Tune Blocker - Just the charge, please...

The Matias Tune Blocker is pretty simple: it's a USB cable for your iPod or iPhone which allows you, with the flip of a switch, to cut the data connection while keeping the power connection. Cutting the data means that plugging in your iPod will still charge the device, but won't start up iTunes, or cause a computer without iTunes to recognize a whole new device and waste time trying to set it up. A good functional idea, but at 25 bucks, a little costly (not to mention a little ugly). I'd like to see some variations on the concept: a small-as-can-be dongle to fit on any USB connector which disables the data connection, maybe? Or a switch built in right next to a USB port (probably only one of'em) on the computer to turn off the data? Enough devices charge via USB these days that it only makes sense. Other upcoming features are taking this trend into account too! It's the kind of standardization that can make everything a lot easier to use...
[via PC World and Lifehacker]