Apple iPod and iPhone Cable

Author's Rating:

Pros: Very sturdy, easy to use

Cons: Pricey if you buy direct from Apple (Hint: Check eBay first)

The Bottom Line: 
It's always handy to have a second cable, but why do they cost so much?

Author's Review
Although it is listed here as a ‘docking station', Apple part number MA591LL/A is really just a cable, but it's a very important one. This is the cable that connects your iPod or iPhone to your computer via USB. One comes with every iPod and iPhone sold, but sometimes it is nice to have an extra one. This model is identical to the one packaged with your Apple device.

This cable comes in white color just like the headphones that Apple includes with the iPod. The white makes a bold statement to everyone that you have an iPod, or at least it used to before every other MP3 player manufacturer started including white headphones with their product. The cable itself is thickly protected in plastic coating and not floppy like a headphone wire, so it coils well. I also like the reinforcement where the cable goes into the connector ends.

This model cable simply plugs in and out of the bottom of the iPod or iPhone. I have an older model iPod with a cable where you have to push in the sides like a release, and I always forgot about it and yanked on the cable. With this new cable, you just push it in or out so there are less chances for accidental cable or iPod damage. The part that clips into the bottom of the iPod is half the size of the old model cable, too.

Why would you want an extra iPod cable? There's a variety of reasons. For example, the after market stereo in my truck actually has a USB port on it and is iPod-compatible. I use a second cable to interface with my stereo to control the iPod. Furthermore, if I am on the road I can take my iPod and this cable and recharge it using my laptop. It's always nice to have an extra charge cable. By keeping an extra one on hand, you can leave one in your car or laptop bag and the other at home with your desktop computer.

If you have an iPod or iPhone and do a lot of travelling, it wouldn't hurt to get a spare cable just in case you lose or break the main one and find yourself in a bind. I recommend you get the Apple brand instead of some fake knock-off just to be safe.