Obviously though, plenty of people make compatible connectors - pretty much every connector has a second or third source, whether authorised or otherwise. That'd be the best option if someone wanted to make a dock-compatible player.

I just don't think anyone has been brave enough to try it yet (outside of China - I'm sure some of the cheaper accessories that don't escape the far east aren't using the real-deal JAE connector) ... Apple have a lot of lawyers!

Hugo