ARQ Dock 2.0
ARQ Dock by 2040 Design Studio is an aluminum modular nesting dock for smartphones or tablets with or without cases on. It’s unique feature allows you to group several ARQ Docks together so that it looks neater. Looks can sometimes be deceiving because the cables from the group of ARQ docks is pretty messy as well.
The default packaging comes with a micro USB cable. It supports official and third party Apple 30pin cables, Apple Lightning cables, micro USB cables and Samsung USB 3.0 cables.
ARQ Dock 2.0 as the name sounds is the second generation of the ARQ Dock. Both versions of the ARQ Docks are crowded funded on Kickstarter. I didn’t manage to back the ARQ Dock 1.0 but I did back the ARQ Dock 2.0.
ARQ Dock 2.0 was successfully funded on Kickstarter on the 19th November 2014 after raising US$24,575 out of their initial goal of US$12,000 from 512 backers.
I backed four ARQ Dock 2.0 on 22nd October 2014 and each of them cost US$25. Shipping is a flat fee of US$15. In total, I paid US$115 (S$157).
This is so far the only Kickstarter’s project that I backed that was on time. Under the rewards, they mentioned they will ship in December 2014. They did keep to their promise and they finished shipping on 16th December 2014.
But for some reason, they left out my order. Nevertheless, they rectified it the next day and it was shipped out to me on 1st February 2015 and I got it 2 weeks later on 16th February 2015.
Each ARQ Dock 2.0 package comes with one Arq Dock, two support Arq pins with protective silicone caps, two connector inserts, one Arq key (L wrench) with 2 screws (already screwed in) and one micro USB cable.
I was surprised 2040 Design Studio included two Capta in the package. I am guessing for every two ARQ Dock 2.0 you bought, you get one Capta. Capta is a hybrid accessory that combines the features of a tripod mount, a phone stand, and a cable management system.
The ARQ Dock 2.0 is made from one solid piece of aluminum and hence the build of it is solid. The only thing I didn’t like about the dock is the base is small and flimsy. The weight of your device is basically supported by the nano suction pads at the bottom of the ARQ Dock 2.0. As time goes by, the nano suction pads will pick up dust and it will become less effective. You will then have to clean the nano suction pads with a damp lint-free cloth.
I tried docking an iPad Air without peeling off the plastic cover to the nano suction pads and it will just topple over. However, an iPhone 6 Plus, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 docks just fine without the need for the nano suction pads.
