Handy Gadgets

CNET have published a review of Aperion Intimus 4B Harmony SA the home theater speaker system. 'The Intimus 4B Harmony SA is a six-piece 5.1 system that includes four Intimus 4B satellites, a 4C center channel speaker, and a Bravus 8A powered subwoofer. All of the speakers feature the same 4-inch woven fiberglass woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter. The woofer is a newer design and looks aesthetically different than the 4-inch driver used in our reference Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD speaker system. The 1-inch silk dome tweeter, however, remains unchanged.'

Continue reading "Aperion Intimus 4B Harmony SA Review - CNET" »

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CNET have published a review of the IntelliTouch EOS Digital Wireless Multi-Room Audio System. ' The EOS system comes with a main base station and one extra wireless speaker, and it's available in either black or white (though IntelliTouch is planning on discontinuing the white version). You can purchase up to three extra speakers (for $130 each) that will extend the entire system to four maximum wireless speakers: the EOS100RB (black) and the EOS100R (white--presumably also slated for being discontinued). The base itself is covered in a shiny plastic. Two midrange drivers flank the dock on either side while a bottom-mounted subwoofer is hidden behind a circular plastic grille. The main unit is sturdy and won't slide away thanks to its four rubber feet. Two blue LEDs up front signify your two source selection and four blue LEDs will illuminate to let you know how many of the four possible wireless speakers are connected. You also have the option of using any non-iPod device as your source using the 3.5mm line-in port on the rear of the base station.'

Continue reading "Review: IntelliTouch EOS Digital Wireless Multi-Room Audio System (white) - CNET" »

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PC Magazine have published a review of the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Tour High Resolution In-Ear Headphones. 'A definite head turner, the Tour is designed to stand out. The bright red cable is flat and wide, like fettuccine, while the earpieces are emblazoned with the brand's signature lowercase "b" logo. The jack is thin, so it works with first-generation iPhones. And you get several sizes of ear tips, in both rounded and flanged varieties. Everything fits neatly inside a circular rubber carrying case. Visually, the Tour is far more interesting than Monster's other new earphone set, the $179.95 Turbine.'

Continue reading "Review: Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Tour High Resolution In-Ear Headphones - PC Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 11:02 AM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a reivew of the Pure Digital Evoke-2S DAB and FM radio. 'Right out of the blocks, the machine feels chunky and well built - it's 290 x 210 x 120mm. You certainly wouldn't want to drop it on your foot, but it’s still light enough to move around easily enough. The machine is done out in the familiar Evoke maple finish with carry handle, and has an attractive brushed aluminium face, with click dials and push-button controls. Everything is laid out simply and labelled clearly, so there's no need to go near the manual to figure out which button does what. All the controls feel solid and precise. The machine isn't overloaded with accessories. In fact, you get European and UK power leads, and that's it. However, you can purchase the company’s ChargePAK internal rechargeable battery for true portability, as well as an iPod dock. We can't help feeling that, for the price, the Evoke-2S really should come with these in the box.'

Continue reading "Review: Pure Digital Evoke-2S DAB and FM Radio - Register Hardware" »

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Laptop Magazine have published a review of the affordable Southwing SH241headset. 'The first thing you’ll notice about the SH241 is the hook. At 2.2 x 0.7 x 0.4 inches, it’s almost twice as long as the headset itself. And because it’s made of thick black plastic, it’s hard not to notice. The headset is short and narrow, with rounded edges. Although its shape is sleek, the Southwing SH241 loses style points for the front surface, which displays the company logo lengthwise, with dual-colored LED volume controls on either side. It’s impossible to tell by looking which volume button is which; for the record, the one closest to the skull decreases volume. Plus, the lights double as a battery indicator. The headset comes with three metallic face plates in burgundy, lavender, and gunmetal gray.'

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A review of the Onkyo HT-S9100THX 7.1 Channel Receiver and speaker package has been posted over at CNET. 'The HT-S9100THX's receiver looks exactly like a standard component-style Onkyo AV receiver. The 25-pound unit is somewhat of a beast for a home-theater-in-a-box unit, measuring 6 inches high, 17 inches wide, and 15 inches deep. The majority of the device is covered in black plastic except for the unit's display that runs along the middle of the receiver. There's also some connectivity available right on the front of the HT-S9100THX, consisting of a composite video AV input and a headphone jack. The included speakers are as bulky as the receiver. The front left, center, and right speakers take up a bit of real estate--each measuring 17 inches high by 6 inches wide by 8 inches deep--so we really can't recommend the system for small rooms. Ideally, you'll want this system in a larger home theater room, where you can comfortably lay out the system.'

Continue reading "Onkyo HT-S9100THX Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 11:03 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Orb Audio Mod 2 and Uber Ten Subwoofer combo. 'The Mod2 is essentially two of the company's spherical Mod1 speakers installed on a high-quality, heavy gauge steel desk stand and wired together. Each Orb contains a 3” full range polypropylene driver cone with a special surround material; fully shielded, high density neodymium magnet; and a slew of other fancy stuff that adds up to a well thought-out design. The frequency response of the Mod1 and Mod2 satellites on their own is not published. Instead, Orb claims a total system response of 28-20,000 hz. The Mod1 is listed with an 8 ohm nominal impedance, the Mod2 at 4 ohms nominal, and are considered to be safe to use with just about any receiver or amplifier. You can check with Orb about higher power amps and receivers. On the provided desk stand, the Mod2 measured 4 3/16” W x 9 ½ “ H x 4 7/8” D.'

Continue reading "Review: Orb Audio Mod 2 and Uber Ten Subwoofer - Digital Trends" »

Posted by Admin at 11:19 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the JBL Duet II desktop speakers. 'We've always been rather fond of JBL's futuristic designs, and the Duet II speakers are no exception. The package contains a pair of drives that look rather like docked space shuttles. A circular base supports a tapered end that bulges out to form a cylinder that slightly tapers again at the top. The front of each speaker is wrapped in a silver clothe grille that is emblazoned with the JBL logo, while the back is encased in glossy black plastic. The Duet II is a bit on the large side for a desktop unit, with the base of each measuring 4 inches in diameter and the mini towers themselves standing 10.5 inches tall. Still, the overall tall-and-narrow shape works well for positioning on either side of a computer monitor.

Continue reading "JBL Duet II Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 11:06 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Pure Avanti Flow DAB radio. 'The Pure Digital Avanti Flow is more than just an iPod speaker dock and at £270 though it has to be. The Avanti flow combines DAB digital radio, media streaming service and Internet radio in one low-slung and compact package. Construction is especially robust: the unit is clearly well manufactured and built to last. Though the Avanti Flow comes with adaptors for most of the more recent iPods there’s no iPhone adaptor, which seems a bit strange. You can still attach one to the docking connector it just won’t sit as neatly on the top.'

Continue reading "Pure Avanti Flow DAB Radio Review - Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 11:52 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater system. 'The SurroundBar 360 aims for simplicity in design and setup, and--thanks to a straightforward two-piece design--largely achieves that. The speakerbar portion is 4.5 inches tall by 64 inches wide by 5 inches deep. Externally, it looks similar to the original Polk Audio SurroundBar we reviewed in 2005. Like that model--and subsequent Polk SurroundBars--the 360 version uses Polk's proprietary "SDA Surround" technology (Stereo Dimensional Array). Remove the grille, and you'll notice the eight separate 2.5-inch speaker drivers are evenly grouped at both ends, with nothing in the middle.'

Continue reading "Review: Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater - CNET" »

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A review of the Grace GDI-IR2000 Wi-Fi radio has been posted over at CNET. 'The look of the GDI-IR2000 is nearly identical to that of its predecessor. From the front, the left side is dominated by a 5-inch, five-watt speaker behind a black grille. Toward the center are nine buttons used to load presets, navigate menus, and control playback with digital music. The small knob underneath controls volume and the larger knob is used to navigate menus; you push the menu knob to make selections. The faceplate is all black, with thin silver trimming around the outside. Last year's model had an external Wi-Fi antenna in the back, while the GDI-IR2000's antenna in contained inside the unit. In all, we think it's a stylish look.'

Continue reading "Grace GDI-IR2000 Wi-Fi Radio Review - CNET" »

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Off-Road.com have published a review of Motorola's EM1000 TalkAbout Radios. 'Motorola considers this package to be their “total emergency preparedness communication device”. With such features as a built in LED flashlight and the ability to receive weather radio communications, I think they are off to a great start. There are 11 free accessible weather channels, 7 of which are NOAA. The TalkAbout radios also have other very important features like the ability to receive transmissions from 20 miles away. Now, although we did not test this function at 20 miles, there were times when I was separated from the crew and an estimate of distance was over 1 ½ to 2 miles away. The EM1000 functioned just as if we were standing right beside each other. And that was in a densely wooded area.'

Continue reading "Motorola EM1000 2-Way Radios Review - Off-Road.com" »

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The Register Hardware have published a review of the Pure Avanti Flow tabletop internet radio and iPod speaker system. 'The Avanti delivers all of its functionality in an easy to use and effective way, so once set up, you'll be likely to use all the features rather than forgetting a third of what the product can do after the first flush of ownership is past. It also delvers a genuinely impressive level of sound reproduction. First impressions out of the box are good. The gloss black finish coupled with the metallic silver flashes on the main driver unit grilles give the unit a very attractive appearance. The Avanti really looks like it means business. Picking the machine up, you'll find the Avanti seems very solid and the build quality feels of a good standard.'

Continue reading "Review: Pure Digital Avanti Flow Internet DAB/FM Radio With iPod Dock - Register Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 11:28 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Enhanced Line of Products Previewed at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Cobra Electronics (NASDAQ:COBR) announces the launch of its 2009 GMRS/FRS two-way radio line, which will debut January 2009 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The microTALK® line includes six SKUs, with ultra-clear, high-performance reception and Cobra exclusive features such as VibrAlert® and Rewind-Say-AgainTM.

Continue reading "Cobra Electronics Launches High-Performance Line of microTALK® Two-Way Radios" »

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Amazon.com has reduced the Aluratek AIRMM01 Internet Radio Alarm Clock with built-in WiFi (Black) to $121.99. 'Choose between more than 11,000 radio stations worldwide via built-in vTuner with no monthly cost Compatible with universal Plug-n-Play audio servers such as: Microsoft Media Player 11 (WMP11), Microsoft Media Connect, MusicMatch Jukebox Wireless access WIFI 802.11 b and g, Ethernet and USB 2.0 (host only) connectivity Access music fi les (MP3, WMA, WAV) stored on a USB 2.0 flash drive, MP3 player or Hard drive through the unit¿s USB port Alarm clock function with 2 programmable alarms wakes you up to internet radio, FM radio, digital music, or choice of several alarm tones.' This item is sold with free standard shipping to the continental USA.

Continue reading "Aluratek AIRMM01 Internet Radio Alarm Clock with built-in WiFi (Black) for $121.99" »

Posted by Admin at 11:12 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Roberts RDK-2 DAB FM kitchen radio. 'The radio has four main operating modes: DAB, FM, playlist mode and auxiliary input. There's also an SD card slot for recording radio programmes in MP2 or playing back MP3 files made elsewhere. This function is accessed by selecting the playlist mode. Repeatedly pressing the Band button toggles the unit between its main functions, though the auxiliary input is automatically selected if an external devices is connected to the RDK-2's 3.5mm jack.'

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Posted by Admin at 7:56 AM | Permalink

C.Crane.com has the CC Observer wind-up emergency radio on offer for $49.95 plus shipping. 'The CC Observer is a wind-up emergency radio that makes no bones about outperforming a distant cousin. You might notice that we did a few things differently. For one thing, we tinkered with the AM for better reception, and then we put the LED flashlight on the side of the radio instead of the front. That way, when you turn it on the light doesn’t shine in your face, and when you carry it, you can use the flashlight to light your way while holding it in a more natural position. You can run the CC Observer off the built-in rechargeable batteries or you can go with 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included) if you prefer. Of course, if you don't have alkaline batteries around, just wind-up the radio and keep it running as long as you need. You can even use it to charge a cell phone. In case you're wondering, along with good AM reception, you also get FM and the Weather band — which comes in really handy if you're using the radio during a power failure. There's also a stereo headphone jack for private listening. Weight: 1 lb. Size: 7.25" W x 5.5" H x 2" D.

Continue reading "CC Observer Wind-up Radio for CC Observer $49.95 @ C.Crane" »

Posted by Admin at 11:15 PM | Permalink

CCrane.com has reduced the Tangent Quattro WiFi Internet Radio from $399.95 to $349.95. 'The Tangent Quattro integrates WiFi radio with distinctive Danish styling. Housed inside a MDF wood cabinet, the Quattro has the highest quality audio among our WiFi radios. With the Quattro you have a unique way to search thousands of Internet radio stations -- by location AND genre. You can find anything from Jazz in Taiwan to news from Germany. You can also use the Quattro to wirelessly stream music and audio from your computer (PC and Mac), or connect your MP3 player to the audio-in and use the radio as a stand alone speaker. There’s no subscription fee and you don’t even have to turn on your computer. Broadband high-speed internet required. Weight: 4.5 lbs. Size: 8.25” W x 6.25” H x 4.5” D.'

Continue reading "Tangent Quattro WiFi Internet Radio for $349.95 @ C.Crane" »

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Roberts Stream WM-202 portable DAB radio. 'The body is finished in a very thin and plain silver paint, there are fake Chrome highlights randomly dotted around and the arrangement of buttons is all over the place. We can accept a device being made to a budget in terms of materials used but to take such a slapdash approach to the design as well is very disappointing. In fairness the overall build quality is reasonable and the unit feels sturdy enough, though it does exhibit that unsatisfying hollow, creaky quality that, again, puts you in mind of a cheap product.'

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Sanyo R227 internet radio. 'The unit also incorporates an FM tuner with an auto-seek mode and two alarm clocks. The wake-up call function associated with the latter features can be set to buzzer, an FM station or an Internet radio station. Each alarm clock can further be programmed to sound daily, on weekdays or weekends only, or once a week on a specific day. The radio additionally has a sleep timer that can be set for lengths of time ranging between 15 and 90 minutes. If you have a Windows PC on the same network, you can also use the R227 as a media player, provided you’ve set up sharing on the computer. Tunes may be selected by album, artist and individual tracks or playlists.'

Continue reading "Sanyo R227 Internet Radio Review - Digital Trends" »

Posted by Admin at 11:35 PM | Permalink

C.Crane has reduced their CC WiF radio to $199.95 plus shipping. 'The CC WiFi combines straightforward style with all the convenience of tuning in over 11,000 radio stations from around the world. The CC WiFi radio has excellent audio in a small footprint that fits nicely on a desktop, kitchen counter or bedside table. There's a headphone socket for private listening and a line-out for use with your component speakers. Features 99 memory presets, remote control, an alarm clock, and an Ethernet port for a hard-wire network connection. Weight: 1 lb. Size: 6.5" W x 3.9" H x 3.9" D.'

Continue reading "CC WiFi Radio for $199.95 @ C.Crane" »

Posted by Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Espoo, Finland - Today Nokia revealed its smallest Bluetooth headset to date, the Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-804. This new Bluetooth headset combines cutting-edge technology with genuine aluminum case, slim lines and a compact size making it a stylish accessory to any mobile device. Boasting superior audio quality and the latest audio features, including digital signal processing (DSP) for background noise cancellation, the Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-804 lets consumers enjoy crisp, clear conversations while on the go

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Posted by Admin at 1:40 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the PICO RadioStation portable digital radio. 'Once the product was turned on, we were presented with the maximum number of stations available for our location within two minutes. Wireless network connection - WEP, WPA and WPA 2 security modes are all supported - is also easy: a number and character menu and the unit’s central control wheel makes entering passwords a doddle. Connection for content streaming is also simple thanks to straightforward menu choices. It's wired as well as wireless, and the connectivity run-down also consists of stereo left and right RCA jacks, a 3.5mm headphones socket and a USB port for potential future upgrades.'

Continue reading "PICO RadioStation Review - Register Hardware" »

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Tangent Trio Desktop DAB radio. 'Starting with those looks, there's one other thing that immediately strikes you about the Trio; the speaker's on the top. While undoubtedly peculiar there's actually a great deal of logic to this. For a start, it leaves the front free to be occupied by the controls and display, allowing the radio to be shorter and slimmer than otherwise possible. Secondly, with only one speaker, you're getting no stereo effect anyway so projecting the sound upwards helps to spread the sound out, filling the whole room with sound, rather than it just emanating from one corner.'

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PC World have published a review of the iHome Audio IH70SRC computer and iPod speaker set. 'These $150 speakers are tall and narrow, with a small footprint. An iPod dock sits in the base of one speaker, while the base of the other speaker holds the power switch and volume controls. The speakers come bundled with a remote control, an audio-in cable, and a USB cable. You can connect the USB cable to your PC to charge and sync your iPod when it's docked. (The speakers work with most iPod models; see the iHome Audio Web site for a specific list of compatible models.).'

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Posted by Admin at 11:16 PM | Permalink

A review of the Olympus LS-10 portable digital recorder has been psoted over at Pocket-Lint. 'Taking the LS-10 out of the box and the first impression is that you have bought something that is going to take you a long time to understand. The pencil case sized device doesn't take the minimalist approach. It takes the "lets put yet another button in that bit of space" approach. On a device measures 131.5 x 48 x 22.4mm there are 17 buttons, 5 input sockets, two microphones, and a large LCD screen that gives you information such as recording length, the recording rate, levels of the recording and how much space you've got left in hours, minutes and seconds.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the LaCie USB speakers. 'The output quality of the LaCie USB Speakers also leaves a lot to be desired. With only 1 watt of output from each channel and a limited frequency range (90Hz-20kHz), they can't reproduce music in the same aural ballpark as most digital music recordings intend. We used the speakers to play several different genres of music including modern recordings with digitally enhanced instruments and we were consistently disappointed with the results. Bass guitars and other instruments with a baritonal low end are distant and unenthusiastic and the treble sounds painfully shrill without a solid foundation. The sound quality is a small step above the stock speakers built into the average laptop.'

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Posted by Admin at 11:05 PM | Permalink

The new CC Witness media player from C.Crane features AM and FM radio along with the capability to make MP3 recordings of radio programs. 'The CC Witness has 2GB of onboard memory and up to 16GB of external memory on an optional SD card. That's enough memory to record your favorite radio programs, your thoughts, lectures and lots of music. You'll have plenty of room to store hundreds of hours of voice recordings, and still have room for more. If you've ever worried about missing your favorite radio show, than the CC Witness might just make your day — it has a timer! You can preset it to record up to 20 programs in advance. You can also make MP3 recordings of AM/FM radio programs (or anything else you can connect to the line-in) on the fly.'

Continue reading "CC Witness: MP3 Recorder-Player with Built-In AM/FM Radio" »

Posted by Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

A review of the Parrot DS3120 wireless digital MP3 radio system has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. 'At 11.7 inches wide, the DS3120 is about the same width as the ultra-slim Altec Lansing SoundBlade but packs a little more baggage in the back at 3.9 inches deep, compared with the SoundBlade’s svelte 1-inch profile. Still, the DS3120 will easily fit on a small table and is an unobtrusive desk companion. Centered on the top of the unit is a bright and clear 1.8-inch LCD. Below are nine buttons to make on-screen selections and control music playback and volume. The buttons are spaced far enough apart to use with ease but require a bit of force; we found ourselves holding onto the back of the unit to prevent it from tipping over when using the playback controls.'

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The Register Hardware have published a review of the Pure Digital Evoke Flow portable internet radio. 'The Evoke Flow combines DAB, FM and Wi-Fi-received internet streams and has the aim of delivering the best of what's available on all three platforms. Pure believes that just giving access to the thousands of internet stations that are out there isn't quite the point. So it's created a dedicated portal called the Lounge, bringing the listener many ways to tailor the internet radio to suite personal tastes. There's no need trawl through hundreds of options to find something worth listening to - the search power of the Lounge can be applied to sort, arrange and create a bespoke listening experience. The site isn't available to the public as yet, but Register Hardware was given special access to try the service out.'

Continue reading "Pure Digital Evoke Flow Radio Review - Register Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 10:35 PM | Permalink

A review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Dream iPod speaker system has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Despite its size the Pure-Fi Dream retains the classiness we're accustomed to seeing from Logitech products. Its curvaceous bulges and glossy black finish look sleek and stylish so it does at least look like it's worth the asking price. Like the buttons on the remote, all function buttons on the top are backlit orange - an effect that's activated by motion sensors. This is handy if you're tying to hit the buttons in the dark, though if you are, you're clearly getting up far too early!

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CNET have published a review of the Yamaha Pocketrak 2G Pocket Stereo Recorder. 'The Pocketrak 2G is marketed toward recording musicians, but its lightweight, low-profile design is just dying to be used for covert spy missions and concert bootlegging. Clad in a glossy black plastic and measuring 4.75 inches by 1.25 inches by 0.25 inch (HWD), the Pocketrak 2G is easily concealed in your pocket, or tucked away in some dark corner. The Pocketrak 2G's built-in stereo microphone takes up the last half inch of the top of the device, and can be angled up on its hinge to prevent it from picking up vibrations when laid on a table.

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Posted by Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

A review of Dualit’s DAB Lite Radio has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'First and foremost Dualit's eye for elegant retro design certainly seems to be on the ball with the same art deco lines that adorn all the company's products once again being employed. The model we're looking at is finished in a fetching cream colour but Chrome is available if you want something with a bit more bling and black is also an option. Build quality also seems decent enough with a strong moulded plastic chassis that includes some neat little touches like a handle on the back and a neat, crumb catcher recess for stowing the aerial. The controls are also responsive and relatively robust. However, the overall feel isn't really one of quality.'

Continue reading "Dualit Lite Radio Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 10:13 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Roberts solarDAB radio. 'Firstly, let's look at the other functions on the radio, which are pretty good. There's the detachable aerial, for instance. This can be clipped into a recess on the back of the radio to fully protect it. It's a nice feature, but we couldn't help thinking that if the radio was frequently used outside, the aerial could very easily get mislaid. However, once clipped into its little hidey-hole, the aerial is hard to dislodge. So as long as you remember to stow it away, you should be fine.

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PC Magazine have published a review of the sleek IOGear GBMH211W6 Bluetooth headphones. 'Shipping with a USB charging cable, two sets of ear cushions, and a quick-start guide, the headphones use the Bluetooth 1.2 profile and support A2DP and AVRCP profiles. If you want to use them with an iPod or any other device that doesn't integrate Bluetooth, you'll have to purchase a separate dongle from IOGear for $79.99. Most of the other Bluetooth headphones we've seen, including the Genius BT-03A ($119.99 list), come bundled with a Bluetooth audio transmitter. Because of this limitation, I'd recommend the GBMH211W6 primarily for music phone users, since Bluetooth is standard issue on most handsets these days. It will work also with Bluetooth-enabled music players such as the Haier Ibiza Rhapsody and the Samsung YP-T10.'

Continue reading "IOGear GBMH211W6 Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 5:16 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Pioneer Elite® X-Z9 tabletop, two-channel multimedia music system. 'The X-Z9 system is made up of two, 3-way bass-reflex, 50 watt speakers with a 13 centimeter cone woofer on the bottom and a coaxial mi-range driver and tweeter above. The frequency range of the system is 36Hz to 50 kHz and each speaker weighs a bit over 21 pounds. Both speakers have a beautiful piano black glossy finish as seen on other Pioneer Elite products and are ported on the front of the speaker. On the front mesh grill the Pioneer logo is displayed and on the back of the speakers are gold-plated cable connectors.'

Continue reading "Pioneer Elite X-Z9 Review - Digital Trends" »

Posted by Admin at 10:31 PM | Permalink

CNET have publsihed a review of the Lasonic i931 "Old School Style High Performance Portable Music System with Ipod Slot". 'As a fashion statement, there are few iPod accessories that rival the Lasonic i931. Measuring 15 inches tall, 2 feet wide, and 7 inches deep, the Lasonic i931 is bigger than a toddler. The front of the Lasonic i931 is cluttered with graphics, creating the illusion of a product packed with exotic features. Once you get past the glitz and graphics, however, you realize the i931 system could be pared down to a device one half of the size.

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Posted by Admin at 12:36 PM | Permalink

A review of the Noxon iRadio for iPod (iPod base station, wireless Internet radio, intuitive podcast receiver and multiformat network audio player) has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The new Noxon iRadio For iPod pretty much throws in the kitchen sink, including just about every feature the rest of the range offers, all in one. Like the other Noxon models, the iRadio for iPod can be connected to a home network, allowing it to play hundreds of internet radio stations and podcasts. It can also stream music from a computer to the iRadio, so you can listen to music from the computer in any room.'

Continue reading "Terratec Noxon iRadio for iPod - Computeractive" »

Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have publsihed a review of the MagicBox Touch DAB radio. 'The MagicBox Touch is a fairly large radio, measuring 28 x 15.5 x 7.2cm, but part of this is to allow you to insert six C cell batteries in the back to go portable, however, there is no handle if you do take this route. Housed in a black gloss casing, the touch interface gives the MagicBox a minimalist appearance, emphasised with a neat chrome line. It is a shame that the body moulding has a join running right around the sides, spoiling what could have been taken as a fetching design. As a result, it appears fairly average, but without any buttons.'

Continue reading "MagicBox Touch DAB Radio - Pocket-Lint" »

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CNET have published a review of the Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones (plum). 'On first blush, the Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones may not seem terribly unusual in design: they are typical in-ear style canal 'buds. However, they're actually unique as they are the only child-friendly headphones we've seen in this style. As such, they're probably not suitable for young children, since they have to be stuck in the ear. The low-profile design is perfect for the tween set, though. Preteens will likely appreciate the variety of color options as well. The earphones come in a choice of blueberry (blue), mint (green), or plum (fuchsia), all with matching cases that look vaguely like floss cases. Ultimate Ears also includes a variety of silicone sleeves in sizes ranging from extra small to medium--perfect for little ears. The cable, which is black, measures about 43-inches long and terminates in a straight plug.'

Continue reading "Review: Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 9:08 PM | Permalink

C.Crane has the Sangean DT400w Pocket Radio on offer for $69.95 plus shipping. 'The new DT-400W pocket radio has very good AM/FM reception and the special benefits of a portable NOAA Weather Radio. Slip the DT-400W into your pocket, head out for a day hike, and if the weather’s changing just scan through your local weather channels for an update. This premium pocket radio has a built-in clock, holds 19 memory presets, and also has a single button access for "My Favorite" radio station. You can listen in stereo through the included earbuds, or mono through the face-mounted speaker. 90 minute auto shutoff. Includes: digital display, lighted display, earbuds, FM antenna, removable belt clip.'

Continue reading "Sangean DT400w Pocket Radio for $69.95 @ C.Crane" »

Posted by Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have publsihed a review of the Dualit DAB Lite digtal radio set. 'Dualit is well known as the maker of expensive but stylish and manually functional toasters. Bet you didn’t know it also makes digital radios… Its latest, the DAB Lite, even looks a bit like its toaster cousins (especially the Dualit Lite), and so sits nicely as a posh radio for the discerning kitchen. The Lite is available in three colours – shiny chrome, black and cream - but not red or glacier blue. (Dualit also makes a DAB Kitchen Radio, for £150, which has more advanced features such as stereo & optical output and an AUX IN for use with other music devices, as well as being larger and weightier.)'

Continue reading "Dualit DAB Lite Review - PC Advisor" »

Posted by Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

A review of the Polk Audio I-Sonic ES2 AM FM and HD Radio with iPod Dock has been posted over at CNET. 'At first glance, the I-Sonic ES2's curved black, silver, and gray housing could be mistaken for the first-gen model. There are a few key improvements, however. The front-panel LCD screen is far more readable: it's larger, the contrast is better, and it's angled back a bit, thus making it easier to read when adjusting the top-mounted controls. And those controls are a notable step up over the original I-Sonic as well. Fifteen buttons are arranged directly above the display, with the most commonly used--power, volume, source, and snooze/mute--appropriately oversized for easy access (though snooze could stand to be larger). The smaller buttons include time, alarm, and radio preset keys that are likely to be used with far less regularity. Alternately, you can use the included credit card remote to access the main functions as well.'

Continue reading "Polk Audio I-Sonic ES2 Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 5:27 PM | Permalink

GadgetNutz have published a review of the Aliph Jawbone2 noise canceling Bluetooth headset. ‘The New Jawbone is the next step in the integration of best in class noise elimination technology with personal design that is both humanistic and minimal. "The Jawbone strategy we set-out to follow three years ago has proven that products that live on our face need to be designed differently than typical technology wares; we regard them as personal accessories or even jewelry, and, as such, believe they need to be a complete departure from the gadgetry of the mobile and headset industry." Yves Behar, Chief Designer and CCO of Aliph.’

Continue reading "Aliph Jawbone2 Review - GadgetNutz" »

Posted by Admin at 11:50 AM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Bose on-ear headphones. 'With a potent blend of quality products and what seems like an almost ubiquitous marketing campaign, Bose had managed to persuade thousands of people to spend large sums of money on the company's QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 2 noise-canceling headphones. While those models are mainstays in the business-class section of any aircraft, not everyone can afford business class--or wants to pay upward of $300 for a pair of headphones. So, Bose has come up with a model simply called the On-Ear, which borrows many of the design elements of the QuietComfort 3 but leaves out the active noise canceling and retails for a more palatable $180.'

Continue reading "Bose On-Ear Headphones Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:48 PM | Permalink

A review of the Philips AJL308 Clock Radio has been posted over at The Sydney Morning Herald. 'Philips' photo clock radio has a seven-inch screen, half of which displays a photo and the other half the time, date and alarm. It can wake you with FM radio, a buzzer or a choice of odd sounds including - in order of annoyingness - forest sounds, ocean waves, singing birds, a rooster and church bells. A big snooze button that buys you another nine minutes' sleep is solid enough to take a good whack. Of course, few people want to sleep with a bright digital picture frame next to the face.'

Continue reading "Philips AJL308 Clock Radio Review - The Sydney Morning Herald" »

Posted by Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

A review of the Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built in WiFi has been posted over at CNET. 'While many Wi-Fi radios have alarm functionality, the Aluratek Internet Radio is the first one we've reviewed that actually looks like an alarm clock. The front features a big LED display, which is great for checking the time from across the room. Further to the right is a USB port, followed by a single speaker, which bubbles out from the rest of the body. Sleepyheads will appreciate the large snooze button on the top of the unit, and there are a few other buttons such as a Stop button for the alarm, a directional pad for navigating the menus, and a power button. We would have liked some more alarm-centric buttons, so you could, for example, set a new alarm time without navigating the menus. Some buyers might be turned off by the pedestrian look of the all-plastic casing, but we didn't mind the look for a product that will most likely live in your bedroom or kitchen.'

Continue reading "Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

IT Reviews have published a review of the Revo - Blik WiFi - WiFi Internet Radio which is capable of accessing thousands of internet radio stations from all over the world. 'The Blik has about the same volume as a Roberts or Pure DAB radio, but the shape is very different. Looking something like a very small, black, aircraft hanger (white is available as an option), the radio's case is covered with a scattered pattern of grooves and holes, especially over the speaker, which is mounted facing upwards.

Continue reading "Revo - Blik WiFi Internet Radio Review - IT Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 10:39 PM | Permalink

A review of the Sony MdR-As40Ex Active Style Headphones (Earbud Style) has been posted over at CNET. 'The Sony MDR-AS40EX earphones feature a few other physical attributes worth noting. First, they're mainly black with some silver and a slight bit of red accenting, so if the Sennheiser Sport line was a little too bright and flashy for you, the MDRs are a good alternative. Also, the cable is modular, which is usually ideal for active applications, as it keeps the main cable short enough (20 inches, in this case) to use with an armband without a lot of slack cord. Also, Sony was smart enough to include a clip on the cable for dealing with the weight added when you connect the included extender cable, which adds an additional 26 inches to the length--plenty for keeping your MP3 player in a bag or pocket. Sony also includes a rather clunky, but still useful, plastic case.'

Continue reading "Sony MDR-AS40EX Headphones Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:35 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Edifer E3350 PC Speaker System. 'The E3350 is a 2.1 speaker system including 2 satellite speakers and subwoofer. The satellites are magnetically shielded with 2-way 2.75-inch soft silk dome tweeters running at 4 Ohm and a ¾-inch PV dome tweeter, magnetically shielded at 4 Ohm. There are soft pads on the bottom of the speakers to prevent slipping, and rattling. The exotic shaped subwoofer has a 5-inch downward firing magnetically shielded driver running at 5 Ohms; inputs for the satellite speakers, and line-input for your media source (allowing you to connect your MP3 player using the headphone jack).

Continue reading "Edifer E3350 PC Speaker System Review - Digital Trends" »

Posted by Admin at 10:17 PM | Permalink

A review of the Sony ICD-MX20 handheld digital recorder has been posted over at PC World. ‘The ICD-MX20 does an excellent job accurately transcribing my voice into text. I've dictated entire, lengthy e-mails complete with punctuation into the recorder and only had to make a few corrections after NaturallySpeaking transcribed my recordings. It's an efficient way to compose documents and capture thoughts while away from a computer. For the best accuracy, you should be in a fairly quiet environment when dictating. For example, if you're dictating into the recorder while on the freeway with your windows open, the background noise will make it tough for the NaturallySpeaking speech recognition engine to do its job.’

Continue reading "Sony ICD-MX20 Review - PC World" »

Posted by Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Intempo Rebel (Music Sampling System) which allows the user to explore new music recorded from the radio, free of charge. 'In a compact glossy package - it measures 195 x 80 x 70mm and weighs in at 1kg - the Rebel is a standard FM radio, but with the added twist of recording the most-played tracks on a given station. It then makes them available for transfer to an SD card, Memory Stick or MP3 player, as 192Kb/s MP3 files - all for free. First things first: if the FM reception on this product was dodgy then the whole concept would fall down. Happily, things are OK from the off, with a good long FM wire antenna in the box, and good reception - albeit not the most sensitive we've heard. However, the sound quality is good, with surprisingly natural, clear audio.'

Continue reading "Intempo Rebel Review - Register Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Cambridge SoundWorks - Newton Theater MC55 speaker package. 'This six-piece, 5.1-channel system comes with three LCR (left, center, right) satellite speakers, a pair of half-round surround speakers, and a hefty subwoofer. The package is available in black or white; the black finish on our review samples was tasteful and understated, which is fine, but the plastic cabinets lack the sex appeal of say, the $800 Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 system. The high-gloss paint job and curvier shapes of that latter model seem more contemporary to us. That's not to say the Newton Theater MC155 satellites aren't attractive, just that they're more conservatively styled. The cabinets' curves reduce distortion-causing internal reflections.'

Continue reading "Review: Cambridge SoundWorks Newton Theater MC155 - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

A review of the Jabra Communications BT8040 Bluetooth Headset has been posted over at MobileTechReview. 'The Jabra BT8040 is one of the smallest Bluetooth headsets we’ve seen. It’s about the same size as the Samsung WEP200, smaller than both the BlueAnt Z9 and the SouthWing SH440. The Jabra has a clean design that makes it easy to operate. There are only three controls: the answer/call end button which also doubles as the pairing button, the volume up and down rocker which also covers the LED light and the charging port on top of the headset.

Continue reading "Jabra BT8040 Bluetooth Headset Review - MobileTechReview" »

Posted by Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Blends Distinctive VFrame™ Design with Award-Winning Audio Technology for the Ultimate in Bluetooth Performance

CTIA WIRELESS 2008 – Las Vegas, NV (April 1, 2008) – Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) today presented the Plantronics Discovery® 925 Bluetooth® earpiece collection, a signature line of designer headsets for both men and women. Delivering exceptional audio performance, complemented by bold lines and distinctive finishes, the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece represents a technical craftsmanship previously unseen in the mobile accessories category.

Continue reading "Plantronics Unveils The New Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece Collection" »

Posted by Admin at 10:18 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Asus Air - tabletop internet radio. 'The Asus Air is available in black or brown ("wood") finishes. Unlike most glossy black products, our review sample was surprisingly resistant to fingerprint smudges. The left half of the front panel is dominated by a black speaker grille, which houses the single speaker. The right half features a brass-colored metal faceplate, which gives it a refined look that we found attractive. Toward the top is an LCD screen, and below are five buttons for setting presets, followed by a directional pad and the volume knob. While the Air looks pretty attractive from afar, much of the charm evaporates once you lay your hands on it. The knobs and buttons look like they match the metal faceplate, but they're actually made of a thin plastic that feels low-rent.'

Continue reading "ASUS Internet Radio Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:26 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Razer Mako 2.1 computer-desktop speaker system. 'The 3.5-by-5.3-inch satellite speakers look a bit like black mushroom caps, as does the much-larger 8.5-by-12.3-inch, 16.5-pound subwoofer—all in all, it's an attractive set. The cabling for the satellites is wide and flat, like tape, and uses Category 5 connections (the same type used for Ethernet), which provide better power management, to deliver the sound. The speakers, as well as the wired controller, all plug into the subwoofer, which has two line-in connectors—both 3.5mm, as well as a stereo RCA input. The controller also has a headphone jack and a 3.5mm input, making it easy to plug in an iPod or other digital music player. When a device is connected via the remote's input, the speakers automatically begin monitoring that device rather than the sound sources connected to the sub.'

Continue reading "Razer Mako Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 10:36 PM | Permalink

A review of the PCM-D50 Linear PCM recorder has been posted over at CNET. 'The Sony PCM-D50's design is reminiscent of an old cassette Walkman, measuring 3 inches wide by 6 inches tall by 1.25 inches deep and weighing about 0.8 pound. It's certainly not slim when judged by the standards of today's ultraslim MP3 players, but when you consider that the Sony PCM-D50's design includes a pair of high-quality condenser microphones, storage for four AA batteries, and a Memory Stick expansion slot, it's easy to forgive its girth. In fact, we're happy to see oversized features on the PCM-D50, such as the prominent recording-level adjustment knob and the metal-reinforced microphone cage.'

Continue reading "Sony PCM-D50 Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 1:28 PM | Permalink

ZDNet have published a review of the Grace ITC-IR1000B Wireless Internet Radio (black). 'The Grace ITC-IR1000B Wireless Internet Radio is a sharp looking little radio. Its glossy black finish looks nice, but it is a magnet for fingerprints. The left half of the unit is dominated by a black speaker grille, which houses a single four-inch speaker. There's an LCD readout in the upper right that can display about four lines of text at a time. Down and to the left of the display are nine buttons, used for playback, storing presets, and navigation. Below that is a medium-sized volume knob and to the right is a large knob that is used to navigate the thousands of stations available.'

Continue reading "Review: Grace ITC-IR1000B Wireless Internet Radio - ZDNet" »

Posted by Admin at 10:18 PM | Permalink

A review of the Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System has been posted over at Digital Trends. 'We tested the G51 by listening to everything from Pantera to Too Short, and came away generally impressed by their power and overall sound quality. The system seems very well-balanced, as the subwoofer never overpowers the satellites and vice versa. The satellites offer crystal clear highs and mids, and never get muddy or crackly at normal and even high volumes. If you turn it up really loud, your ears will give out before the satellites do. The subwoofer sounds great at moderate volumes, but does not totally pound the floor as the volume increases. The Matrix mode works really well for music too. It doesn’t just mirror the front channel, but rather adds a more ambient version of the music to the rear channel.'

Continue reading " Logitech G51 Review - Digital Trends" »

Posted by Admin at 10:37 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the TwinMOS Boom China MP3 player docking and speaker system. ‘First up is compatibility with the full iPod range. The BooM China works, not only with the entire range of iPods - right up to the latest, fifth generation players - but also the iPod Touch and iPhone. I tested it with a fifth generation iPod nano and it worked perfectly. You can even plug a shuffle in via the USB socket just behind the main iPod interface. On the rear of the head unit, as well as the output for the sub is a composite TV output for displaying iPod video on a TV. And owners of other MP3 players who like the idea of having a sub shaped like a vase need not feel left out either. Admittedly it gets in the way of the design ethos somewhat, but you can also hook up any other, non-Apple MP3 player via the Boom's 3.5mm stereo input.’

Continue reading "TwinMOS Boom China Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 3:47 PM | Permalink

A review of the Logitech Squeezebox Duet network music system has been posted over at CNET. 'The Duet is so named because it's a two-part system: the Squeezebox Receiver base station and the Squeezebox Controller remote. The base station is a nondescript black brick that pulls audio from a networked PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) or the Internet via your Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet home network. The single button on the front of the base station is used to sync it to manually sync it to the network during setup. In addition to the Ethernet jack, the rear panel boasts both analog stereo (red and white RCA jacks) and digital (coaxial or optical) jacks. That means you can output your music to pretty much anything you want--be it a high-end AV receiver, a lowly boombox, or a pair of PC speakers--so long as it has an auxiliary input jack. There's no power button, but you can shut it off via your computer (more on that later) or the remote.'

Continue reading "Logitech Squeezebox Duet Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

A review of the Pure Highway easy to fit in-car DAB digital radio has been posted over at the Register Hardware. 'It's like all those iPod-oriented FM devices. Highway picks up digital radio transmissions then sends them to your car's radio via an FM signal. The unit is intended to be powered by a car cigarette lighter, although for DAB on the move it also can run on two AA batteries. It comes with its own "easy-to-fit" windscreen aerial. The antenna lives up to its description - it really is a straightforward job to stick it onto the inside of the screen. The Highway and its mount are discreet enough not to interfere with the driver's view through the windscreen.

Continue reading "Pure Highway in-car DAB Radio Review - Register Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Roberts Gemini 46 digital radio. 'Constructed from white plastic, the frontispiece is dominated by a grey speaker grill. Towards the top you find various control buttons and an amber-lit two-line LCD display. Most of the controls are handled by the buttons, except volume and tone, which have dedicated knobs on the side. And fine knobs they are too, rotating with a feel of quality, and allowing you to pick exactly to the tone and volume you want, rather than some arbitrary number.

Continue reading " Roberts Gemini 46 Digital Radio Review - Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 9:26 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Cambridge SoundWorks i765 Dual Alarm Clock Radio with iPhone/iPod compatible dock. 'The conservatively styled gray and black radio has a sturdy and solid feel and is 5 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 10 inches deep and weighs 13 pounds. Except for the Snooze/Mute button and iPod dock on the otherwise bare topside, all of the i765's controls are located on its front panel. CDs and DVDs load through a slot just above the large, 32-character LCD readout that sits above two clusters of eight buttons.

Continue reading "Cambridge SoundWorks i765 Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 9:13 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Company Applies Leadership in Software-Defined, Multiband Tactical Radios to Growing Market for Emergency Communications

ROCHESTER, NY, February 13, 2008 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, today introduced the first multiband land mobile radio that provides real-time interoperable communications for the growing federal public safety and homeland security market. Public safety communications interoperability has been identified by Congress, the National Governor's Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the 9/11 Commission as an urgent national priority and is a principal focus of the Department of Homeland Security.

Continue reading "Harris Corporation Introduces First Multiband Land Mobile Radio for Federal Agencies" »

Posted by Admin at 9:36 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Sony Wireless Transmitter/Headphones for iPod or cell phone. 'The DR-BT22's right earphone packs in all the headset's notable features. On the outer side, there's a mic, a multifunction call button, and a power key. Around the edges, you'll find rockers for volume and track shuttling, as well as dual LEDs that indicate the headset's current mode. Volume works with anything and is controlled only on the headset itself, rather than on the device. The track shuttle buttons should work with any device that is A2DP-compatible, which includes many cell phones and select MP3 players such as the Insignia Pilot.'

Continue reading "Review: Sony DR-BT22IK Wireless Headset w/ Transmitter - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 3:50 PM | Permalink

A review of the Jabra Communications BT3030 “Dog Tag design” Bluetooth headset has been posted over at the Digital Reviews Network. ‘The BT3030 comes with the in-canal type earbuds which are fairly effective in filtering out background noise. The sound quality that comes through is quite clear for voice calls. However when playing music, the range coming through the earbuds were lacking in bass and sounded thin. Replacing the bundled earbuds with my mid-range Sony earpieces improved the music sound quality slightly but it was certainly was not on the level of sound reproduction that I would normally accept - and I am no audiophile.’

Continue reading "Jabra Communications BT3030 Reviewed - Digital Reviews Network" »

Posted by Admin at 9:30 PM | Permalink

GadgetNutz have published a review of the COM One Phoenix WiFi Radio which allows you to listen to internet radio without the need for a computer. 'The first thing I noticed about the Com One Phoenix WiFi Radio was how simple it looked an how solid and light it felt. The Phoenix Wi-Fi radio is understated and simple in design. White molded plastic with an LCD screen in the middle surrounded by two small speakers.Under the screen are two knobs – a navigation pad and a volume control. Under that lie preset keys and a “home” and “bookmark” button.On the back you find a jack to connect the included power adapter – which also charges the included rechargeable batteries. Next to that are an audio out jack (for connecting to a stereo system or headphones,) a reset button and a USB adapter. The USB adapter was curious, but one cool thing about this radio is that you can load in a USB key or MP3 player and play the music through the Phoenix radio.'

Continue reading "Com One Phoenix Wi-Fi Radio Review - GadgetNutz" »

Posted by Admin at 9:59 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Sangean HDR-1 Table Top HD Radio Receiver. 'Controls are limited to a single knob located just below the LCD. It adjusts volume by default, but clicking it brings up a list of other options on the LCD screen, which are further navigated by clicks and spins. That works great on an iPod, of course, but the Sangean HDR-1 doesn't come close to that legendary Apple ease of use. After some trial and error, you'll eventually get the hang of it, but we often opted to use the 24-button credit card-style remote instead. In addition to the stereo auxiliary input and headphone jack, the radio's rear panel includes connectors for AM and FM antennas (both are included, or you can attach your own). While there's no built-in iPod dock, the line-in jack will let you connect the Apple player--or any other device--to the HDR-1's speakers.'

Continue reading "Sangean HDR-1 Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 2:42 PM | Permalink

A review of the mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo- Blue iPod speaker dock has been posted over at ZDNet. 'The style of the mStation Stereo Orb is definitely a matter of preference--it truly is an orb. We happen to dig the soccer-ball-size speaker and the fact that it comes in seven colors (white, black, silver, blue, green, red, and pink) to match pretty much any iPod you can throw at it. The exception is the third-generation Nano, for which the shades don't quite match up because of the fact that the Orb came out around the time of the second-generation version. Still, when you have an accessory with such a fun design, it's nice the see that it comes in a good array of color options.

Continue reading "mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb-U Review - ZDNet" »

Posted by Admin at 3:25 PM | Permalink

A review of the Roberts WM201 Wifi radio has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The WM201 can pick up internet radio wirelessley, but also lets users listen to music stored on PCs. Setting up the device is easy as long as you are connected to a broadband connection. Connecting involved entering the WEP or WPA key into the radio. If the radio is to be placed close by the router, it can be connected using the network cable supplied. To stream music from the computer, a small application needs to be installed. It can play MP3 and WMA files, including those bought from online music stores.'

Continue reading "Roberts WM201 Wifi Radio Review - Computeractive" »

Posted by Admin at 3:09 PM | Permalink

MobileTechReview have published a review of the i.Sound Dream iPod Clock Radio. 'Available in black and white versions, the i.Sound Dream is square in shape and measures 7 inches by 7 inches by 2.75 inches, and weighs 1.72 pounds. The front of the unit has two speakers along with the clock display, and a subwoofer is also built in to the bottom side. The top of the device includes an iPod dock (inserts are included to fit various iPod models) as well as the controls for the volume, radio, and dual-alarm - and yes, a Snooze button. Finally, the back of the i.Sound Dream has the connectors for the included AC adaptor and wire antenna, the USB connector, an auxiliary input for other types of audio sources, and a sliding switch to choose among the available modes of operation. Dock-based iPods can both charge and sync with your computer while they are connected to the i.Sound Dream.'

Continue reading " i.Sound Dream iPod Clock Radio Review - MobileTechReview" »

Posted by Admin at 4:25 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the iHome iH27BR iPod speaker system/alarm clock. 'Weighing 2.3 lbs., the iH27 is lighter and smaller that the iH9, iHome's more full-featured iPod clock radio. (And unlike that model, it's currently only available in black.) That said, it's still fairly substantial for a portable system. However, what makes it more suitcase-friendly is its ability to fold flat (an inexpensive padded carrying case is included). Once you get to your destination you can then unpack it and fold the system up so the speaker sits upright. It's a pretty nifty design, but we would have preferred if had been shrunk down somewhat. Also, the shiny black plastic tends to be a fingerprint magnet.

Continue reading "iHome iH27BR Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 4:11 PM | Permalink

A review of the Cardo S-800 Bluetooth headset has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. 'One of the smallest Bluetooth headsets we have seen, the rectangular S-800 looks no bigger than a board game piece. Measuring 1.6 x 0.9 x 0.8 inches and weighing less than half an ounce, this sleek black unit (also available in silver) is light enough to wear all day. The face of the headset sports a large Cardo-emblazoned control button. A rubber earpiece on the spine of the device fits into your right or left ear and the top of the device holds a mini-USB connector and a multi-function wheel. A small Power button that triples as a pairing and hot dial button is located on the right side of the device. The included ear loop attachment made the headset feel more secure while walking around. However, when compared with the headset, it’s unsightly; it looks like a wire pulled off a coat hanger. Also, it doesn’t come with an assortment of earbud sizes.'

Continue reading "Cardo S-800 Review - Laptop Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 9:18 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Logic3 JiveBox iPod speaker. 'The JiveBox is as the name suggests a single box that guarantees to get you "jiving". To do this its core element is a series of large speakers, an even larger subwoofer and the option of a blue, green or red glowing light to get you into the mood. Simple in its design the cube speaker promises a ClassHD amplifier that provides an output of 90 watts RMS, a 5.25 inch (135mm) Hi-X subwoofer, and 2 x 3inch (75mm) midrange drivers and 2 x 1inch (25 mm) tweeters, all of which are slightly more than your average iPod speaker. Everything is managed by a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).'

Continue reading "Logic3 JiveBox iPod Speaker Review - Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 2:52 PM | Permalink

The Gadgeteer have published a review of Apple's Bluetooth Headset which extends wireless capability to users of bluetooth enabled cellphones. 'Apple's Bluetooth Headset easily paired with all the bluetooth enabled cellphones I have tried it on; Motorola Razr, Treo 680, and Blackberry 8800. The headset has a single function button that controls pairing, connect/disconnect of phone calls, and on/off of the headset itself. The sound quality is the best of any device I have ever used. Its in-the-ear design does a great job of blocking out ambient noise, making the calls much easier to hear. As the pictures show, the device is small, black, made of aluminum, and definitely precision engineered. The headset does not have built-in volume control, you control its volume via the cellphone, Blackberry, or smartphone.'

Continue reading "Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset Review - The Gadgeteer" »

Posted by Admin at 5:03 PM | Permalink

14U News have published a review of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Dock. 'The B&W Zeppelin is a very simple looking design with no LCD screens and no ports visible from the front of the device. The only thing you see when you walk up to the B&W Zeppelin is the shiny polished stainless steel and black speaker along with the iPod dock on the front of the device. A red LED glows behind the black cloth speaker grills to show when the unit is in standby mode, dock your iPod and the red LED turns blue to let you know you are ready to listen.

Continue reading "Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Dock Review - 14U News" »

Posted by Admin at 10:12 PM | Permalink

A review of the Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Headset has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The review is for the 590A, not the 590E, but to clarify the only difference between the two is the universal bluetooth adapter. The adapter comes with the 590A but not with the 590E making it a more affordable choice if you dont need the adapter for any reason. However that adapter is one of the main reasons that I was attracted to the Pulsars: It single handedly lets you turn almost any device you can think of into a wireless device. Using a 1/8" headphone jack it broadcast a strong and clear bluetooth signal to the headphones for up to about 20-30 feet away. It's very important to me since that lets me use them with my home stereo system, while others may use it with their Ipod or Laptop.'

Continue reading "Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Headset Review - Notebook Review" »

Posted by Admin at 9:31 PM | Permalink

A review of the NOXON iRadio network audio player has been posted over at Madshrimps. 'Since the iRadio comes with only one speaker, you get mono sound, if you want to get stereo you need a second speaker, you can either hook up your own, or get one for ~€40 with the same style and look. By plugging in the speaker, the left channel will be played, so the iRadio speakers becomes the right speaker.If you want to use the iRadio to play music through your Hi-Fi or tuner, you hook up the line-out and get stereo out through your own speakers, the iRadio speaker will continue to play too, you can mute it by turning the volume dial to the left, the line-out volume is not affected here. The iRadio device is not high, but quite deep, since the construction serves as the speaker’s “boom box”, a look inside reveals that there’s a lot of “breathing room”.'

Continue reading "TerraTec NOXON iRadio Network Music Player Review - Madshrimps" »

Posted by Admin at 4:00 PM | Permalink

The new TEAC LP-R400 Turntable CD Recorder & Radio available from C.Crane allows you to make backup CDs of your old vinyl collection. 'Plays 33, 45 and 78 rpm records. You can also use the auxiliary line in to connect other devices and make backup CDs of other audio as well. Uses blank CD-R or CD-RW discs that are available anywhere, but we recommend our high quality CD-R Music CD to guarantee the highest quality recordings. We even include one of our CD-R Music CD's free so you can try them out. This modern, black console features a well thought out button layout, a headphone jack and a handy remote.' Price: $449.95

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Posted by Admin at 9:14 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Venturi Mini car tech device which streams stereo audio through the in-car sound system for music playback and hands-free calling. 'The Venturi Mini has a compact design and a flexible and adjustable profile, enabling it to be plugged into even the most awkwardly placed 12-volt adapters. Its hinged design makes it easy to adjust the orientation of the bright, white-on-black OLED display and push-button controls. Programming of the Venturi Mini's phone and music playback functions and access to its menus is straightforward, thanks to a number of intelligently designed and positioned controls. The front of the device comprises two sets of clearly labeled buttons: two Mode keys (one for music, one for phone); and two colored keys that serve as multifunction buttons for playing and stopping music, answering or rejecting calls, and confirming or rejecting set-up menu options.'

Continue reading "Venturi Mini Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 9:44 PM | Permalink

A review of the Motorola Motorokr S9 Bluetooth headphones has been posted over at GadgetNutz. 'Digging into the quality of the device. The S9 is made of a hardened plastic with a red (or blue) rubber frame encased in hard plastic. This puts some ease on using it and makes it light weight ~1.0 oz. It comes in a 'sloping u shape' That has become standard for behind the head/neck headphones. The difference in this product, it doesn't actually touch the back of your neck. It self balances behind your head with the weight mostly on your ears. You would think this wold be a problem but the design makes it all seem almost featherweight!'

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Posted by Admin at 1:50 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two (black/onyx) which consists of a soundbar that can be placed above or below a television or mounted on the wall, and a wireless subwoofer that can be placed anywhere in the room for a boost of dynamic bass. 'Boston claims that the TVee Model Two is a stereo speaker, but we found that it sounded as spacious as many "virtual" surround speaker systems we've tested here at CNET. Sound was projected a few feet out from the left and right ends of the speaker, and forward of it, as well. But the source is still 2-channel stereo, so don't expect any elaborate surround effects. Our DVDs' sound was detailed and the little subwoofer surprised us with its power.'

Continue reading "Review: Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 3:14 PM | Permalink

A review of the JVC KT-HDP1 Portable HD radio has been posted over at CNET. 'In contrast to Sony's unwieldy XT-100HD, the JVC KT-HDP1 is an elegant solution for bringing HD radio into the car. And with a sleek, ergonomic design, a bright (albeit monochrome) display, and straightforward control cluster, it has the added benefit of being compatible with any in-car stereo that has FM playback capabilities. The buttons on the JVC KT-HDP1 are clearly laid out and easy to operate while driving along. A row of hard buttons above the dot-matrix display give drivers the ability to select between three display configuration, change the current frequency band, adjust volume, and get one-touch access to the menu. A corresponding row of buttons of under the display gives drivers a means of toggling between six preset stations.'

Continue reading "JVC KT-HDP1 Portable HD Radio Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 9:50 PM | Permalink

Pocket Lint have published a review of the Philips WACS7000 wireless music station. 'In terms of aesthetics we loved the stainless steel and black finish, which has a nice retro feel and would add plenty of impact to an audio setup in the home. The initial setup comprises of an audio center and audio station, both of which have their own built in speakers and both offer a similar range of features. The center is the main hub of the setup though, containing an 80GB hard drive and CD player that can automatically rip discs to digitally encoded formats using the Gracenote music service to fill in track information.'

Continue reading "Review: Philips WACS7000 Wireless Music Station - Pocket Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 9:09 PM | Permalink

A review of the Creative Gigaworks T40 2.0 Speakers has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Creative is a company with pedigree. Its range of Sound Blaster X-Fi soundcards continue to set the standard for other consumer targeted soundcards and just to underline its importance, the company recently announced it had passed the 25 million mark of MP3 players sold. Looking at recent efforts such as the Zen, it's clear the company isn't short of ideas either. However, more recently when I think of Creative I am reminded of the superb Gigaworks T20 speakers, which received a well deserved Editor's Choice award thanks to their outstanding sound quality at an astounding price. It's clear many of you agreed too, with glowing reports from all over echoing the belief that they are a truly excellent set of desktop speakers.'

Continue reading "Creative Gigaworks T40 2.0 Speakers Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 9:20 PM | Permalink

The Kaito KA1121 Radio w/ MP3 Player/Recorder available at C.Crane for $159.95 is an AM/FM/SW and WX radio with a detachable 256 MB MP3 player/digital recorder. This device is however not your "ordinary" shortwave radio since it is designed to access programming from your computer which can only lend to an "enhanced" radio experience. 'Both the radio and MP3 player can operate on either the included AC adapter or rechargeable batteries (also included) that can be charged right in the radio. Other features include: 100 memories per band (can be done via PC after you install the software), dual conversion on AM and SW, sleep timer, small backlit display. Accessories include: three NiMh "AA" batteries (for the radio), rechargeable battery for MP3 player, case, USB cable, audio cable, ear buds, long wire antenna and mini CD with manual and firmware. Weight: 11.9 oz. Size: 6.4" W x 3.9" H x 1.1" D.'

Continue reading "Kaito KA1121 Radio w/ MP3 Player/Recorder for $159.95 @ C.Crane" »

Posted by Admin at 2:15 PM | Permalink

A review of the iPhone Bluetooth headset has been posted over at CNET. 'Shaped like a skinny black stick, the iPhone Bluetooth headset measures close to 2 inches long, 0.5 inch wide, and about 0.6 inch thick if you count the earpiece (It's about 0.125 inch thick without the earpiece). The headset is also remarkably light at less than an ounce, and we admit that we quite like its metal construction, glossy finish, and smooth, clean lines. Certainly, it looks more like art than a simple headset.

Continue reading "Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 2:19 PM | Permalink

A review of the Freecom MusicPal wireless internet radio and MP3 player has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Internet radios are typically quite complex to navigate because there are so many stations, but Freecom's MusicPal provides an elegant solution to the problem. You don't get a succession of numbered buttons as you do with so many other DAB and Internet radios; I find it impossible anyway to remember which station is associated with which button. Instead you simply press the Fav button on the front panel and up pops a list of radio stations you listen to frequently. Creating the list is simply a matter of 'tuning in' to the station you want, then clicking the Navigate wheel and choosing the Add to favourites option.'

Continue reading "Freecom MusicPal Wi-Fi Internet Radio Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 9:11 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Jabra GN9350 OC and Jabra GN9330 USB OC headsets will maximize sound quality and mobility for Microsoft unified communications VoIP client

COPENHAGEN (16 October 2007) – GN, a world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced that its Jabra GN9350 OC and Jabra GN9330 USB OC are the first long-range wireless DECT headsets optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. Featuring wideband sound quality, plug and play capabilities and a wireless range of up to 100m, the pair joins the corded Jabra GN2000 USB OC in a series of optimized Jabra headsets that offer full compatibility with Office Communicator 2007. All products are available immediately through GN-authorized distributors and resellers worldwide and available by clicking on www.jabra.com/microsoft.

Continue reading "GN Introduces Its First Long-Range Wireless Headsets Optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007" »

Posted by Admin at 4:11 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the pricey Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod speaker dock. ‘Unpacking the Zeppelin, we couldn't help but be impressed with its build quality: the speaker's entire backside is constructed out of mirror-polished stainless steel, the front black cloth covering is tastefully demure. A LED indicator lights up from behind the grille to keep you informed of the Zeppelin's operational status: it glows red in standby mode, yellow as the unit powers up from standby; green when the Aux input is selected; white as the Zeppelin's volume approaches its maximum setting. The speaker's power and volume controls are embedded in the stainless trim piece just above the iPod. Suffice it to say, the overall package is just plain gorgeous--another fruitful pairing up of B&W and London's Native Design Ltd.’

Continue reading "Review: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Speaker - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

A review of the EVOKE-1S DAB compact digital radio has been posted over at the Register Hardware. 'For a sub-£100 product, the machine is built well. Tiny things that matter, like the solidness of the little rubber feet on the bottom of the radio, have all benefited from close attention. We've seen other radios for the same price where the feet have fallen off after a short while as a result of the cheap adhesive used. Turn the Evoke 1S on and it leaps straight into its stride, before you can say, "I hate Chris Moyles", the time is stored and the set begins its search for stations. And it does it well too. This little radio picked up as many stations as a much higher-end separates deck that we'd set up in the same location. The decent-sized aerial helps here. A total of 30 stations can be stored, some DAB, others FM.'

Continue reading "Review: Pure Digital Evoke 1S DAB Digital Radio - Register Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 11:57 AM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Mondo Mint Digital Music Station audio system. 'Here's how the system works: Two traditional stereo shelf speakers connect to an amplifier/iPod dock, which communicates with a second wireless iPod dock that uses 2.4-GHz range RF and proprietary technology to deliver music to the speakers within a range of 100 feet. Since the wireless dock can't connect to the speakers independently, and since the remote doesn't navigate the content of your iPod (it handles only power, source, and volume controls), the usefulness of the Mint's wireless transmission is questionable. The wireless dock could be on your desk and the speakers on nearby shelves, but you'd still need to use your iPod to move through tracks, and the wireless listening experience is limited to the distance at which the speakers can be heard, regardless of the 100-foot range.'

Continue reading "Mondo Mint Digital Music Station Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 12:10 PM | Permalink

C.Crane has the CCRadio-SW AM/FM/Shortwave Radio on offer for $149.95. 'The CCRadio-SW comes with a large, easy-to-read LCD display and all the adjustments necessary for excellent performance under various conditions. C. Crane provides a clear, straightforward manual to get you started. Here are some of its outstanding features: RF Gain Control, Bandwidth Control, Bass and Treble Controls, Fast and Slow Tuning, 50 Memories, Lighted Buttons, Clock Radio with Snooze Alarm, Stereo Line Output and Headphone Jack, IF Output for Input to Computer. Runs on four “D" size batteries or four backup "AA" batteries (not included). Built-in charging circuit will recharge optional NiMh batteries right inside the radio-saving you both time and money. AC Adapter and antenna connectors included. One-year limited warranty. Weight: 4.2 lbs. Size: 11.25” W x 7.25” H (9” H with handle) x 3.5” D.'

Continue reading "CCRadio-SW AM/FM/Shortwave Radio for $149.95.@ C.Crane" »

Posted by Admin at 4:46 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Shure SE110 Noise Isolating Earphones. 'The limitations of the SE110s are highlighted when listening to a track like What Goes Around Comes Around by Justin Timberlake. The combination of heavy beats and vocal harmonies requires earphones to excel across the whole audio range, but the SE110s couldn't quite cope. The bass line sounds slightly muffled, rather than strong and defined, although the vocals and harmonies are well resolved, if slightly harsh. Plugging in a set of Shure SE310s or even Denon's AH-C700s, produces a far more cohesive and pleasing sound - although both those sets cost well over twice as much as the SE110s.'

Continue reading "Shure SE110 Noise Isolating Earphones Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 11:03 PM | Permalink

A review of the Weather Channel EZ Crank Radio has been posted over at Associated Content. 'The Weather Channel EZ Crank Radio has virtually limitless energy. It is easy to re-charge. All you have to do is turn the unit off then turn your power selector to EZ Crank, then you pull out the EZ Crank handle located in the rear of the radio then winding the handle three to five minutes by rotating the handle at a speed of 120 revolutions per minute (2 turns per second). The Weather Channel EZ Crank Radio will provide up to twenty minutes of light or radio when you have turned the EZ Crank for one minute.'

Continue reading "Review: The Weather Channel EZ Crank Radio - Associated Content" »

Posted by Admin at 11:57 AM | Permalink

Pocket Lint have published a review of the Intempo BD01 Portable DAB handheld radio which features an integrated MP3 player and FM transmitter to wirelessly play DAB through your stereo/radio. 'The device, which works in an identical way to a standard standalone FM transmitter means that you'll be able to get your favourite DAB stations on any FM radio in the UK. In practice and its very easy to setup and use for both the MP3 player function and the DAB radio and merely a case of tuning in your FM radio in the kitchen or the car. Like other portable DAB radios, the BD-01 uses the earphones to act as an aerial to ensure a signal, but you will have to ensure you are in a strong signal area to benefit else you'll just get screech or nothing at all.'

Continue reading "Intempo BD-01 portable DAB Review - Pocket Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

The POGO RADIO YOURWAY LX is a MP3 Recorder with a built-in AM/FM radio which facilitates the digital recording of music, radio and voice. 'The Radio YourWay LX's built-in AM/FM radio has excellent reception for its size, so you can listen to your favorite music station or talk show wherever you go. For recording your favorite radio programs, the Radio YourWay LX is the first digital recorder to "get it right" when it comes to built-in radio. When you hear something you like, simply press the record button. It's that easy. It's just as easy to program the 10-event timer to record future shows or late night radio programs automatically. Radio YourWay LX is easier to program than a VCR, but, as always, our trained staff stands ready to help you with any questions.' Price: $199.95

Continue reading "POGO RADIO YOURWAY LX" »

Posted by Admin at 12:33 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Creative's Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones. 'Creative's X-Fi headphones are bigger than the Quiet Comfort 2s and slightly less comfy, but all the padding is in the right places, and wearing them is effortless. The earcups and headband are black, with silver plastic earpieces. The left earpiece holds two AAA batteries (the Quiet Comfort 2s use only one), and all the controls are on the right earpiece. These include volume (a dial on the rim of the earpiece), power (which activates all the effects, including noise cancellation), noise cancellation, X-Fi Crystalizer, and X-Fi CMSS-3D. The headphones come in a Bose-esque black case, which also contains an iPhone-compatible 5-foot extension cable, a detachable 3-foot audio cable (which can be a bit of a pain to attach to the right earpiece), and double-prong and quarter-inch jack adapters.'

Continue reading "Creative Aurvana X-Fi Noise-Canceling Headphones Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

A review of the palm-sized TravelSound ZEN Stone portable speakers has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Retailing for around £30 they're small, as you might expect, and are powered by two AAA batteries. Weighing 160g without batteries and 200g with batteries and the player inserted, these little beasties pump out a mere 0.2 Watts per channel from the two small drivers. I'm happy to admit that I approached them with some suspicion, could they possibly be anything more than utterly pointless? However, on the design front at least, Creative hasn't made too many mistakes.'

Continue reading "Creative TravelSound Zen Stone Portable Speakers Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 11:42 AM | Permalink

A review of the new Cardo S-2 Bluetooth headset has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'These headphones do make a good first impression with their snazzy styling. They are pretty much all Black with some Silver bits here and there. The combination of matte and shiny plastic looks pretty nice in my opinion. As you will notice in the image above, the S-2's are a behind-your-head style of headphones and fold up into a small footprint for easier gear bag stowing. All of the user controls are located in the Right earphone. On the outside, there is a large round Play/Pause button with a small slice devoted to power and pairing.'

Continue reading "Cardo S-2 Bluetooth Headset Review - The Gadgeteer" »

Posted by Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Bush TR04DAB digital radio. 'A Display button lets you switch between different information - station name, time and date, the bit-rate, the message the station is broadcasting and the frequency of the station on the multiplex. There's even a counter that tells you how many errors there are in the signal, with anything below 50 being acceptable. Presumably, this is so you can judge how good the signal is, though I image you could get a fairly good impression of this by how the station in question sounded. There are also buttons for Volume Up and Down, and I was pleased that you could use these just by holding down your finger rather than having to constantly tap.

Continue reading "Bush DAB Digital Radio TR04DAB Review - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Admin at 12:33 PM | Permalink

A review of Terratec’s Noxon 2 Radio for iPod has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The Noxon’s styling is reminiscent of a Mac Mini and the device comprises two units ­ the radio and associated electronics sit in a detachable box atop a speaker cabinet, with volume and tone controls at the rear. Pop an iPod into the universal dock and its content can be accessed, showing up on the brightness-adjustable LCD screen, and played while the iPod charges. An FM antenna is supplied for terrestrial radio, while another antenna picks up Wifi. All available networks show up on screen, so it’s a case of entering the appropriate security key to log on and browse the thousands of internet radio stations available.'

Continue reading " Terratec Noxon 2 Radio for iPod Review - Computeractive" »

Posted by Admin at 8:36 PM | Permalink

A review of a pair of Sierra Sound iN Studio 5 Smart iPod-compatible speakers has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'All of the main connections are located on the Left speaker. Let's check out the back panel first, from top to bottom. In the upper Left corner, there is a small momentary push switch that let's you manually toggle through inputs (iPod, Aux1, and Aux2). Next to the input switch there is an up/down flip auto power switch. This switch will allow you to set the main power switch to the On position, but the system will power down when no signal is received after 15 minutes and will power up automatically when a signal is received. This is a nice feature because you can just flip the switch on the back and not need to grope blinding when you need to turn them off.'

Continue reading "Review: Sierra Sound iN Studio 5 Smart Speakers - The Gadgeteer" »

Posted by Admin at 12:47 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Yamaha NX-A01 One-Box Cubic stereo speaker (white) which is suited for use with the iPod and other portable audio players. 'The Yamaha NX-A01 speaker system might look like a cube of tofu, but it's actually a pixel-size powerhouse that cranks out unbelievable sound for its size. Measuring just 3.25 inches square, with a list price of $99 (around $60 street) the Yamaha NX-A01 is a marvel of engineering and a testament to Japanese ingenuity. Just like an apartment in Tokyo, the Yamaha NX-A01 is both extremely small and incredibly efficient. There are no gee-whiz features on the NX-A01, just an illuminated four-way rocker on the top that controls power, volume, and mute. Likewise, the back side of the NX-A01 has a minimal amount of connections: one jack for the power adapter and one for a stereo minijack cable input (a short cable is included).'

Continue reading "Yamaha NX-A01 One-Box Cubic Stereo Speaker Review - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 12:19 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the rugged Roberts Terrain FM radio. ‘Bigger than small beer fridge (it measures 250 x 380 x 265mm), the FM, MW and LW radio certainly isn't something you are going to be sneaking in your pocket anytime soon. Carrying it around is via the heavy-duty carry handle that looks more like a bullbar on a 4x4 and everything is controlled via the two large knobs on the top and the even bigger tuning dial on the front. Finding radio stations is incredibly easy and the dial is good enough to be able to fine tune into the station you are after.’

Continue reading "Review: Roberts Terrain FM Radio – Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 10:42 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the iStuff iCast FM transmitter which allows you to wirelessly play your tunes through any FM radio. ‘On the surface the iCast looks like any other FM transmitter, its small, connects to your iPod or MP3 player via the headphone jack and then transmits your signal (and therefore tunes) to a nearby radio that you've happened to have turned on. With car manufacturers only now just adding AUX in sockets to the car stereo and the FM transmitter becoming legal in the UK it's a good chance to get your tunes shared, but one of the biggest problems is fining a spare frequency to broadcast to.’

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Posted by Admin at 9:43 AM | Permalink

A review of the Sound ID SM100 Bluetooth headset has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. 'The SM100 comes with three rubber ear tips and small earloops that help stabilize the headset in your ear. The combination makes for a good fit and stays put without the use of an uncomfortable plastic hook. As with in-ear stereo ear buds, you'll need to clean the SM100's tip periodically, but that's the only downside; you can wear this headset all day without discomfort. The unit also has dedicated buttons for Volume Up, Volume Down, Call Answer/End and a separate button for adjusting the sound modes. The SM100's NoiseNavigation and PersonalSound circuitry make the other party's voice in your ear clearer and louder without increasing background noise.'

Continue reading "Review: Sound ID SM100 EarModule - Laptop Mag" »

Posted by Admin at 3:42 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the stylish Philips Ambisound Soundbar HTS8100 Ambisound Soundbar DVD Home Theater System. ‘The Philips HTS8100's look is extremely stylish. The main unit consists of a long, thin speaker system--the SoundBar--that measures a svelte 5.75 inches high by 36.81 inches wide by 5.35 inches deep. For a system this thin, you might be surprised to find out there's a DVD player packed in there as well; with a tap of the open/close button, the black reflective panel in the middle slides back to reveal a vertically aligned DVD player. The SoundBar can either stand on a table or be mounted on the wall with the included bracket. All in all, it comes close to the ultimate in minimalist home theater--just one component under (or over) your TV that acts like your receiver, DVD player and surround-sound speaker system.’

Continue reading "Review: Philips Ambisound Soundbar HTS8100 Home Theater System - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 3:32 PM | Permalink

A review of the Revo Pico+ DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) portable radio has been posted over at Reg Hardware. 'At first glance the product looks like a straightforward compact portable DAB radio, but this little gem (just 16.7cm high and 10.3cm wide) packs more features into a DAB of this size than we have seen before. Pico+ delivers a feature and accessory range more often seen on larger ‘kitchen’ type models with pause, rewind and recording of live radio, drag and drop MP3 storage on an SD card and playback from a personal music player. There is also an infrared remote control, an in-car power cord, DC power cord, a European plug adapter and a cable for personal media player connection all supplied as standard. Also in line with its portable credentials, the Pico+ has a hardy rubberised coating and all the inputs are protected with rubberised covers, which have special plugs that sink into the various connections for maximum protection from the damp.'

Continue reading "Review: Revo Pico+ DAB Radio - Reg Hardware" »

Posted by Admin at 5:28 PM | Permalink

A review of the Sony XDR-S50 DAB radio has been posted over at Pocket-Lint. ‘Coming in at £60, the Sony XDR-S50 is an entry-level model that challenges Pure Digital's Move and other basic players from companies like Intempo. The smallish unit is compact and neatly designed. The front boasts a largish speaker and display, while the top a plethora of controlling buttons. Even the sides don't miss out with the all important station select and volume buttons on the right. With built-in clock, but no an alarm, you won't be using the XDR-S50 to wake yourself up any time soon, however with a sleep options of 60, 45, 30 and 15 minutes you can at least use it to go to sleep.’

Continue reading "Sony XDR-S50 DAB Radio Review at Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 4:44 PM | Permalink

A review of the Com One Phoenix WiFi/IP Radio has been posted over at CrunchGear. 'The Phoenix, a WiFi, AC/DC portable internet radio runs on four AA rechargeable batteries (included) or with the switching power supply (240-110W AC input). Embedded 802.11 b/g WiFi, the Phoenix streams music from non-subscription Web-Radio sites. Content can be streamed in WMA, AAC, Real, WAV and AIFF formats. You can also play your MP3 content using a USB stick or via WiFi and just use the Phoenix as a player. This wireless digital content stereo player comes preloaded with 300 URLs, but that’s just a start. Users can go to Com One’s Web site to get URLs of about 7,000 more radio stations for the Phoenix. Additionally, you can use the Com One site to add stations not in Com One’s database by keying in a station’s URL.'

Continue reading "Com One Phoenix WiFi/IP Radio Review at CrunchGear" »

Posted by Admin at 4:30 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the BT Internet Radio which allows you to listen to over five thousand Internet radio stations from different countries, with different styles of music. 'BT has been dabbling in internet radio for some time, so has the latest offering got what it takes against DAB? We get listening to find out.Coming in a simple box design with two large-ish speakers, the controls for the radio, which allow you to do everything from setup to volume to storing your radio presets are found on the top of the white device. It's strange, as the display of what radio station you are tuned into for example, is on the front.Simple things aside, the player allows you to connect to the over 5000 internet radio stations around the world rather than the select few that we have on FM or DAB radio in the UK.'

Continue reading "BT Internet Radio Review at Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Admin at 3:45 PM | Permalink

A review of the Cardo S640 Bluetooth headset has been posted over at CNET. ‘The Cardo S640 is a small and compact device, only measuring 1.5 inches long, 0.7 inch wide, and 0.8 inch deep and decked out in a simple, glossy black. As we mentioned, the Cardo S640 is more of a Bluetooth clip than a headset--the entire device is the clip itself, with a wired earbud attached to the top. There's a volume button and an LED on the front of the S640, while the multifunction control button is located on the earbud. While we found the buttons pretty easy to press, we weren't too pleased with the concept of the volume button--instead of having a volume rocker that you can use to increase or decrease the volume, you have to cycle through the volume settings from lowest to highest with every tap. The wired earbud is a pretty standard size and fits comfortably in the ear. The S640 even comes with two earbud foam covers for additional comfort.’

Continue reading "Review; Cardo S640 Bluetooth Headset - CNET" »

Posted by Admin at 1:55 AM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of JVC's KD-HDR1 CD player which includes a built-in HD Radio tuner. 'Like other products from JVC's KD range we've seen, the single-DIN-size KD HDR1 features a well-designed control interface with a good combination of buttons and dials for selecting and .tweaking audio sources. On the left of the KD HDR1's faceplate, a backlit D pad provides the means of skipping tracks and folders (for disc-based audio) and radio channels (including multicast programs on HD radio); it also acts as a proxy control interface for iPods, which are connected via an optional module. A volume dial and a standard row of hard buttons along the bottom of the system's single-line monochrome display rounds out the picture. While we are not crazy about the size of the display and the fact that it is limited to showing eight characters at a time, it is bright enough to be visible from the driver's seat, even in direct sunlight.'

Continue reading "Review: JVC KD HDR1 CD Receiver with built-in HD Radio Tuner - CNET" »