Griffin Simplifi Dock for iPod and iPhone, Media Card Reader, and USB Hub in One Device (Aluminum) | 
 enlarge | Brand: Griffin Technology
Category: CE
List Price: $72.25
Buy New: $42.99
You Save: $29.26 (40%)
New (2) from $42.99
Rating:  10 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.1 x 2
MPN: 9804-SIMPLIFI
Model: 9804-SIMPLIFI
UPC: 085387098048
EAN: 0085387098048
ASIN: B001DQNAK2
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Brand NEW! Ships the same business day if paid by 1 PM EST
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| Features:
| • | Charge/sync hub for dock connector iPod models, and, through its built-in USB ports, with 1st and 2nd generation iPod shuffle | | • | Reads and writes the most popular digital media cards, including Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, xD and CF (CompactFlash) | | • | 2-port powered USB hub, using included AC adapter | | • | A simple, versatile way to de-clutter your desktop |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
One compact unit that handles your iPhone, iPod, USB connections, and all kinds of media cards
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 An almost perfect dock January 5, 2009
Matt
After finally getting my iPhone and realizing it didn't come with an actual dock I decided I had to buy one. I searched over several docks before deciding on the Griffin Simplifi.
Pro's
1.) You also get a digital memory card reader on the front side of the dock. It reads Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, xD and Compact Flash cards.
2.) You get 2 additional USB 2.0 ports on the back of the device
3.) It comes with quick change adapters to work with the following iPod Classic 80GB, iPod classic 160GB, iPod nano (2nd Generation), iPhone (Both 2G and 3G compatible), iPod nano (3rd generation), iPod touch, iPod with video (5th generation) 30GB & 80GB models and finally while using the USB port you can charge an iPod shuffle.
4.) With my Siedo Innocase II the iPhone quick change adapter wouldn't work. However if I didn't put any adapter in it works perfectly. No need to remove the case to dock my 3G. Also I can leave my Siedo spring clip holster on the phone and charge it if I want. (See uploaded pictures)
5.) Its a small unit that doesn't take up much space.
Con's
1.) The sync cable that runs from the dock to your computer is only about 1 foot long.
2.) I was under the impression that the AC power would charge my phone. It only acts as additional power for the USB ports. It won't charge my phone unless the computer is on.
Overall 4/5 stars
If your in the market for a dock you can't go wrong with this purchase. Your getting 2 extra USB ports, and memory card readers on top of a docking station. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because it doesn't charge unless my computer is turned on.
 Excellent January 4, 2009
Amy L. Scarfone (Seattle, WA USA)
I have an iPhone and and iPod Classic that I regularly need to sync and charge. Each one fits in the Simplifi with case on (!!!). I love the build quality of this little guy. It charges my phone and pod, powers my USB flash drive, and makes it super easy to pull media off my cameras. A great compliment to my iMac.
My only two complaints: I wish it came with a longer USB cable and had at least one front-loading USB port. Otherwise, it's a sleek addition to my desktop and works well with my devices.
 Good idea - bad execution January 2, 2009
ManaT (San Francisco, CA United States)
What a great product idea. Problem is that Simplifi won't charge your iPhone unless Simplifi is plugged into a running computer. I recharge my phone when I am not working on my computer and when I am not working my computer is off... hence no charging. Also even though I have not looked into options of managing this: Every time you set the iPhone into the Simplifi it syncs with the computer, slowing down your machine. So if you get 3 one minute phone calls back to back you'll end up syncing 3 times in 10 minutes.
I really wanted to like this product but even with all the uncluttering and good looks, it still annoys me everytime I use it.
Terrific Hub December 1, 2008
EWD (Boyne City, Mi USA)
This is a great USB hub! It works right out of the box with no set up. It's heavy enough to not move around on the desk. The speed is faster than my previous one. I consolidated items into one and got rid of extra cords. Highly recommend!
Not perfect, but as good as I've seen November 30, 2008
Derek (New York, NY)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is probably the best combination iPod/card dock on the market, and at the end of the the day it gets the job done, but there are a few warts.
1. The the build quality is OK but not outstanding. The innards are not fixed to the external extruded aluminum casing. With no tools and only a little force you can pop the insides right out. What this really means is that if you shake it, you can hear rattling. For what it costs, I was hoping for a more sturdy assembly.
2. The rubber base, while a nice idea, doesn't help to keep the unit from sliding much because the whole unit weighs so little. For an all-in-one desktop fixture I wish it had a bit more heft.
3. There are two regular USB ports on back, but none on the front. To me it seems like a non-braier that one of those two ports should be facing forward for easier access. Heck, I would have settled for a port on the side. Putting both on the back borders on malicious.
4. This is not a UDMA reader, so the performance isn't optimal with UDMA flash cards. For example, my Lexar 300x UDMA 8GB CF card reads at about 35 MB/sec using a UDMA reader, but only 25 MB/sec in the Simplifi. Not the end of the world, but I wish I didn't have to accept a 30% slowdown in exchange for convenience.
5. And finally, there is a *blinding* blue LED on the front. I'm barely exaggerating when I say it's distracting and very uncomfortable to look at. It would be fine if this LED was on when the unit was in use or moving data, but it's on all the time, even when nothing is plugged into it and my iMac is asleep.
I almost returned the unit because I got so many complaints from my family about the blue LED, but I came up with a solution. Remember how I said the so-so build quality allows the innards to pop out without tools? I opened mine up and put a couple layers of electrical tape over the LED. After putting the unit back together I can still see LED, but it's very dim and not annoying. That I could do this without any tools is why I'm giving this product four stars instead of three.
Also, ignore the comments about the Simplifi not working with a non-Griffin USB cable (Type-A to Mini-B) between it and the host computer. I've never even used the enclosed Griffin cable, preferring an off-brand cable I purchased online a long time ago. The reviewer must have had a bad USB cable, because I've had no trouble syncing my iPod touch and copying data from memory cards over a non-Griffin cable.
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