Seidio RIM Blackberry USB Desktop Cradle
Hands on review by
lgreenberg
July 2, 2006
Price as reviewed: $28.95
I recently reviewed
Seidioxxx8217;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 didnxxx8217;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 thatxxx8217;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. Itxxx8217;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.
Ixxx8217;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 youxxx8217;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.