[lgreenberg]

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.

[d_fisher]

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.

[lgreenberg]

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.

[d_fisher]

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.

[lgreenberg]

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.

[cooperpwc]

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.

[lgreenberg]

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.

[MrKyoo]

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

[BBAdmin]

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!!!)

[cooperpwc]

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?

[lgreenberg]

Now you're thinking on the right track.

[cooperpwc]

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

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.

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.

[lgreenberg]

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.

[pdutta2000]

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.

[lgreenberg]

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.

[Crupp]

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

[lgreenberg]

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

[seidioseidio]

Originally Posted by Crupp

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

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

Seidio

[delmarco]

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?

[lgreenberg]

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