High-fidelity portable iPod-docking speaker system with 24-Watt subwoofer and two high-performance 12-Watt drivers
Lightweight and easy to carry wherever you want to listen to music; features built-in handle
Auxiliary input for MP3 players, CD players, or other external audio devices; video output for viewing on TV
1-year limited hardware warranty
Rating: - This thing ROCKS!
I bought this dock on "Black Friday" when I just happened to see it offered for a VERY good price on Amazon. Even though I was not looking for anything like this, the price, and Cambridge Soundworks name made me jump at it. This unit is very solidly built, and has a quality feel about it. The remote will access all your iPod's menus and works well. There are back panel inputs for sound from virtually any audio devise. The sub woofer level control is back there too. This thing does not have a radio tuner or CD player as many other iPod docking speaker systems out there which may turn off some people, but hey, did I mention the SOUND?!!! The only thing I have heard to best the Cambridge is the Bose SoundDock which costs $300 more than I paid (on Black Friday) for the iSpeaker! Many iPod docking systems sound "thin" and are very weak in the mids and bass--not so with the Cambridge (Creative Labs) Playdock. Even running on batteries, the bass is very respectable. By the way, there is a kind-of-stereo-wide switch that is useless-turn it off. The Bose does sound better and plays a wee bit louder but for the price difference you can download a lot 'o tunes! As of this writing, Amazon is offering the Cambridge for THREE TIMES more than I paid for it in November but it is still HALF the price of the Bose. Nice unit-it rocks!
Rating: - Sounds Great!
I bought this PlayDock (on sale here) because we were having a party and playing from my iPod is easier than burning / sorting through CDs. My husband was doubtful that it would sound as good as our stereo - but it does! (Note: We are not audiophiles - just casual music listeners.) We love it!
We've dismantled the stereo and have only the PlayDock in the living room now. Not only does it take up a lot less space of course, but it makes our lives easier. We can play music from my playlists. My kids can play their audiobooks in the living room and relax and eat (or whatever) and enjoy them together - instead of having to listen separately on their ipods. It holds (and charges) all our different iPod models (video, classic, several different nano generation models) and it can also play (though not charge) the shuffle. It has a remote (though I like to look on my iPod to choose a playlist so I mostly use it for on/off and volume). And you can hook it up to your TV and watch any movies/TV shows you've bought from iTunes - I love this because I hate watching on my small iPod screen or even on my PC.
PROS:
- Holds several different iPod models - and holds them securely
- Also can play other mp3 players
- Charges iPods (when unit is plugged in - not when using batteries)
- Good sound
- Connects to TV to play your videos
- Has a remote
- Plain looking - but doesn't look cheap or shoddy in the living room
CAN'T COMMENT:
- I keep it in the living room so I can't comment on weight / battery usage when carrying it around.
- I don't have an iPod touch so I can't comment about it's compatibility with the Touch. Several have said that it is not compatible with the Touch.
BOTTOM LINE:
Makes life easier, sounds nice, absolutely worth the price when amazon had it as the Deal of the Day ($55) - not sure I'd spend $200 on it.
Rating: - does size matter?
I've boughten ipod boomboxes before but returned them all, so i was nervous to get yet another one but i am SO happy with this little compact speaker system. It gets louder than my stereo and has better sound and charges my ipod at the same time!!! I really couldn't be happier with this product.
Rating: - Perfect
The sound quality on this little thing is awesome! Before I purchased this I read about two reviews that made it seem like it sounded like a five dollar clock radio, but ignore those claims! I LOVE this product and would recommend this to anyone looking to play their I-pod on a speaker. It comes with different size holders so your I-pod will surely fit in it perfectly. It is in no way difficult to set up and get going. It comes with a remote which is pretty cool, but doesn't help when I can't see across the room on the tiny I-pod screen sometimes. It is so lightweight that I take it around the house with me while I am getting ready, cleaning, cooking, or even just playing with the kids.
Cambridge Soundworks Playdock i Speaker System for iPod (Black) Reviews
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