I was recently given the opportunity to review the Brando Workshop Palm Music Dock available from Brando. This is a truly multi-function device, and normally I am quite skeptical about gadgets that claim to do lots of things, none of them well. The gadget acts as a dock, and it does this very well indeed. As a Lifedrive owner I would have rather had a docking station rather than a cable, but I understand Palm's reasons. The Brando device gives me the docking station in a solid well designed unit. It fits well on my desk and holds the Lifedrive securely. Synchronisation is achieved by using the hotsync button. No synchronisation errors have occurred due to the device and I use it frequently throughout the day.
The main reason however for reviewing the docking station, is the music output. The device has a set of stereo speakers and does give good sound. It does what it says on the box and whilst listening to music at my desk it is perfect. The volume can be cranked up using the volume wheel, but at the very highest levels there is a little distortion. This was to be expected, and the device is not designed to be your primary music player for the house or office.
I also tested the docking station whilst watching DVD's. The sound output was perfectly adequate for watching movies although it is not possible to watch in widescreen for obvious reasons. However whilst away from home, my wife and I were able to huddle around the Lifedrive and watch a movie together, quite good fun with a bottle of wine as well!
It is also possible to connect other devices to the docking station to play a wider catalogue of music. The included cable will connect an iPod or other music player if your Palm device cannot hold enough music. This is a great feature as it allows for all your music to be shared and gives you a wider variety whilst working at the computer.
Overall I feel this is a brilliant product and all for 32USD!! It does lots of things and achieves all of them well. If you need a docking station for your TE 2, T5, TX or Lifedrive then you would do no better to consider this product. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to listen to music whilst working and who needs to know that synchronisation is only a button press away. The only gripe I have is the retina burning brightness of the blue power LED. I like blue LED's, but this one attracts aircraft. I know some users have covered this up. A minor point though which should not put anyone off.
