I got mine for a lot less at
Moonlight Tech. It was only $9.95. It works great. It seems a little slower than when in the cradle, but that might just be a false perception on my part, I haven't performed a side-by-side speed comparison.
Now, I leave my cradle at work on my desk. I can sync with my desktop at home via this USB cable, or with my notebook at home via IR. I am a happy man.
Again, this cable is only $9.99 and it works great.