One of the unique features of the iPad over the iPhone and iPod touch was the ability to use an external keyboard. Apple released a combination keyboard and dock which held the iPad in the portrait position for typing notes. While this presented the user with a paper sized view, most users are used to the landscape display of a computer. The iPad also works with standard Bluetooth keyboards, but no dock held the iPad in the landscape orientation.
While there are numerous docks for the many models of iPod and iPhone that are optimized for playing music, SMK realized that the iPad required a different solution. As a more computer like device, the iPad needed a dock that had more abilities than just being a speaker system.
One of the many reasons for the success of the Apple products is their integration of the 30-pin dock connector. Apple licenses this connector to vendors to provide a seamless way to control Apple products directly from their products. By having an ecosystem of products which support the various models of iPod, iPhone and iPad, users can pick whichever product fulfills their needs. SMK-Link is a licensee of the Apple 30-pin connector.
In September of 2010, SMK-Link introduced the PadDock 10 speaker stand and syncing dock that is Mad for iPad. The key consideration was to design a product that had a striking Industrial Design, excellent Speaker Design and unique Syncing and Charging capabilities.

【Photo 3】PadDock 10(iPad landscape position and display section)

Syncing and Charging

While the standard USB port on a computer has plenty of power to recharge an iPod or iPhone, the iPad has a much larger battery and requires more current to charge quickly. Charging the iPad can take over 7 hours using a USB port. Apple ships a 10 watt power block for charging the iPad. Using Apples power adapter this time is reduced by 50%.
When attached to a computer, music, movies, applications and documents can be synced to the iPad. But when attached to the computer, the iPad doesn’t charge while the screen is turned on and charges very slowly when turned off. Using the Apple power supply, the iPad charges quickly but files cannot be synced to the iPad.
To solve this problem the PadDock 10 was designed to switch between two modes. In Listen mode, the Apple power supply provides 10 watts of power to be used between the speakers and charging the iPad. In Sync mode, the iPad is directly connected to the computers USB port for syncing.(fig.1）
A simple mechanical switch drives an electronic USB switch to change between modes. A USB to USB Mini connects the PadDock 10 to the computer for sync purposes. A special USB to power pin provides power to the dock. Different connectors are provided to prevent customer confusion.
Even for people who will rarely use their iPad in a dock, PadDock 10 is still an excellent solution to everyday problems. First, the cradle gives the user a place to hold the iPad safely and securely when not in use. Second, because it uses the user’s own Apple power supply, it supports the fastest charging mode possible. Third, PadDock 10 is the only dock that supports Syncing while in the dock.

Using with a Bluetooth® Keyboard

Using the iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard and the PadDock 10 expands the functionality and usefulness of the iPad. In fact the ability of the iPad to boot nearly instantly and to connect wirelessly makes it ideal for surfing the Internet with the PadDock 10. Email is another area where the addition of the keyboard and a rotating dock allows for improved productivity and ease-of-use.

Target Market

Originally the PadDock 10 was targeted at young adults from 16 to 30 for use at desks, in dorm rooms or apartments. In these environments, the iPad can be used as a video station, game station or Internet station. Since being released, the unique features have included the usage model dramatically. With a full web browser and wireless capabilities, offices are using the iPad to increase productivity from filling forms to controlling equipment. Uses now includes everything from reading recipes while cooking in the kitchen to use in the office to complete an employees daily work.

Future Designs

Both SMK-Link and SMK are promoting the PadDock 10 speaker system for iPad. SMK-Link licenses the 30-pin connector from Apple and will continue to develop innovative products for this and future versions of the Apple iPad.

Written by SMK-Link Electronics Corp.　
This article was published in Dempa Publications in Japan in Japanese. (May 19, 2011)