Product Analysis:

As is the case with nearly all iPod docks, the package comprises of a remote control, a few cables, batteries and the dock itself. The top of the dock houses the iPod and the remote, while the back side consists of S-Video port, RCA jacks and a USB port. The iPod rests on a clear backrest that can support nearly all varieties of iPod music players, which is standard these days. With that said, you could easily knock off small iPod versions, such as the Nano, due to a lack of a more robust locking mechanism. We wish DLO could’ve introduced something more reliable than a mere backrest.

The overall presentation of the unit (which includes the dock and the remote control) is nice. As iPod exclusive accessories mature, companies have adopted certain trends, such as glossy exteriors with matching color schemes. In that area, the DLO HomeDock is no different.

The HomeDock can connect to a stereo, a TV or a PC, thanks to a number of connectivity options. Unfortunately, however, DLO only includes two A/V cables, which are good enough for majority of input devices, but including an S-Video cable might have been a good idea. Maybe that’s asking too much, but the lack of a USB A-to-B cable warrants no excuse. Since the HomeDock can act as a recharger, its DLO’s responsibility to make sure we, as consumers, have everything right out-of-the-box ready to go. It’s unnecessary hassle when you have to hunt for cables just to get the new device working. By the way, you could connect the HomeDock to all three input devices (stereo, TV and PC) for all rounder connectivity. That’s assuming all three devices are in close proximity to each other.

The remote is very nice to use. It comes with 10 buttons that lets you move around the iPod menu with ease from a decent distance. But make sure you don’t lose the remote. If you lose the remote and the HomeDock is powered off, you are out of luck. Apparently, you can only turn on the HomeDock with the remote. Otherwise, it stays off. Again, it’s a minor but critical mistake from DLO.

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