Qotd

Supposedly future-proof, thanks to its new flat design which ensures the width of the phone is no longer of concern, the Apple Lightning Dock is suitable for iPhones 5 right through to the latest incarnation- the 6 Plus.

As with most things Apple, the stylish and subtle design means that aesthetically this isn’t the below your desk type of charger but rather something that complements the stylish nature of the iPhone itself.

Despite its simplistic exterior, this is an unmistakably Apple product. For this reason alone it will probably become a fixture in many homes and offices.

Stylish maybe, but in a practical sense the design isn’t perfect. The non-slip base provides little actual defence against slips and without too much effort the Lightning Dock can be pushed aside.

It’s worth mentioning too, that while the new Lightning Dock will suit an array of Apple devices we wouldn’t recommend plugging your iPad in just yet. The weight on the angled connector may snap it off- so stick to using it for phones.

Despite this, the Lightning Dock isn’t fragile. Your phone will remain in place until you make a concerted effort to remove it, so don’t worry about the durability of this gadget- it’s purpose built for your phone so keep it that way!

It’s interesting that Apple took six months to provide a Lightning Dock for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus range. A timeframe that almost equates to a decade in tech terms, numerous other brands have attempted to fill the gap Apple left during this time.

Often these docks afford more functionality and more interesting design too. But most Apple aficionados will appreciate the classic Apple design of the Lightning Dock and if you’re just looking for a neat way to charge your phone you don’t really need to look much further.

Still, while prices vary greatly, Apple –as you can imagine- have not produced the cheapest dock of the lot. In fact while the lightning dock is perhaps positioned at the lower end of the mid-price range there are other docks below its $39 price point; there are plenty above it too.