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Advantages Sound Quality, Simplicity, Remote Control, Portable
Disadvantages Weight, Flimsy Dock Connector
For many years, I remained unconvinced of the benefits of an iPod, but with the release of the 60Gb iPod video, I succumbed. And it's great - I've even reviewed it elsewhere on this site.
I've found a renewed love of music. CDs that have sat, unlistened to in the loft for years are now surprise visitors to my ears as the iPod shuffles it's way through thousands of tracks. After a few camping trips in the summer, I realised how ideal it would be to have my iPod with portable, powered speakers for those summer evening barbecues etc. So I set about looking at the options available for portable sound from my iPod.I've seen plenty of iPod speakers, of all shapes and sizes. I've even heard some of them and have been impressed or disappointed to varying levels by the sound that they are able to produce. I've also been surprised that so few of them are able to be powered by batteries, so aren't portable.
When I stumbled across the official AppleiPod HiFi
Weighing in at a hefty 8kg, it's a heavy old thing - heavier than I expected (not having read the small print on the website). This heaviness is not without reason though, it is extremely solid in its construction which means there's no rattling, and squeaking or unwanted flexing that would otherwise spoil the sound.
Only available in typical "Apple white" it follows the same design theme as the recent generation of iPod, curves and sudden flat bits. It's a long, square shape measuring 43cm x 17cm x 17cm. Handles are cut into the top corners, so transportation is easy enough. The shape and size is akin to that of an old "boom-box", maybe a bit smaller - but certainly enough to carry on your shoulder, sharing your music with the world.The business end is protected by a black fabric mesh that can be removed to reveal the three meaty speakers that reproduce your music with surprising fidelity. The central bass cone is a decent size (130mm) and is assisted by two passive bass ports. The high range is covered by two smaller (80mm) cones, one either side of the bass. The front of the unit also houses the infra-redreceiver and a lamp that shows the status of the device - lighting green when the volume is adjusted or a track skipped and flashing green for 10 seconds when the iPod is paused.
The iPod itself sits in a docking port on the top of the device - adapters are provided so that you can use any iPod model with the HiFi. It sits, in the centre, at a slightly reclined angle and this it my only real concern about the whole thing. There's not much holding the iPod in place other than the docking connector, so while the whole thing is of a size that you COULD walk down the high street with it on your shoulder, the iPod is held precariously enough that I would strongly advise against it.
Front view with grille attached
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simo7uk 03/07/2007 12:25
bluenosesquonk 05/12/2006 09:33
Great review, the device looks impressive.
jking1988 01/12/2006 00:16
welshwickedone 22/11/2006 20:54
salem_witch 21/11/2006 15:27
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