In our previous post, we had reviewed Apple iPad 2 dock. Now, we will talk about a much cheaper alternative. It is sold online by MiniInTheBox.com for a super low price of $4.99

This charging dock for iPad 2 also syncs up with the tablet. Very similar to original dock design by Apple. It functions the same way. You get a stand for your tablet to watch movies or type on the virtual keyboard easily. While doing this, iPad2 is charged. There is a safe charging integrated circuit to protect against overcharging. It weighs about 100 grams. So, be careful when your iPad sits on it.

There is 3.5 mm line out for audio listening.

So, why do you think that the price is such low if it basically does the same thing. Well! It has no Apple brand on it and you can not know what will happen after let’s say 6 months of usage. Such cheap accessories are always open to malfunctioning. But, anyway you are paying only a few bucks and you will not be so sorry if it happens.

So, you are welcome to buy this on MiniInTheBox.com alongwith some other accessories.

The Digipower PD-ST1 Secure Charging Dock for iPad and iPad 2 is a solid charging dock that does what it advertises. It charges your iPad or iPad 2.

When shopping for an charging dock there are typically four things I look for.

First: How secure does it feel? I would hate for my precious iPad to take a dive off the kitchen counter and end up in million broken pieces on the marble tiled floor. I wouldn’t say that it’s the most secure fitting dock but it certainly isn’t the worst. Mr. Buttons(my cat) has brushed up against it several times and although it did wobble, it didn’t take a dive.

Second: How does it look? I still cannot understand why companies with cheap looking logos insist on placing them from and center on everything they make. No one cares about having a ‘Digipower’ brand device, so why put such an obvious logo on it?

Third: How much does it cost? You can purchase a much better looking Apple brand iPad dock for about 4 dollars less than this on Amazon.

Forth: Does my iPad fit on it with it’s case? This is probably the reason you are even looking at this thing, and I can tell you that it will fit many of the different iPad cases out there. That said, I have not tried all of them so your mileage may vary.

So that’s about it. It’s not very sturdy, it’s kind of ugly, it’s overpriced but it may fit your iPad with the case on.

Update: Strangely enough, Amazon customers have provided mostly positive ratings for it. If you wonder, read them here and maybe you will find a better iPad 2 dock there.