Dick Smith Music Dock for iPad

iPad was discontinued and damaged – In 2016 Kogan acquired Dick Smith and took over operations. They use Eclipse Technology and BXT International (Hong Kong) to provide discontinued and refurbished iPad and iPhones, plus other electronics. They promote these as 'demo models' inferring recent models. We fell victim to the practice when we bought 2 demo models for our kids. Both were discontinued over several years ago and damaged. We don't even know if they are genuine!. We felt safer buying through the Dick Smith brand only to realise that it was supplied from third parties located in Hong Kong. The misleading advertising meant we were stuck with discontinued models that cost nearly that of models a few years old. We have had no response to our concerns. Upon investigation we have found that BXT International are under ACCC investigation for misleading advertising practices already. Steer clear.

Do not buy – I first bought this product in May 2012. It worked fine when I bought it but only a couple of weeks later the dock stopped producing any sound when either my iPad or iPhone was connected. I use my dock in the portrait and landscape positions. I had to take mine back to the Dick Smith store at Taigum (Qld) and as I had also purchased a 12 month warranty with the product I was given the option of a refund or replacement. I was doubtful but chose to only replace the product with another exactly the same as this was the only dock the store held that had the landscape view.

I began using the dock and again only a few weeks later I was experiencing the same problem where sound would not come out of the speakers. I tried to take the product back again with a view to getting a refund as the product obviously does not last longer than 2 weeks and as I had paid $80 plus $15 warranty I was largely disappointed. The Chermside store manager would not give me an exchange or a refund and refused to test the faulty product I had brought in saying no one else has had a problem with it. Which is why I am writing this in case someone else is in the same position as I am and I can see below that someone has also had an issue with thier dock producing sound.

While it is tempting to have an ipad dock that works in landscape position, do not buy this product as it seems the wiring inside the swivel neck cannot withstand being swiveled.

Wiring not up to standard

Great buy and good quality docking system – I bought this for myself to use, and I'm very happy with this iPad dock. You can also use your iPhone 4 / 3, iPod touch 1st to 4 generation, iPod nano 1st to 6th generation as well. It's certainly strong and sturdy, and surprising heavy for the size of it. It has a swivel base around the neck of the dock, so you can adjust your iPad to your desired angle. I use mine in landscape position - even flat if so desired. I wouldn't recommend doing that for your smaller devices as they just sit in the adapter connection. A tiny small remote comes with this. Easy to use and the sound is pretty impressive for such a small docking system which also has a small subwoofer.

I initially had trouble attaching the bracket clips to secure the iPad. Took me a few goes, as the instructions and diagram were so small in the instruction booklet, I couldn't really see, and I had the clips around the wrong way. But once I figured that out... the iPad slips through the brackets down to the docking connection.

If you have a smart case for your iPad, you will have to remove this before connecting to the dock. Good sound, sturdy frame, small remote