IPod Universal Dock

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The correct title of this article is iPod Universal Dock. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.

iPod Universal Dock is a dock manufactured and sold by Apple Computer that is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector. The Universal Dock can charge an iPod's battery and can also be used to sync an iPod with a PC or Mac, or to connect to a home audio system or television.

It has an IR receiver on the front, allowing the user to control basic functions of the iPod using the standard Apple remote.

On the back, it has the standard iPod 30 pin Dock connector, 1/8" Line Out connector, capable of outputting video, images and sound, as well as an S-Video output connector. The S-Video output connector is the standard Apple style, capable of being used as a composite output with the proper adapter.

If the user has set a volume limit on their iPod, it will be removed when connected to the dock and will be set again once the user removes it from the dock.

The top of the dock has a space capable of receiving one of many iPod adapters which cover the entire dock-capable iPod line. The packaging for the iPod Universal Dock comes with adapters currently numbered 3 through 7. Adapters 1-2 can be purchased separately in packs of 3 and adapters 8-11 come with the actual iPod itself in the box.

Currently some companies such as Agent18 that make cases for iPods ship with or sell a special dock adapter so that the iPod will dock with their brand of case.

[edit] iPod Dock Adapters

Here is a listing of the current adapter numbers. Each white plastic adapter has a small gray section that has the number embossed into it.

1 - iPod 3rd Generation 10GB, 15GB, 20GB
2 - iPod 3rd Generation 20GB, 30GB, 40GB
3 - iPod mini 4GB 6GB
4 - iPod 4th Generation 20GB, U2 Special Edition (non-color display, with Clickwheel)
5 - iPod 4th Generation 40GB (non-color display, with Clickwheel)
6 - iPod with color display 20GB, 30GB, U2 Special Edition
7 - iPod with color display 40GB, 60GB (also known as iPod photo)
8 - Nano 1st Generation (1GB, 2GB, 4GB)
9 - 5th Generation 30GB
10 - 5th Generation 60GB, 80GB
11 - Nano 2nd Generation (2GB, 4GB, 8GB) (aluminum casing)