Kanex has released iPhone ChargeSync Dock ($40), a charging and syncing dock with a built-in Lightning connector for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The dock is mostly made of aluminum, with a non-slip base. A A 1-meter USB cable is attached to the back of the dock, and Kanex says iPhone ChargeSync Dock puts out 2.4A of power, offering a relatively quick charge. Though the dock is marketed toward iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users, iPhone ChargeSync Dock is also compatible with smaller Lightning devices, such as the iPod touch or the past generation of iPhones.
Even an iPad mini can be hitched to the dock, though it’s a bit wobbly compared to the iPhone and iPod touch.
iPhone ChargeSync Dock looks pretty sharp. Though there are plastic parts, most of the dock — including the base and back stand piece — are aluminum. The base is a square with rounded corners, measuring 3.625” across. A small, soft piece at the top of the stand prevents your device’s back from being scratched.
We’ll note that two hands are needed to remove a device from the dock, which does charge and sync as expected. One big downside to ChargeSync Dock is a lack of case compatibility: we tested a number of cases on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and none of them allowed for a proper connection to the short Lightning plug. It was a nice touch, however, to make the Lightning connector moveable, allowing for easier installation and removal of devices.
While Kanex’s iPhone ChargeSync Dock likely won’t be able to properly connect to your Lightning device while it’s in a case, just about everything else about this accessory is a positive. It’s a sturdy aluminum dock that allows for proper charging and syncing at fast speeds, and you won’t even need to buy your own Lightning cable.
