Right-angle Lightning cable

[Brandonx1]

Originally Posted by nedd

To get back to the discussion, here some pictures of my "few hours ago arrived Dock with iPad Air 2", with mini-riser and Belkin mixit angled cable. Not bad at all for now, still need to use it for some time to give it real life experience.
1. global picture
2. iPad in the middle
3. iPad moved to the most left position to gain more space for the two top left knobs.

Cheers, Nenad

That's doesn't look bad to me. What's all the fuss about?

[WorldStudios]

It is ugly. Thats why. And without the riser it is impossible to fit an angled connector. But some straight ones work.

The riser increases the angle, which can be good or bad, depending on your personal preference.

[Righty27]

Notwithstanding Kyle's (appreciated) comments, we've yet to see a picture where this does look anything other than 'not ideal' - if this thread was about users trying to jury rig their new iPad (e.g. following a form factor change by Apple) into an old Dock product for which it wasn't designed (or vice versa), this is the type of discussion/pictures one would expect to see here.

But for a brand new product/design with an iPad that hasn't changed since well before the Dock was announced, let's face it - it's not great. How did the prototype get signed off - maybe without a cable connected?! Maybe the communications/user guide are wrong or could be improved and the issue is actually widespread 'user error'?

Kyle - it would be useful to see a picture from Avid to show what is considered correct/acceptable, I suggest.

[robertg]

Originally Posted by Righty27

Notwithstanding Kyle's (appreciated) comments, we've yet to see a picture where this does look anything other than 'not ideal' - if this thread was about users trying to jury rig their new iPad (e.g. following a form factor change by Apple) into an old Dock product for which it wasn't designed (or vice versa), this is the type of discussion/pictures one would expect to see here.

But for a brand new product/design with an iPad that hasn't changed since well before the Dock was announced, let's face it - it's not great. How did the prototype get signed off - maybe without a cable connected?! Maybe the communications/user guide are wrong or could be improved and the issue is actually widespread 'user error'?

Kyle - it would be useful to see a picture from Avid to show what is considered correct/acceptable, I suggest.

Mine is coming in tomorrow, and from what I gather, the cable does indeed fit in the little notch. It's just the people that insist on using the riser for some unknown reason that have the problem.

[Righty27]

Thanks Robert - that is what I think Kyle was suggesting i.e. the riser is intended for iPad Mini and users of iPad Airs, etc. have to accept the different tilt angle in exchange for the cable fitting the notch as designed.

Maybe one of the current users could try this out now - nevertheless, it does sound like the documentation could be clearer and that there is little margin for error, so users will need to be careful to avoid damage to their tablet.

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by Righty27

Notwithstanding Kyle's (appreciated) comments, we've yet to see a picture where this does look anything other than 'not ideal' - if this thread was about users trying to jury rig their new iPad (e.g. following a form factor change by Apple) into an old Dock product for which it wasn't designed (or vice versa), this is the type of discussion/pictures one would expect to see here.

But for a brand new product/design with an iPad that hasn't changed since well before the Dock was announced, let's face it - it's not great. How did the prototype get signed off - maybe without a cable connected?! Maybe the communications/user guide are wrong or could be improved and the issue is actually widespread 'user error'?

Kyle - it would be useful to see a picture from Avid to show what is considered correct/acceptable, I suggest.

As I mentioned before, the iPad Mini Riser is meant for iPad Mini. The note in the guide was intended as "Hey, the riser is not intended for iPad 9.7". But, if you decide to use it anyway, then use a right angle lightning cable." I can get the guide updated to make that more explicit.

Below are photos from two different right angle cables - Belkin Mixit and EMTEC Ninety. Both $20 US.

Both are totally functional and don't interfere with operation, but the Belkin is the slimmer of the two designs. If by "not ideal" you mean "not aesthetically pleasing", then I can understand your point. But, since the riser is not meant for use with iPad 9.7", there is a compromise. But, I'd argue the right angle cable is better than having a flat lightning cable threaded between the encoders. Hence, our recommendation.

Thanks,

[WorldStudios]

This is what a cheap 3rd party lightning cable "licensed from Apple" looks like in the dock. There is very little room, but you can squeeze it all into place and get the iPad centered in the dock with some effort and some huevos. I hope the connectors are up for the challenge.

All I want now is a black connector... Where is that marker pen?

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by WorldStudios

This is what a cheap 3rd party lightning cable "licensed from Apple" looks like in the dock. There is very little room, but you can squeeze it all into place and get the iPad centered in the dock with some effort and some huevos. I hope the connectors are up for the challenge.

All I want now is a black connector... Where is that marker pen?

Note, this image is without the riser. The clearance with the cable is a little tight, but the cable connector doesn't collide with the cable cutout of the Dock, so there is no stress on the actual connector. Can you elaborate on why "you hope the connectors are up for the challenge"? Is the connector on the cable you are using thicker than the one that shipped with your iPad?

Also, you might be better off just buying another lightning cable if you want it in black. For instance, this one is $6 US.

[WorldStudios]

I was just kidding about the marker pen. :) But on my dock with iPad Air 1, the connector does collide and has to enter the iPad at quite an angle. I have tried two cables and the first one was a no go. It wast too thick and long. I will look for the slimmest black one I can find over here

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by WorldStudios

I was just kidding about the marker pen. :) But on my dock with iPad Air 1, the connector does collide and has to enter the iPad at quite an angle. I have tried two cables and the first one was a no go. It wast too thick and long. I will look for the slimmest black one I can find over here

I have an Air 1 as well and this is not the case for me (see attached). Have you tried the stock lighting cable that came with your iPad? Do you have any kind of case or protective film on your iPad?

Also, can you post a pic from the side like mine?