not charge a 4G iPod. A dock connector is not a always a dock connector I guess !!
Test #3 -- iPod 5G
My pristine 5G iPod was the final test for the PowerBlock. Still new enough to be cycling the battery it was at work where it finally ran out of juice. I plugged the PowerBlock into the powerbar and using the included cable connected my iPod. No surprises here, the adapter worked as planned. During charging the adapter ran warm to the touch but not hot.
Value:
If you have a need for an AC adapter and your iPod is compatible, I highly recommend the PowerBlock. Compared to the Apple product you get the Adapter and dock connector cable for $29.99, the two separate products from Apple total $48.
Requirements:
* 5th Generation iPod with Video
* iPod nano
* iPod shuffle
* iPod mini
* iPod Photo
* 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
Griffin Technology iPod Compatibility Chart for reference
http://griffintechnology.com/ipod/
Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin PowerBlock/AC Charger for USB Devices (White)
A great choice for families traveling with multiple iPods, the Griffin PowerBlock can be used to charge virtually any iPod from a wall outlet. It features a 30-pin connector that fits iPods with dock connectors, and you can also plug the 1G iPod shuffle directly into the AC wall adapter via the USB-style power port. It features a Type-A, flat-blade plug design for international use and multi-outlet configurations. The included USB-to-dock cable can be disconnected for use with a computer.
What's in the Box AC wall adapter, USB-to-dock cable
iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video, iPod Shuffle 1G
Click here for more information about Griffin PowerBlock/AC Charger for USB Devices (White)
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