For hospitals, businesses and schools that have kitted their workforces and classrooms out with iPhones, iPads or iPods, keeping the various devices charged and up to date can be a time consuming chore. Griffin Technology has made the task a whole lot easier with the release of its Multidock that charges, syncs and stores up to ten iDevices at once. And if that still isn't enough, up to three Multidocks can be linked to accommodate up to 30 iDevices.
The Multidock connects to a Mac host computer running iTunes 9.0 or later via USB, with multiple Multidocks linking via an included USB hub. Each Multidock's power supply delivers full-rate charging to each of its ten charging bays and syncs the connected devices simultaneously. The charging bays are also big enough to accommodate the extra bulk of most cases, so devices won't have to be stripped naked to fit into the charge bays.
iDevices are connected via standard USB-to-Dock cables with LEDs on each individual charging bay indicating the charge and sync status of each device and the individual charge bays powering down once the device is topped up. The charging and syncing functions can also be separated to give IT managers greater control over content on the connected devices.
The Multidock measures 18.6 inches (47.2 cm) high by 11.81 inches (29.9 cm) wide by 9.17 inches (23.2 cm) deep, which is slightly bigger than the footprint of a 13-inch Macbook Pro and slightly smaller than a 15-inch model. Griffin says the unit's steel enclosure is designed to withstand the rigors of workplace, classroom and institutional use.
Griffin is better known for its consumer oriented iOS device accessories, such as cases, FM transmitters and, more recently, iDevice controlled helicopter but the company says it is set to embrace the business market and the Multidock is the first device to reflect this move.
Griffin's Multidock is compatible with all iPad, iPhone and iPod touch models as well as classic and video iPods. They are available individually for US$699.99, with three offered at a discounted $1,799.99.
