Hardware Charging by dock or by cord?

[NathanDuma]

So, ever since I got my 3DS, I charged it with the cord. However, Nintendo included a dock where you can put your 3DS in it and it will charge.
Is it better to charge by the dock or the cord? Why or why not?

 

[BoxmanWTF]

If you ever get a PP+ or something like it, you will miss the dock.
The dock really does make it easier. But it doesn't charge faster or anything, it's mostly a matter of preference.