Overview
The PodPerch is a clear acrylic dock, made from Acrylite brand acrylic, that cushions the iPod with an array of clear, soft plastic pads. Functionally, the PodPerch is designed to put the iPod at a low angle best suited for reading the LCD display.

Requirements

• 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation iPod

In Use
The PodPerch was design with the 3rd generation iPod in mind, but can be used for the 1st and 2nd generation iPods as well. Not every iPod buyer received a docking station with their iPod, so the PodPerch provides an excellent tool to rest your iPod on. It's clear acrylic design looks much cooler than other docks, including the Apple docking station, and the angle of the PodPerch is lower than the Apple stand providing a much better viewing angle for reading the iPod.

The PodPerch has soft plastic pads that keep both the PodPerch from moving around on a smooth surface, as well as the iPod from moving around on the PodPerch. I found the PodPerch to be very sturdy as well. For 1st and 2nd generation iPods that hook up to firewire at the top, the cable is subtle as it extends behind the iPod. For 3rd generation iPods, the docking connector at the bottom forces the cable to come out in front of the iPod, making it a little more "cable messy".

Many iPod owners are probably discovering that the iPod makes the ultimate add-on to your home stereo, allowing you to replace your CD player (that may have played up to 5 CDs) with a much smaller device that can play your entire music collection. But where do you put the iPod to fit in with your stereo components? At first, I simply laid my iPod flat on my subwoofer with the power adapter plugged in so that it is always charged. It never felt right sitting flat on my speaker, and it required me to lean over the speaker to look directly down at the iPod to read it. With the PodPerch, I was able to bring back style to my newest stereo component, and in a manner that allowed me to read the iPod screen much easier. Words do not truly capture the difference it made, so take a look at the following before and after pictures.

Left side is before PodPerch, Right side is with PodPerch

Summary
The PodPerch is a stable and very fashionable stand for the iPod, and works well with 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation iPods. The PodPerch is stylish simplicity at its best. For those of you using your iPod as a stereo component for your home stereo, the PodPerch is simply a must-have companion that themes perfectly with the iPod, looks good with your stereo components, and slanted at just the right angle for optimal viewing. Unfortunately, just a week before completing this review, MacMice decided to discontinue the product, so you'll have to search for one on eBay or find a vendor that may have still have them in stock.

Pros

• Stylish and sturdy acrylic design
• Optimal angle for view iPod screen
• Works with 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation iPods

Cons

• May be redundant for iPod owners with docking stations
• May be "cable messy" with 3rd generation cable attached at bottom
• Discontinued product

Overall Rating

4 1/2 out of 5 Mice