I just received this unit. First thing I noted is that it is labeled as followed: Samsung Galaxy Universal Multimedia Desktop Dock so it isn't specifically for the SGS3 but should work with it. Due to an error on my part with Verizon when I first ordered the phone, I also bought the one that says "For the SG3" so I can verify that they are exactly the same, just packaged differently.It came in Samsung's retail packaging with the unit and the microusb/ac wall adapter. It does not come with a spare battery nor a compartment for one but it does have a battery of its own. It has a port for the microusb and a speaker line out 3.5mm jack. The bottom half of the unit as you look down on it flips open very easily and smoothly (having decent fingernails helped me) and has a slight soft click as it sets into place. The lid turns into somewhat of a backrest for the phone once it is plugged into the unit. It is not the best choice for placing the phone in landscape mode which boggles the mind how exactly is this a multimedia dock then? I think calling this unit a Multimedia Desktop Dock is stretching it a bit it is a dock with a ext speaker feature that has quirks.
I was envisioning using my headset for this while charging my phone but the instructions manual says 3.5mm headphones are not recommended to be used with the line out speaker jack, but it doesn't say why. It does say you can use external speakers. I don't know why it would exclude headphones.
It does allow me to use my bluetooth headset while the phone is docked so I can listen to tunes while I do other stuff.
It also says that data synching is not available if you connect your pc via usb and to not use usb to pc for charging.
Another warning says during charging or at high volumes, sound quality cannot be guaranteed.
I think the price on this unit is a bit steep for it's limited function, so if you can use your Amazon points to lessen it like I did, I would advise this.
I will update this review once I actually get to use it.
*****
UPDATE:
July 10 2012 actual use
The connection is incredibly flimsy! Have to be delicate and gentle the unit will move forward or side-to-side with the lightest wrong touch or movement of the dock this is really just for charging and light usage.
I am relieved the SGS3's screen is insanely sensitive to the touch which helps or this would be an absolute waste.
I cannot believe they list this as a multimedia dock. A real multimedia dock either cradles or holds your phone securely this does neither. Such a shame. I will still keep it for lack of anything better atm but I honestly don't see myself using it that often. It does help to adjust the setting on the phone to allow for a slight soft alert when the phone is correctly inserted into the dock since up until I did this, I wasn't quite sure if the phone was set in properly. (Settings>Dock>Dock sound checked)
I might consider buying the much less pricey but sensibly made (looking at the photos on the site you can see the proper support for the device) EXPANSYS Cover-Mate Dual USB Cradle for SGS3 can be found using google. I saw the one labeled specifically for the SGS3 and it is the same exact dock btw.
Update:
July 24th 2012 Bodyglove Dropsuit
So in my search for a case of my liking, I bought a Bodyglove Dropsuit (black). I have some pros and cons about the case but that's for a different section. I will say that because of the case, it makes the dock usable! The case is slimmer than most with similar protection and is not too bulky despite its ruggedness, but has more material than the Samsung flip cover. Surprisingly, when I dock the phone with the Dropsuit case, it actually fits snugly and doesn't wobble even when moving the unit and the ribbed texture in the back of the case actually gives the phone extra support while in the dock. This bumped the dock up 2 stars since it actually makes room for a case like this. This aspect is a strong pro for the dock and the case as I decide on 2 others (Otterbox Defender & Trident Kraken) that should be arriving within the next few weeks. As always, will keep everyone posted.
Update:
August 13, 2012
I have to say that I have been using this dock more while I am at home at my desk with the exception of when I am watching videos. I will then use take the phone out of the dock and turn it sideways and lean it against something for movies. It isn't because I like the dock, but I have it and it is here and I don't want a paperweight.
Every site with the exception of Otterbox's official site had very long shipping delays/ETAs with their black Otterbox Defender case. I suspect Otterbox did this on purpose so that consumers would pony up the $50 directly to get the case ASAP rather than test their patience with the much lower priced case offerings promised elsewhere. Unfortunately, I am not in the position to indulge my impulse shopping side so I am still awaiting its arrival. I regret to say that I had to choose between the more well-known Otterbox Defender or the Trident Kraken, so I won't be able to review how the latter works with this dock.
Updates on the dock with the Defender coming soon.
***Update***
Aug 16 2012
The Otterbox Defender case does NOT work with this dock. The dust protector cover over the charger port prevents this.
I hope this helps others decide. I will be posting my review on the Otterbox Defender case under the appropriate feedback section. Feel free to ask any question pertaining to my review or if you feel I have left anything out.
***Update***
9/4/2012
I did end up cleanly cutting away the charger port silicon dust protector from the Otterbox Defender case because it was very annoying to flip it open to charge my phone each and every time, but the case is much too thick for the port to make proper contact with this dock so they are not compatible. If you want a rugged case and this dock to work together, opt for the Bodyglove Dropsuit.
*** Final Say ****
3/14/2013
I have stopped using the dock altogether in all honesty & both are now just paperweights :(
What I use is a bendable/flexible spider holder as I can place the phone either vertically or horizontally for movies. I got mine in black from thinkgeek (.) com and last I looked they were out of stock but if you google: spider podium stand : without the colons you should see similar ones. It's not super sturdy but is very useful esp if your phone has a rubberized type outer case and you like to watch movies/youtubes.
There's even mini tripods that dual function for cameras and phones that hold the phone more securely, but I think companies completely missed a financial windfall by not manufacturing a truly versatile multimedia dock (both horizontal and vertical) that holds this phone in a decent grip.
The European market has come close such as the iBolt vehicle dock from the U.K. But I mean, come on, even Belkin created a dualfit armband for this phone ;) Sinjimoru's Sync Stand Charge Dock Cradle had the right idea but the design looks funky and still doesn't seem to hold the phone securely check out the reviews on it right here on amazon.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Multimedia Desktop Charging Dock for Samsung Galaxy Phones Now
I was concerned with all of the negative reviews and low scores about this item but I wanted a charger for my Galaxy S3. I bought it anyway and wow.....it is perfect!People complain about the connector. It's perfect, especially since I don't have to take off the case to dock it, WOW!
People complain about the docking feeling flimsy or cheap. It's solid.
People complain it doesn't go to desktop mode when docked. It does everytime for me.
People complain it has no Galaxy S3 branding on it? Who cares! It says Samsung and that's good enough for me.
This is a good, quality product and I have no complaints what so ever.
Read Best Reviews of Samsung Galaxy Multimedia Desktop Charging Dock for Samsung Galaxy Phones Here
The actual packaging says "Universal Multimedia Desktop Dock." Nothing about the S3 is on it anywhere. That said the Galaxy S3 does fit (barely). It does not merge with the micro USB port of the phone very well and feels like it's scraping the bottom of the phone when trying to mate with the dock. It is easily knocked out/unseated from the cradle at the slightest movement of the docking station or when trying to handle the phone to access the UI. You have to be very careful to keep it docked just to unlock it or navigate the screen.The ONLY PRO I have experienced here is that unlike the Galaxy S2 Desktop Dock ECR-D1D3BE you can turn on bluetooth and pair with devices while still docked! I can now leave the phone docked while paired with my Jawbone Big Jambox and listen to music. Could not do that with the Galaxy S2 Desktop Dock ECR-D1D3BE.
The 3.5 Audio out port is laughable.
Want Samsung Galaxy Multimedia Desktop Charging Dock for Samsung Galaxy Phones Discount?
It does what it's supposed to do, but since it's a universal dock and not specific to the Galaxy S3, it's a bit on the wobbly side. (my coworker also tried his Galaxy Nexus and the fit was identical) The dock is made from plastic, which also contributes to it's instability. I'm not worried about it falling out of the dock, but when I actually touch the screen to use the phone, it bounces slightly and will even tilt to the side. If it sounds like this will bother you, then maybe look into a more expensive, phone-specific option. Overall, I'm good with it just wish it didn't bounce.Save 45% Off
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