Mobile Technology

Belkin first to market with third-party Lightning accessories

Belkin first to market with third-party Lightning accessories
Belkin announced today that it will be the first third-party manufacturer to market with Lightning accessories for the latest Apple devices
Belkin announced today that it will be the first third-party manufacturer to market with Lightning accessories for the latest Apple devices
View 10 Images
Belkin announced today that it will be the first third-party manufacturer to market with Lightning accessories for the latest Apple devices
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Belkin announced today that it will be the first third-party manufacturer to market with Lightning accessories for the latest Apple devices
Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
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Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
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Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
Side view of Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
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Side view of Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
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Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
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Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
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Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
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Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
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Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
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Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
View gallery - 10 images

With its new car charger and dock accessories for iPhone and iPad set to ship the middle of November, it looks as if Belkin will be the first third-party manufacturer of Lightning accessories to reach the market. While the Car Charger 2.1 AMP will charge all of Apple's current Lightning devices (including the iPhone 5, iPad mini and 4th-gen iPad), the Charge + Sync Dock is designed specifically for iPhone 5.

Charge + Sync Dock

Side view of Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5
Side view of Belkin's Charge + Sync Dock for iPhone 5

Most eye-catching of the two is undoubtedly the Charge + Sync Dock. The rather svelte-looking accessory cradles an iPhone 5 while taking up no additional width. The dock includes a fold-away audio jack and auxiliary port so that it can be connected to either headphones or speakers.

The user will need to supply a standard Apple Lightning Cable which will run through a channel in the base of the dock, so there may be the expense of an extra cable to consider if the dock is to become a second or third charging location. The dock also includes a removable magnetic base.

Car Charger 2.1 AMP

Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices
Belkin's Car Charger 2.1 AMP for Apple's Lightning devices

The Car Charger 2.1 AMP is exactly what you'd expect, connecting your Apple Lighting device to your car's cigarette lighter socket. The device draws 10 watts at 2.1 amps over its 4-ft (1.2-m) cable. The device will sit alongside Belkin's existing Car Charger 1 AMP for older Apple devices.

Pricing and availability

Belkin says that both the Car Charger 2.1 AMP and the Charge + Sync Dock will be available to pre-order from November 7, and are set to ship by November 15. Both accessories are priced at US$29.99.Product pages: Charge + Sync Dock, Car Charger 2.1 AMP, via Apple Insider

View gallery - 10 images
1 comment
1 comment
foghorn
Lightning.. GRRRRR!!! So not buying anything with lightning. Had to count to 10 before posting this... yes I'm still angry.