Apple Intros New Universal Dock, Pulls Compact Wired Keyboard

Apple has quietly updated the Universal Dock pack which “offers easy access to a USB port for charging and syncing your iPod or iPhone or for connecting to a TV or speakers.” The new package now includes the Aluminum Apple Remote, a USB power adapter and a USB cable, as well as a revised set of five dock adapters for compatibility with the most iPhones, iPod touches, and the fifth-generation iPod nano.

Because of the newly included goodies, Apple was forced to raise the price of the package from $49 to $59.

“The Apple Universal Dock serves as a convenient and elegant home base for charging, syncing, and more,” Apple states.

“Through the use of interchangeable inserts called Dock Adapters, it works with iPhone and all iPod models that have a dock connector and dock adapter."

"So even if you own more than one iPod or iPhone, you can keep just one Dock connected to your computer, stereo, or TV,” Apple adds.

Customers who order the Apple Universal Dock, or buy one in-store, will receive the following (in-the-box), according to Apple:

What's in the Box:
- Apple Universal Dock
- Apple Remote
- Five Dock Adapters that fit: iPhone 4, iPhone 3G and 3GS, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), and iPod nano 5th generation
- USB Power Adapter
- USB Cable
- User Guide

Apple is also known to have cheapened its Composite AV Cable and Component AV Cables by $10 to $39. The Mac maker no longer includes the USB power adapter, as a result of the price cut.

In related news, Apple has reportedly discontinued the compact wired aluminum keyboard previously offered in both wired and wireless forms. The company, however, continues to offer the extended wired keyboard that includes a numeric keypad.