Docking Stations

Royale with Cheese

After some extensive searching it seems docking stations with speakers just aren't available for Android phones. Is it because the demand isn't there (well there's demand alright but too many different devices), or is it just not possible to do this through a micro usb connection?

Anyway I've given up hope of something becoming available anytime soon. Thinking of just going with a bluetooth radio of some kind? I'm hoping it's do near enough the same job aside from charging the phone. Does anybody have any suggestions? I've looked on Amazon a bit but haven't found anything that really grabs me.

Coriolanus

You mean an audio dock or a charge dock?
I've seen charge only docks for a few diff androids online but now that I think of it, no audio docks.

Idleater

Most "docks" I.e. ipod docks have the standard 3.5mm audio inputs, and most phones have said output.
Is it specifically line level audio you are looking for? If so, you are heading into an audio discussion that would be more suited to the home entertainment forum.
Imo, docks are a result of the propriety nature of the iPhone/ipod as they serve no specific purpose other than talking Apple over their connection.

Coriolanus

The good ipod ones had a firewire or whatever it is, connection so the pod would charge at the same time as playing.
That's certainly what I would expect out of a similar device for HTC/Samsung Androids et al.

Royale with Cheese

Yeah charge/audio at the same time would be awesome but I've given up on that happening. Can't be arsed with 3.5mm audio, if Bluetooth is an option I'll go with that.

mickoneill30

I'd agree with Idleater, I don't like buying propietary docks as you have to change that when you change your phone / mp3 player.

I got one of these in September
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0013F5ZBA/ref=oss_product
(not available anymore on Amazon but it gives you the idea). Probably discontinued because people want ones you can slot your phone into

It's Bluetooth so it'll work with any phone I ever buy that supports BT. It has a 3.5mm jack for older phones / players too.
You can answer calls through the speakers.
It doesn't charge but I can charge my phone wherever I like with the normal cable, the phone can be in nearly any room of the house when connected.

I normally just leave it turned on. When I come home from work and am doing stuff around the house I connect the phone with BT and start playing then pop the phone back in my pocket. Dead handy.

The only advantage a propietary dock has, that I can see, is that it charges when the phone is plugged into it. To me that's not an advantage. I only need to charge once a day max so I do that when I go to bed. I don't need the speakers beside my bed.

BopNiblets

Not a dock but if you're just looking for a sound output I can recommend this:
http://devotecindustries.co.uk/solar-sound-2

Solar powered, portable bluetooth speaker (not really for audiophiles I suppose but I find it still sounds great)!
Works great with my SGS, you can just plug it in across the room.