iSkin hack for docking

And another

Ya how long before some tearage occurs?

The idea is sound as long as you cut between the circles only the tearing shouldn't happen because the iSkin was already cut on the outside circles they should just stretch. Hmm may have to do that to one of mine some time when I feel dangerous ;)

Mike

wow why disn't someone else think of this. It'd make docking so much easier.

What I personally don't like about the Speck iPod Skin is that the cut goes all the way around to the front. To me, that seems like it would make it more likely to just slide around by accident in your bag or something and expose the bottom of the iPod to scratches. But the "connect the dots" on the back of the iSkin looks like a good idea...it would not be easy to pull around, but it would be easier than what we are doing now.

So far it looks good after 2-3 times a day of docking...

hey

just wondering what colour iskin that is?
cheers

The existing holes at the end of the the slit should provide enough stress relief to prevent tearing of the silicone.

Nice *hack*! :)

why doesnt lajo make this a design feature maybe?

This is a cool thread. I was thinking about doing something almost exactly like this before I found this thread...I haven't had the chance to do it yet, because both my iPod and iSkins haven't arrived yet :D

Anyway, I was thinking about this, and although I like the iSkins better than the Speck iPod Skin, one advantage the Speck has is a nub on the "door" flap that seats itself in the dock connector. This assists in keeping the flap closed, probably almost as much as the shape of the iPod itself. I think that something of that nature should be incorporated into the next iSkin design, along with the hinged bottom. I wanted to cut partway up the sides on the iSkin when I do this modification, but I don't know how much that will affect how well it holds the iPod down there. Of course, I know some people probably prefer to have the connector open so they can just pop the cable in there, but I would personally prefer to have it covered.

I have looked at all of these solutions and so far I like the idea of a new plate for the docking station so that you do not have to remove your case to dock

I want things in my life that work without forcing me to do more than I have to and lets face it why should you have to remove the case. The only solution is for me to invest more money into making a cover for the docking station and that is what I am doing.

Lajo, Count me in on a dock cover replacement as well - I'd buy one right now if it was available. The biggest complaint I hear from friends and family who I have told to purchase the iSkin, is that they can't dock it.

BTW, I'd love to beta as well, when you get that far along. Any idea when we might see it?
cjett

Originally posted by Lajo
I want things in my life that work without forcing me to do more than I have to and lets face it why should you have to remove the case. The only solution is for me to invest more money into making a cover for the docking station and that is what I am doing.

man you are one cool cat for listening to the fans.

this thread is great. The pictures are nice and the idea for cutting seems pretty good. My 2 cases should be here this week. I'm really looking forward to them.

We are living in a great age; imagine I am in China and because of the net it is as though I was next door to you. So yes that statement if you build it they will come could never be truer for today there are no boundaries

a much nicer hack is to take the white cover off of the docking station. you can do this by pushing on the metal connector with your thumbs while pulling up the casing with your fingers - it pops off. Then the iskinned ipod docks without peeling.

A dedicated dock extender would be nicer, but this works now.

I never take it off.

Originally posted by markp99
Lajo,

I agree. It is very nice not to have to fiddle with the eXo each time you dock and undock (several times per day for me).

The existing iPod dock cover is so simple to remove. Just add a *special* Lajo designed replacement cover and life will be perfect!! <wink wink>

How easy is it to remove the top of the dock. I took a quick look at it and I could not really find a pry point right off. I was kind of scared to take a screwdrive to it to pry it off.

You can see the underside of the iPod dock cover here. http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12540
The release tabs on in the center of each side except for the connector side where they straddle the center connector.

As noted above, you will need to slip 2-3 screw drivers along each edge (or a butter knife :)) to pop it open. The plastic is pretty rugged.

I also wondered about the heat issues. I think that according to Apple you shouldn't charge the iPod while it is in any case whatsoever because charging causes heat to accumulate in the unit, potentially damaging the hard drive or the battery, or other components. I know that in Lajo's clever design there are "vents," but supposedly these aren't sufficient for heat transfer.

Of course, I disregard all such warnings and leave my eXo on at all times. I also rarely use the dock- unless you need a line out, the cable works exactly the same if you don't mind the 'pod lying down on the table instead of standing it up.

The dock looks best with a naked ipod in it, sitting next to a white eMac. It's an image straight out of an Apple Marketing exec's wet dream...

Lajo already knows how great a job he did with the iskin so I don't need to get into it.

Wunderdave

I still have this same iSkin and absolutely no tearing of the silicone rubber!

Originally posted by WayzataXC05
I apoligize for bring back this long past dead post, but how's the case doing? Still in one piece? Also, would a pocketdock work with the iSkin eVo case?

THanks

look at the post above you.

Originally posted by Kosh
The post above his was posted over 3 full months ago. It's not unreasonable to ask how the case is holding up, after three months.

Oh i know, just saying, sorry about that.

I have the ipod photo 40gig with a black iskin.
I haven't been using the dock, but I sure would like to.

So, I either need to cut the back of the iSkin or pry the cover off the dock, or remove the iSkin each time?

hrmmmm ...

great thread BTW

Originally posted by Knee Deep
I used a Dremel tool on the dock cover, and made it big enough to fit with a skin on my 20g. I used the 40g cover that came with the dock. Looks fine, and works with the skin on.

what do you mean the 40g cover that came with the dock?

can you post a picture?