Others by stefan @ 2011-01-17
The iP49 Rechargeable Audio System with Clock Radio from iHome is a multifunctional device with a fold-up design, which makes it really easy to carry on our trips, making possible to listen our favorite tunes from the Iphone/Ipod, but also from the FM Radio or even an auxiliary audio source.
At first I would like to thank Eurotronics (iHome Distributor in Europe) for sending me a sample of the iP49Studio Series Portable Rechargeable Audio System with Clock Radio for iPhone & iPod.
Eurotronics EOOD is a leading provider of supply chain solutions and distributor for consumer electronics, headquartered in the Free Trade Zone of Plovdiv Bulgaria.
We specialize for distribution and logistics on branded consumer electronics for Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Our services are offered with focus on following markets in: Bulgaria, Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Turkey, Romania, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine , Moldova, Uzbekistan and Georgia.
We offer:
* Wholesale Digital Cameras (Compact & SLR)
* Wholesale Video Camcorders
* Wholesale Mobile Phones
* Wholesale Audio Equipment
* Wholesale Lens Objectives
* Wholesale MP3 & MP4 Players
* Wholesale GPS
* Wholesale Personal Care Products
* Wholesale Television Products
* Wholesale Home & Garden Products
* Wholesale Gaming Products
* Wholesale Braun Accessories
Our Strength:
* Strategically Located in Bulgaria
* 24/7 access to our products and services through our website
* DHL, UPS, TNT, Cargo Partner, Fedex shipping network to serve entire Europe
* Professional and Multi-Lingual sales team
* Fresh inventory in the latest trend"
"iHome, a division of SDI Technologies, was launched in 2005...
...to market iPod Electronics. In just its first year, iHome became the #1 brand in the iPod Electronics market and its iPod Clock Radio became and continues to be the #1 selling iPod Speaker System in North America. iHome now offers full lines of alarm clocks, clock radios, portable speakers, home audio systems, headphones, earbuds, charging stations, and computer accessories for iPod, iPhone and, coming soon, iPad. iHome supports its brand and products with national television, print, online and outdoor advertising campaigns, and has garnered several industry awards for its unique products and advanced technologies. iHome's products can be found worldwide through virtually every distribution network in over 60 countries.
About SDI Technologies
Founded in 1956, SDI Technologies designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of consumer electronics that are both innovative and high in quality. SDI's key product lines include alarm clocks, clock radios, portable speakers, home audio systems, headphones, charging stations, and computer accessories. SDI's key brands include iHome, Timex, New Balance, Bongiovi DPS, and Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad.
SDI's affiliate, KIDdesigns, manufactures and markets a broad range of toys, including electronic role play toys, electronic learning aids, and musical instruments under several national brands, including Barbie, Transformers, GI Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony, Nerf, Disney Cars, Disney Princess, and several others. KIDdesigns' products feature innovative technologies and interactive applications for role playing, learning, and entertainment for boys and girls of all ages.
SDI supports its products with national advertising campaigns on television, in print, online, outdoor, and through PR campaigns, and wins several industry awards for its innovative products, unique features, and custom designs. SDI has six offices and facilities throughout North America and Asia with over 400 employees. SDI designs and develops all of its products, packaging, and displays in-house and performs cross quality control checks in both the US and Asia, which is how it maintains one of the lowest return rates in the industry, in addition to its 99% on-time shipping record. SDI's products can be found worldwide through virtually every distribution network in over 60 countries."
Power source: Rechargeable lithium ion
Input: 3.5mm stereo jack
Speaker configuration: Stereo
Dimensions (WxLxH): 10.1 x 5.9 x 1.97 in./25.5 x 15.0 x 5.0 cm
Weight: 2.1 lb./0.94 kg
The iP49 portable rechargeable speaker system from iHome is shipped inside a nice white-themed box, with a photo of the product in center and the logos of the supported devices; on the left side we can also find the iHome logo, along with the Bongiovi DPS Acoustics feature, that enhances the overall sound quality of the device:
On one of the box sides, we can see the compatible devices listed:
The same side contains information regarding the package contents, in multiple languages:
On one of the other sides, we can see some photos that show us how the device gets opened:
On the bottom side of the box, we can see a short product description, along with the main features listed in 5 different languages:
After getting rid of the outside box, we can find another cardboard enclosure, with the iHome logo on top:
If we lift the upper part of the box, we can find that its contents are split into multiple compartments:
On the top side we can find 3 iPhone/iPod inserts that have the same color, a small plastic bag with documentation and the remote control, and another little cardboard box with the power adapter:
The 3 included iPhone/iPod inserts are sealed with a transparent plastic film, to avoid getting scratched during transport:
Each insert has on its back the name of the device its compatible with:
The rest of the bundle is composed from the manual, some warnings on how to insert the device (to avoid damages to both iPod/iPhone or the mounting system, the remote control manual and the remote itself in a separate bag, along with a small radio antenna:
In the manual, we are shown how to set up the product for quick use, but we are also explained step by step how to use the advanced features:
The antenna connects in the back of the iP49 with a jack plug:
The remote has a separate manual, where it is explained what function has each button, but we are also instructed on how to replace the battery:
On the back of the remote there is a little battery compartment, with a plastic that must be removed before the first use. This little plastic prevents the battery to make direct contact with the circuit inside the remote, to avoid accidental discharges during transport or storage:
After the removal of the top plastic cap, we can reveal the battery, which is rated 3V, with the model number CR2032:
The power supply that comes with the iP49 has 3 different adapters, depending on which region we live in:
Also, the power supply is rated 12V, 3000mA:
The device comes wrapped in extra protective material:
On the top we can see the rubberized finish, which has a nice feel to the touch. Considering the device shape, it can be carried very easy when closed:
The hinge that keeps both parts of the device together has the iHome logo debossed on it:
The back side is covered with the same rubberized finish and we can also see some ventilation holes along with some protective caps that cover different compartments under the product:
On the bottom sticker we can find some more technical specifications, like the rating for the internal rechargeable battery, the AC Adaptor specifications or the frequency ranges:
On the bottom we can also find 4 little rubber feet, to avoid the product slip on the surface it will sit on, but also to permit ventilation under it:
One of the caps can be removed easy for replacing the clock battery backup, which is the same type as the one we can find in the remote control:
In the frontal part of the device we can find the IR sensor for the remote:
The top part can be lifted very easy, and the device interface will be revealed right away, along with the speakers and the LCD display:
The top LCD display has an adjustable backlight and shows multiple information; the unit I have received came completely discharged so nothing was shown on the screen:
The unit has buttons for adjusting the volume, setting the audio source (AUX or FM radio), Equalizer, the power/reset alarm function, sleep mode, saving FM radio frequency presets, the Bongiovi DPS function, the snooze/dimmer, reverse/play/pause/forward, the alarm function and for the time sync/set function:
In the back, we can see the jack to insert the included FM antenna or an auxiliar external audio source, a switch to adjust the DST, another switch for switching the radio from stereo to mono, but also one for setting the remote function (Auto function disables the remote function when operating on the internal battery, to save battery life). Finally, also on the back we can find the DC-IN port for the power supply:
The LCD shows us various information depending on the operating mode:
When nothing is connected in the dock, we are shown only the current time, the battery status indicator and a low battery sign will also appear if the clock backup battery is low or discharged completely:
The suitable Ipod/Iphone insert must be installed into the dock before operating the device; in the manual there is specified that we should not use a protective cover on the Ipod/Iphone while inserting it into the dock, because it won't fit:
Right after connecting the device, we will see that the iP49 has recognized it by displaying its name on the LCD screen:
With this device we can set the time in seconds automatically, by a press of a button (it will sync automatically with the Ipod/Iphone):
It is possible to playback audio from any Ipod/Iphone application, including Internet Radio. With the TuneIn Radio app, I could even switch from one track to another using the iP49 buttons:
When in Radio mode, we must first set the FM Radio Frequency/Range to the zone we are located in (we can select USA, EUROPE, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA or CHINA). If the zone is not selected correctly, we could have the surprise that we won't get any reception at all:
When scanning for a radio station, the current frequency will appear on the screen:
When I first saw this product, I was impressed by its appearance and quality of the materials used. The size of the device is small enough so we can place it near our bed, for easy access to the Snooze or Alarm Off buttons.
Regarding the sound quality, the iP49 sounds good considering its small size (much better with the DPS button pressed). The manufacturers could have skipped the inclusion of the DPS button on the unit and leave the function to ON permanently because I couldn't imagine someone using the device with this option OFF, considering the sound quality difference. (with the function off, the sound is low quality, dull, like listening to a very low bitrate MP3).
The Bass is not that powerful in its default setting, but we can alter the settings by using the Equalizer function button.
Another interesting function is the Sleep feature, which permits us to select how many minutes the device will function until it will automatically shut down.
The remote is a nice addition, that allows us to operate the product easy if it is located in a less accessible location; it uses the same battery model as the battery backup underside the device, easy to find in shops.
The wake-up alarm can be set to:Buzzer(internal), Iphone/Ipod, custom iHome Playlist, or Radio (internal). To wake on a custom playlist, we need to have one defined in the Iphone/Ipod with the name iHome.
When setting the wake-up call to Iphone/Ipod, the unit will start the music at the same volume as we left it previously.
During testing, I found that by using the back-light at the lowest setting is the best when keeping the unit near your bed; if we choose a higher setting, we could get disturbed by it.
One of this device disadvantages is that it does not charge the Ipod/Iphone device when it is running on its internal battery considering that some similar devices from other companies do.
The device is listed on the iHome website as being compatible with the Iphone 4, but it does not come with the suitable insert. The needed Iphone 4 insert must be ordered separately from iHome.
The iP49 from iHome can be found in shops for about 140 Euros, a relatively good price considering its compact size and build quality.
I would like to thank again to Eurotronics for offering me a sample of this product for review!