Seidio RIM Blackberry USB Desktop Cradle

Hands on review by lgreenberg

July 2, 2006

Price as reviewed: $28.95

I recently reviewed Seidio’s first run at a cradle for the Blackberry 8700 here. A cradle for the 8700 was definitely needed and Seidio stepped up to the plate and developed one. It got over some initial bumps at first and the second release seemed to win public approval.

However, personally I didn’t care for it. It was just too difficult to place the Blackberry in and out of the cradle. I always felt like I had to force the device in and struggle to take it out.

It was for that reason I never really used it other than for reviewing purposes. I actually went back to using my 72xx series cradle with my 8700 instead just because it was so much easier to use.



Well all that’s changed with the recent release of the new Blackberry USB Cradle from Seidio.

This cradle works with both the 8700x and the 71xx series Blackberry devices.

The device is simply held in the cradle by friction.







On the back of the cradle are two mini USB connections. One for charging and one for syncing.



You plug your OEM cables into the two slots.



On the left side of the cradle is the cradle to device connector cable. This is a short cable which plugs into the mini USB port on the left side of the Blackberry.



Once all the cables are plugged into to their proper positions you can connect your Blackberry.



On the right side of the cable there is a charging/syncing selection switch. This switch must be moved to whichever function you wish to use the cradle for. I initially had some issues getting my PC to recognize the USB function but eventually sorted it out by following this process.



Starting in charging mode.



First unplug the short cradle to Blackberry cable.



Then move the selector switch from charging to syncing.



Then re-connect the cradle to Blackberry cable.



At this point a USB connection is made.



This is the only way I can get my PC and the Blackberry Desktop Manager to connect to my device. Not a big deal but just a process which must be followed each time you want to sync. It’s not as easy as just flipping the switch on the fly.

And for you power hungry users out there you'll be pleased to know this is the only cradle currently available which supports the extended battery with the 8700x.





I’ve found my new cradle. No more worrying whenever one of my kids runs by my desk and knocks the Blackberry 72xx cradle. This new Seidio cradle securely holds the Blackberry. It charges and syncs too. It does everything you’d want a cradle to do. It looks good as well.

If you are looking for a desktop cradle for your 8700x or 71xx device, look no further.

I give this cradle my highest rating. 5 out of 5 Blackberries.



Pros: Charges and syncs, easy to remove/insert device, works with multiple devices, securely holds device.
Cons: Multiple cables can be a little messy.

In my opinion, you rated the cradle too high. The primary purpose of this cradle is to charge and sync. I think it is a big issue if it can't do them both at the same time. I can connect my BlackBerry to my PC right now, without a cradle, and charge/sync at the same time. I think this is a big enough issue to warrant a 4 out of 5 at best.

With that being said, I will probably end up getting one of these cradles. The big draw for me is the ability to use it with multiple models (8700/7100 series). Different model BlackBerrys are constantly crossing my desk and trying to balance a 7100t in a 7200 series cradle is getting a bit old.

But you can charge/sync at the same time since the USB cable draws power from your PC and charges the Blackberry while it's connected.

Of course when you turn off your PC you loose the USB power and have to switch the cradle to charge mode to draw power from a regular outlet.

That makes sense, and I never turn off my PC so I wouldn't even need the power adapter connected. Just work off straight USB for sync and power.

Yeah then you'll be fine.

For me, being on BES and using wireless sync, I hardly every need to connect to my PC therefore I prefer to use the regular charger most of the time.

lgreenberg,
Great review. But I have to say that there are some out there (e.g. lil' ol' me) that think that the original Seidio 8700 cradle is a fine piece of design. I use it all day every day to keep my 8700 charged and synched, insert and remove it constantly, and find it to be very convenient.
This new cradle is obviously versatile. But I do like the slide-in design of the original. Choice is good...
EDIT: Changed my opinion as noted below.

Oh yes I agree, and thought I made that clear in the review, that the original Seidio cradle works and is enjoyed by many. I'm just not one of them. I can't stand how hard it is to insert and remove the Blackberry into that cradle.

Thanks for the review

It’s going to be hard for me to replace my rubber-banned 72xx cradle that I’ve been using.

-MrKyoo

Nice little review that...definately the best desktop stand I've seen so far for the 87xx device, and the only one I'd consider buying (we need to get them onboard as sponsors!!!)

I think I have a responsibility to post an update to my thinking in Post #7 above. I'm actually starting to worry a bit about the constant leverage and stress that is being put on the 8700 USB port when inserting it and removing it from the original Seidio 8700 cradle. I like the design from a functional point of view but I'm not at all sure that it's healthy for the device. I also think that the danger has become worse with the "fix" to the early connection issues that resulted in the metal USB plug being even longer.

So I would buy this new cradle if I could choose again. In fact I may do just that and retire my current cradle to the lesser use of my home computer.

EDIT: Now is that a great justification for a new toy or what?

Now you're thinking on the right track.

lgreenberg,
To clarify, if one is only using this cradle for USB charging and synching, am I right that all you would have to do is leave the switch at the USB setting and plug in the 8700 and unplug it at will to synch? (In other words, am I right that your complicated process is only because you are switching from the charger?)
This is probably a stupid question. It only worries me when you say "This is the only way I can get my PC and the Blackberry Desktop Manager to connect to my device."
Thanks.

100% Correct.

I do not leave my computer on overnight. It's overnight when I do my charging. Therefore I must use the dc charging feature of the cradle not the USB charger.

thanks for the review. Can you comment on how secure the 7130c is in that cradle? In the picture, there looks to be a lot of room on either side of it and thus it could tilt to one side. Is there something to prevent it from toppling? thanks again.

There is a lot more room for the 7130c and you're right it's definetly a "loose" fit. The 8700 fits in much more securely.

However, that being said, no, the 7130c isn't going to tilt to one side and fall out. The cradle does have two groves on the inside which are lined up perfectly to secure the 7130c.

You can see the groves pretty clearly in this picture.

Do we know if the cradle is compatible with the extended battery for the 7130e?

I can't say for sure but an e-mail to Seidio support would surely uncover the answer.

Sorry, no, only 8700C/r/G with extended battery

Seidio

Why do all the reviews for products get perfect scores 99% of the time.
Isn't there some sort of sliding comparative scale on quality between these cases and cradles.
I really doesn't help when deciding what is the best option if everything gets 5 ot of 5 berries.
Not to complain or anything, but just how comprehensive are these reviews if every thing gets 5 berries?

If I can't find fault with a product I'm not going to make it up.

Great strategy, and one I agree with, although it couldn't hurt to have a couple separate categories for your rating ("ease of use", "value", etc.).

Here's kind of a lame question, does anyone know if this will charge other devices that use mini-USB? My bluetooth headset also uses mini-usb, and occasionally plugging it in while my blackberry doesn't need charging might be nice.

I just received this unit.

Not very happy at all.

First, there are no instructions as to how to use this thing.

Am I properly assuming that you need to use TWO USB cables
and take up TWO slots on your PC in order to synch and charge?

Secondly, this does not hold my 8700e very snug. If I hit
the cradle with my hand, the Blackberry easily plops out to the side.

Third, this doesn't synch. Why? My computer doesn't even
recognize the USB connection, and I followed the reviewer's
instructions to the "T" whereas I started in CHARGE mode, unplugged
my Blackberry moved the cradle to USB mode and plugged my
Blackberry back in.

Fourth, as someone who has experience with PDA cradles, this
one sure is pretty badly designed. Most devices all I would have
to do is slide my phone/PDA in the holster and it automatically
charges and synchs. With this, you have to plug in a rather
tight USB connection into the phone every time you want to use
the cradle. As someone suggested earlier in this thread, that can't
be too healthy.

So, here I am with a cradle that takes up TWO USB connections
on my computer (if I hooked it up correctly due to absolutely no
included instructions), and it doesn't work. Heck, I don't even know
if it is actually charging my phone.

Seidio could immediately improve this USB cradle by doing the
following....

1. Use a power plug rather than a USB cable to power the device.
2. Some sort of indicator light on the cradle that *something* is
happening.

Look, I already wrote Seidio for help with this device, and I'll give
the company and users on this forum every opportunity to assist
me in getting this working.

If this thing does what it is supposed to do, I'll follow-up my post
with some kinder observations. However, until then, it looks like I
am sending this thing back to Seidio and not recommending that
anyone consider purchasing it.

Have you been able to get things ironed out yet? I thought that I had given you the number of tech support as well as asking you to email me your phone number and availability times to the email below. I'm sorry about the inconvenience and would like to help you get things going as quickly as possible or let you know how to go about returning it if you are dissatisfied with it.

I called tech support yesterday. We could not get the
cradle to synchronize or charge.

It was determined that I received a defective cradle.

I filled out a Return Authorization form on the website yesterday,
but still have not received a RMA#.

My experience with this cradle is not positive in its design,
lack of included instructions and the fact it was defective out
of the box.

Once I receive my RMA# (hopefully today) I'll decide whether
I am going to exchange it or just return it for a refund.

Appreciate the help. Could really use help in getting a faster
RMA# sent to me.

Its actually extremely simple. Only one USB or power adapter is required, never two USB cables.

• Charging only - Plug in your power adapter to the CHARGER port and set the switch to CHARGER.
• Sync and Charge - Plug the USB cable into the port with the USB logo and set the switch to the same logo.

You only need the USB cable and power adapter connected at the same time if you want to sync BUT you turn your computer off when not used.

I definatlly agree with you that connecting to a USB cable is not ideal. BUT, your pointing the finger at the wrong group. This is the only option because of how the device was designed. Seidio did the best they could with what they had to work with. RIM deserves the blame for this one.

FYI, it looks like RIM is adding charging ports onto the back of the new handhelds (8100 and soon to be released 8800).

The indicators are there, just not part of the stand. When the BlackBerry is plugged Windows will make a sound indicating a device has been connect. If the handheld is charging you will see a lightning bold over the battery icon.

Hopefully your replacement cradle will be a better experience. I have been using this cradle for a number of months now and have been extremely pleased. This cradle is able to handle the 7100, 8100, and 8700 series handhelds just fine. This is a universal cradle so its not a perfect fit for any particular model.

Please email me your order number and I'll make sure you get an RMA number ASAP.