Also available in black - and both colors grace tremendous speakers. There's no doubt that the iPod speaker market is a lucrative one. But while the choices are plentiful, the compromise between size and quality has left an opening for the Audioengine 5 speaker system to fill a niche that's likely to start growing this very minute.
No need to buy new shoes. Not everybody wants to buy a new pair of shoes in order to use the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. Plus, we runners can be a finicky lot when it comes to our choice of shoes; some of us would rather run in Doc Martens than encase our feet in - ugh - Nikes.
In this armband, your 'Pod's running blind. We really wanted to like the stretchy, breathable Nike+ Sport armband - and, actually, while running with it all was well. Like most Velcro-based armbands, it may be a bit difficult to put on, but once it's on it feels comfortable and fits securely (though it might be a bit loose if you're a skinny-armed runner).
Small, light, and highly encouraging. Nike and Apple have teamed up to provide a powerful motivational tool for both seasoned athletes and casual runners: the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. Along with its companion Web site, www.nike.com/nikeplus, the Sport Kit will track your runs, help you set and meet goals, and even partner you with others in group challenges.
As inspiration for the new iPod nano, Apple looked to an iPod of the past - the iPod mini. With its brightly colored aluminum casing, the second-generation iPod nano looks like a mini iPod mini, available in silver (2GB or 4GB); pink, green, and blue (4GB); and black (8GB). The new case is a vast improvement over the first-gen nano's easily scratched veneer. We carried it around in a bag for a week - crashing up against keys, coins, a camera, and other potential finish-wreckers - and it didn't pick up a single mark. Svelte at 3.5 by 1.6 by 0.26 inches and 1.41 ounces, it's even slimmer and lighter than the first iPod nano, and sturdy enough to survive being sat on by a 280-pound reviews editor when it was in his back pocket.
Both its software and its screen are brighter. Although it wasn't "completely remastered," as was the iPod nano, the flagship 5G iPod received a sprucing up in its latest incarnation. It shares the same software upgrades as the iPod nano, and its larger screen and larger capacity make the interface's search improvements more welcome than on the nano. Also on the software side is the addition of games (reviewed on p66), which can run on older 5G video-capable iPods, too.
This pint-sized cutie has impressive sound but disappointing FM performance. Complete with legs, eyes, and a mouth, the iWoofer will brighten your day with its cheerful, animal-like visage. It features two small front speakers and a woofer on its cute little bottom, encircled by four blue LEDs that light up when powered via AC or 4 AA batteries - the lights can be toggled by a button on the iWoofer's side. Three sound sources are supported: your iPod, a built-in FM radio, or an auxiliary input. With a set of supplied holders, the iWoofer handles and charges (over AC or USB) any iPod from the second generation forward except the nano - a separate iWoofer nano is also available.
Was your iPod nano meant to be seen and heard? That's your call. Macally's mTune-N headphones have a slot for your iPod nano, so instead of hiding in your pocket, it's out and about for everyone to see - on your head. Accessing the nano's controls is a little tricky if you decide to leave the mTune-N on. The headphones have a 3.5-millimeter jack, so you can connect a male-to-male cable (included) between the headphones and the headphone jack of an iPod or Mac.
The TransPod is the iPod car adapter we've been looking for all our lives. Well, at least since late 2001. The TransPod might be the perfect iPod car adapter. It's well constructed, uses any FM frequency, allows FM presets, is compatible with any dockable iPod, and charges your 'Pod battery. Plus, the signal it transmits to your car radio is solid - we were able to use more than a dozen FM frequencies, all with excellent clarity.
-
Technology
Entertainment
-
Music
-
Creative
Sport & Auto
- About Future
- Jobs
- News
- Advertising
- Digital Future
- Privacy Policy
- Cookies Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Shop
- Investor Relations
- Contact Future
© Future US, Inc. 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, California, 94080. All Rights Reserved.