Review: Seidio Mini USB to 3.5mm Adapter for G1

Sometimes from small and simple things, great things can come to pass. If you own a T-Mobile Android G1 smartphone and enjoy listening to music on your G1, then the Seidio Mini USB to 3.5mm Adapter is a must-have. Available here in the Android Central Store for $9.95, it's just the thing for any G1 owner and will make a GREAT stocking-stuffer! Read on for the review!

Overview

If you were one of the first out there to snag a T-Mobile G1 smartphone running the much-anticipated Android OS, you were also sorely disappointed if you want to plug your headphones into that baby out of the box and crank some tunes. The G1 sports a mini-USB port only, so any standard 3.5mm pin would require an adapter. Even though HTC has announced that all new shipments of G1 phones will include an adapter, there's thousands upon thousands out there already needing assimilation - (adapter) resistance is futile!

The Seidio Mini USB to 3.5mm Adapter is the answer to the problem - a mini USB connecter on one end and a 3.5mm socket on the other, you can plug your standard headphones in and enjoy stereo audio on your G1.

Design

The adapter is about 4 1/2 inches from end to end, with about 2 inches of flexible in between the mini USB pin and the 3.5mm jack. The plastics used are solid and cable is roughly the same gauge (thickness) as a standard set of stereo headphones. As with any cable, you will want to be careful to avoid any unnecessary bending or strain on the cable, particularly at either end where the flexible cable connects to the connectors.

Performance

This accessory is pretty straight-forward: just plug the mini USB end into the mini USB port on your G1 and your favorite headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the other end, and you are in business. This accessory should have shipped from day one with the G1, but since it did not, now is the time to take action and order one for yourself or your family member or friend that has a G1 - there's no reason that Santa can't deliver G1 accessories!

My experience with Seidio has always been pretty positive, and this Mini USB to 3.5mm Adapter for G1 is no exception. It is a simple design, constructed well, and connects easily but firmly to the mini USB port on the G1. The length of the cable is just long enough to allow a bit of flexing between connectors and is not too long to become cumbersome. It's small size makes it easy to store and carry with you, whether in a  bag or in your pocket. In fact, if your G1 is your main music machine, then you might as well leave this cable attached to your headphones so you always have it with you.

Conclusion

The Seidio Mini USB to 3.5mm Adapter for G1 is a no-brainer if you picked up a G1 before they started shipping with an adapter. If you want to use your 3.5mm pin headphones for audio on your G1, you will need an adapter, period. This adapter is constructed well and is just the right length. The connectors are solid and it performs as it should - no degradation in sound quality and small enough to leave attached to your headphones or carry in your pocket or bag.

Android Central Rating: 5/5