The Express Dock for iPad with built-in 4-foot USB cable is just under $60. That’s a lot for an iPad dock, but you won’t find a more solid dock that works with all current iOS devices. Better still, it works with most iPads and iPhones without the needing to remove the device from its case. Check it out here.
The first thing you notice when you remove the Belkin Express Dock from its packaging is just how heavy it is. The dock is nicely weighted and, as a result, it creates a solid base for your iOS device that won’t flop over if the cat brushes past it. So while you may balk at the $59.99 MSRP, for that money you are getting something that looks — and feels — like a serious iPhone and iPad accessory.
Unlike the first Belkin iOS dock we reviewed, this one comes with the Lightning connector built in. That means you won’t have to go to the expense of supplying your own. It also means the cable and Lightning connector are solidly integrated with the dock. That was not the case previously and, as a result, the Lightning connector would pull up and out of the dock whenever I went to remove the device it was holding.
The Belkin Express Dock works with the 4th generation iPad, the iPad mini, the iPhone 5/5C/5S, and the 5th generation iPod touch. Plugged into a computer the dock with charge and sync your iOS device; if you plug it into a wall adapter (not included) it will only charge your device.
The dial on the back of the Belkin Express Dock is the real star of this show. Rotating it changes the position of the Lightning connector. This, in turn, allows the dock to accept iOS devices in most cases. No, it won’t work with Lifeproof or Otterbox case, but non-rugged cases will most likely not be an issue.
The Belkin Express Dock describes itself as an iPad dock. It is but it is also an iPhone, iPod, and iPod nano dock. It is as close to a universal dock as we have seen, and it has a permanent place on my desk at work. If you are looking for a convenient and flexible way to dock your iOS devices, then you’ll want to check it out.
MSRP: $59.99
What I Like: Solid; Lightning cable is part of the dock so it is solid and won’t pull out when a device is removed; Dial adjust the Lighting connector so the dock will work with devices still in many different types of case
What Needs Improvement: Pricey
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample