Cingular Go Phone: Apple iPod/Nano/Mini USB Retractable Cable + Car Charger Review

I broke my iPod USB 2.0 Dock Connector that came with my iPod so I had to find a replacement, but wasn'tinterested in paying the $25 (or so) that it cost at the Apple online store at the time. So I found this product on Bargain Cell's Amazon shop.

Having never heard of Bargain Cell, and not feeling entirely confident about third-party (non-OEM) accessories for the iPod, I was a little hesitant, but since the product cost less than $8.00 I figured I'd risk it -- even with S&H charges the price was much less than if I'd gone to the Apple Store at the mall. The product also arrived very quickly, which made me happy (since I couldn't charge my iPod until I got it!).

This retractable cable is a little flimsier than the regular USB cable, but this is to be expected considering that it is a retracting cable. The retracting mechanism is very smooth and hasn't gotten stuck or snagged, and it's out of the way when I'm not using it.

As for the cons: (one minor) complaint is that the symbol on the part that plugs into the iPod (the one that shows you which side of the plug goes "up" when you plug it in) is very worn and nearly invisible, so I have to look closely or I'll try to plug it in the wrong way. This makes me suspect that the product may be used/refurbished ... but I don't want to leap to conclusions.

My other complaint is that the plug doesn't disconnect from the iPod with the same ease that the Apple cord did. One side of the little mechanical buttons you push on the side to release the plug seems to get stuck, which makes me a little worried that I might damage the part of the iPod electronics that are exposed. You need to be gentle and jiggle it (sometimes a lot).

I'd give this product a weak recommendation - it's a good bargain, but probably not for the die-hard iPod worshippers.

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Product Description:
iPod, software & technical support not included.Compatibility: Apple iPod 3rd Generation, Apple iPod Mini, Apple iPod Nano, Apple iPod 4th Generation, Apple iPod Photo, Apple iPod Video.