Is iPod dock worth $30?

[ArkiStan]

I will be buying an iPod tomorrow. So far I've found the $369 deal at Buy.com, which is the HP version without the dock. It also sells for $399 at Amazon, which is the Apple version that comes with the dock.

Which one should I get? Is the dock worth the extra $30?

Feel free to suggest better deals out there if available.

[Leon]

I think it is, but I'm biased because I LOVE docks. Just makes life easier. Plus, electronics look good when they're propped up.

[The Biffer]

Don't have a dock for our iPod. Don't technically need it as all the cables just plug into the bottom of the pod. The dock gives you a "line out" option as well I think, for playing through your stereo.

It does make them look pretty when propped up in a dock, and considering aestetics is the main reason that most people choose an iPod ahead of one of the alternative players which have greater functionality than an iPod, then maybe the dock could be construed as being worth it.

[caribiner23]

The idea of a dock is nice, but I could never justify the $30 for a piece of plastic with a connector.

Except for when I charge it overnight (when I'm not looking at it anyway), the amount of time my iPod is actually connected to my computer each week can be measured in minutes.

Not worth it, in my opinion.

[AlpineJay]

I agree with Leon that docks are nice but don't know if they're worth 30 bucks. Perhaps a quick scan through eBay and all will get you a better price on them? I'm a sucker for docks but no longer need mine as I have connected mine to an Altec Lansing IM3 speaker/dock - also something to consider. All speaker models from JBL, Harman/Kardon, Bose and such include docks.

[verve247]

I like 'em. Keep your ipod organized on your desk and less likely to get scratch.

[ray]

I have a Dell DJ and see no need for a dock for my player. I have a leather case that protects the DJ from scratching my desk etc, but like caribiner said, the amount of time my DJ is actually hooked up to my computer can be measured in minutes. Usually it's in my hand or in my bag. If I had an iPod, i would be saying the same thing.

[ski]

I would get one now.

They retail for $40 at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009KO3A/102-8802794-4020157?v=glance)

[baggio248]

I used the dock once when I first had mine. Now that I have a case for the Ipod, I don't use the dock (w/ the case it won't fit on the dock). It's just easier to put the cables in the bottom.

[nate el bueno]

also, anything you see that's made "for" the ipod will work for anything, even cd players

[The Biffer]

also, anything you see that's made "for" the ipod will work for anything, even cd players

You mean all of those silly buggers who are paying $30 for a "special iPod cassette adapter" for their cars, would really be fine with any old cassette adapter?

Ssshhhhhh! Otherwise the Apple Mafia will track you down!

[caribiner23]

also, anything you see that's made "for" the ipod will work for anything, even cd players
...except for anything that connects to the proprietary dock connector on the iPod. The thing we're talking about is only sold by Apple and only works on iPods.