Tag: 30-pin

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iPod Universal Dock (2005)

Apple released this first version of the Universal Dock on October 12, 2005, along with the iPod Generation 5 that could display Photos and Video. In a press release, Apple described the Universal Dock as an “optional accessory” for the iPod:

“Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), giving users easy access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room.”

The 2005 iPod Universal Dock included the S-Video port and an infrared sensor for an Apple Remote (sold separately). Unlike earlier iPod Docks designed for specific models, the Universal Dock used Dock Adapters to support a wider range of iPod models with 30-pin dock connectors.

This iPod Universal Dock included adapters for 5 iPod designs sold at the time. Each adapter was numbered and matched to particular iPod devices:

  • 3—iPod mini (4GB, 6GB)
  • 4—iPod (20GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 5—iPod (40GB)
  • 6—iPod with color display (20GB, 30GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 7—iPod with color display (40GB, 60GB)

This iPod Universal Dock could also accept other adapters listed on the packaging. Other supported iPod devices included:

  • iPod (10GB, 15GB, 20GB)
  • iPod (30GB, 40GB)
  • iPod nano (2GB, 4GB)
  • iPod with color display (30GB)
  • iPod with color display (60GB)

An updated iPod Universal Dock was released in 2007 (it included a white Apple Remote, but omitted S-Video), and a 2010 version included new Dock adapters and the updated aluminum Apple Remote. This product line was eventually replaced by the iPhone Lightning Dock when Apple switched from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning port for charging and sound output.

Sources: Apple newsroom, Apple Wiki

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iPhone 4 Dock (2010)

The iPhone 4 Dock was a charging dock with audio-out capabilities for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. It was made of white plastic, measured 2.38 x 1.68 inches, and allowed the iPhone 4 to sit upright while charging while allowing a simultaneous connection to a stereo to play music via a 3.5mm plug.

The Dock used Apple’s 30-pin connector. However, it did not ship with a cable or power adapter.

iLounge pointed out that the iPhone 4’s “need for a case—unfortunately reduces the Dock’s appeal.” They go on to say that “due to the iPhone 4’s new shatter-prone glass body and antenna attenuation issues, many users now feel that cases are necessary to keep the new device working right and feeling safe, and even Apple CEO Steve Jobs has suggested as much in recent communications to end users.”

Sources: 9to5Mac, iLounge

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Apple Universal Dock Adapters (2005)

Various versions of the Apple Universal Dock were offered as iPod devices were updated and new iPod models were released. Apple described an earlier version of the Dock in the iPod User’s Guide:

“The iPod Dock holds iPod upright as it charges or transfers music. Connect the Dock to your computer using the same cable you use with iPod… Using the iPod Dock, you can play music from iPod over external powered speakers or a home stereo. You need an audio cable with a standard 3.5 millimeter stereo miniplug…”

This version of the Universal Dock (A1153) used the 30-pin connector and provided two outputs—Line Out and S-Video Out. This allowed a docked iPod to be charging while connected to a stereo/speaker system and/or an external video source (i.e., TV) with an S-Video input.

Apple created the Universal Dock with an opening large enough to accommodate the largest iPod offered and shipped the dock with a set of adapters to ensure a perfect fit if you owned an iPod with a different design.

This set of adapters was made for:

  • iPod mini (4GB, 6GB)
  • iPod (20GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • iPod (40GB)
  • iPod with color display (20GB, 30GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • iPod with color display (40GB, 60GB)

Source: Apple

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30-pin to USB Cable (1 m, 2012)

Apple’s 30-pin to USB Cable was sold in a variety of packaging options over the years. This cable charged devices with a 30-pin connector, including iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Apple’s product overview stated, “This USB 2.0 cable connects your iPod, iPhone, or iPad — directly or through a Dock — to your computer’s USB port for efficient syncing and charging or to the Apple USB Power Adapter for convenient charging from a wall outlet.”

Apple also included a list of compatible devices. Although the USB 2.0 is backwards-compatible with USB 1.0 and works with computers with USB 3.0, the specifications only include devices that use USB 2.0: iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 3G, iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), iPod nano (6th generation), iPod nano (5th generation), iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic 160GB (2009), and iPod classic 120GB (2008).

This example is unopened in retail packaging. Although Apple was no longer selling devices with 30-pin cables, this product was still available on Apple’s website as of January 2021.

Source: Apple

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iPad 2 Dock (2011)

The iPad 2 Dock was released in 2011 along with the iPad 2 as a 30-pin charging option. In addition to charging, it also has a line-out audio port.

The iPad 2 Dock box somewhat confusingly designated the product as “iPad Dock.” However, the dock is a significantly larger design than the original iPad Dock, measuring 3.3 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall, and 3.6 inches deep. The sticker on the bottom of the box was printed as “iPad 2 Dock,” while the front of the box was printed with “iPad Dock.”

This dock included a front lip that made using it with an iPad in a case impossible.

Source: iLounge

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iPad 10W USB Power Adapter (unopened, 2011)

This iPad 10W USB Power Adapter is compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod nano devices with a 30-pin connector. The part number is MC359LL/A.

The box contains three parts, a 30-pin to USB cable, a power “brick,” and a removable 2-prong US power plug. This example is unopened in its original packaging.

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30-pin Digital AV Adapter (unopened, 2012)

This adapter allows an iPad with the original 30-pin connector to be connected to an HDMI display and simultaneously charged. It is compatible with any iPad with a 30-pin connector, iPhone 4 (or later with a 30-pin connector), and iPod touch Generation 4 (or later with a 30-pin connector). Mirroring is supported only by iPad 2 (or later with a 30-pin connector) and iPhone 4s (or later with a 30-pin connector).

From my experience, the ability of an iPad to be mirrored on an HDMI screen is frequently misunderstood. Because an iPad screen is in the 4:3 aspect raitio, when it is mirrored on an HD display (16:9 aspect ratio or other wide format), some users are surprised that the entire external display is not “filled.” I have never been able to understand what the user is expecting—a ridiculously stretched version of the iPad display; a “zoomed” version of the iPad display with the top and bottom cut off; or that somehow the iPad will magically rearrange itself to fill a widescreen display, thus making it a completely new display and, therefore, not mirrored. Instead, the iPad works as expected and appears centered in the middle of a larger display with black bars on both sides (this is called “letterboxing”). If a user launches an app that uses the full screen, such as a presentation designed in HD format or an HD movie, the iPad fills the entire screen.

This 30-pin Digital AV Adapter is unopened in its original, somewhat beat up, packaging.

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iPad Camera Connection Kit (2010)

According to Apple, the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit supports “standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW, along with SD and HD video formats, including H.264 and MPEG-4.” This connection kit is compatible with iPad Generations 1 –3 (using the 30-pin connector).

The kit consists of two adapters, the Camera Connector USB interface (plug it into the dock connector port on your iPad, then attach your digital camera or iPhone using a USB cable); and the SD Card Reader (import photos and videos directly from your camera’s SD card, connect it to your iPad, then insert your digital camera’s SD card into the slot).

I have both adapters and the original packaging in my collection.

Source: Apple (Australia), Wikipedia

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iPod classic (Generation 7, 120 GB, silver, 2008)

This Late 2018 iPod classic was very similar to the previous Generation 6 model. This iPod was available in 120 GB or 160 GB capacities, had a 2.5-inch color LCD display (320×240, 163 ppi), and was available with a black or silver anodized aluminum front and a chrome stainless steel back. This model is the third generation of the iPod classic.

The software included a Cover Flow option for selecting albums with three games bundled, including iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex.

Source: EveryMac.com

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Nike+iPod Sport Kit (2006)

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit was announced on May 23, 2006. A press released stated, “Nike and Apple today announced a partnership bringing the worlds of sports and music together like never before with the launch of innovative Nike+iPod products.” The two-piece wireless system included an oval sensor that was placed inside a Nike+ shoe and a 30-pin plug for the iPod nano.

Software on the iPod nano would connect to custom Nike+ footwear or any shoe with the Nike+iPod sensor attached and provided information on time, distance, calories burned, and pace on the iPod screen. In addition, “A new Nike Sport Music section on the iTunes Music Store and a new nikeplus.com personal service site help maximize the Nike+iPod experience.”

This kit was sold for $29 and included an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attached to iPod. I used this device with both an iPod nano and with the first two iPhone models both on a treadmill and during my walks and run/walks. I attached the device to my running shoe laces with a purpose-built case that held the oval sensor. A later pair of shoes had a built-in slot in the arch of the sole that held the sensor.

Source: Apple.com