At this moment, I'm working in my hotel room listening to music streamed from an iPad to the new iHome iDM12 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Systemthat has terrific sound, including decent bass, yet only weights .35 pounds. I charged the unit before leaving home, so I don't have to mess with batteries. Just turn it on, connect to the iPad via Bluetooth, and play.

There are four buttons on top of the iDM12: Power, Volume Down, Volume Up, and a multifunctional button. Initially you use the MF button to pair the device with the iPad. After that, you can use it to play/pause music. This is handy because I have the iHome on my desk in the hotel, with the iPad across the room. I can actually control playback without having to touch the iPad.

If you like to watch movies or TV shows on your iPad, the iDM12 enhances the experience nicely. You can use the included stand to set up your iPad, then enjoy great sound via the iHome speakers. Very handy when two people are watching together. And when you're traveling, the stand folds up and attaches to the front of the unit.

If you want to use the iHome speakers with another device via stereo mini jack, use the dual-purpose USB cord that also has a male stereo jack for a regular MP3 device. I've also paired the device with my MacBook Air. Use the Bluetooth setup on the Air, then choose the iDM12 as the audio output device. Sounds great!

You can buy the iHome iDM12 directly from iHome for $69 with free shipping, or from Amazon for $64with free shipping. The unit produces rich sound, hardly takes up any room, and frees you from wires when using with the iPad or MacBook. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to enhance the audio output of their portable device.

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I was one of many who was disappointed to hear that some features from the new Apple TV would not necessarily be ported to the previous version. Most notably for me was Netflix streaming.

So if I do upgrade to the new $99 version, what to do with my current model? I decided to make it the media server that I always wanted. Why not? It has a 160 GB hard drive, is WiFi network saavy, and has a remote control. Once I set it up, I don't even need the HDTV interface anymore because I can control its operations from my iPad or iPhone via the Remote app.

So I set about copying 2,430 songs from my iTunes library to the old Apple TV. This was easily handled in iTunes, which is synced to the Apple TV.

Then I downloaded the latest version of Remote for the iPad. It provides the graphical interface I need for controlling the Apple TV, including controlling the speakers on my AirPort network throughout the studio.

Remote app on the iPad controlling my Apple TV "media server". Click on image for larger view.

If I need to update the content on the Apple TV, I can just move songs from my iTunes library. It's all handled easily and without wires. And like I said, once everything is set up, you don't even have to turn on the HDTV. Apple TV will stream music throughout your network using the iPhone or iPad as the controller.

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I've been testing the Logitech Z-10 Interactive Speakers, which are stylish desktop companions for your Mac or Windows computer. The Z-10s feature 30 watts of power driving a pair of 1-inch dome tweeters and 3-inch high-excursion woofers. They can sit on both sides of your laptop or desktop computer and deliver full-bodied audio for slideshows, movies, digital music, and gaming.

Logitech's innovative backlit display features tons of control and information for Windows users, but is only partially enabled for the Mac set. You can get all of the details about this, included set up for Macs, in my blog post titled, Logitech Z-10 Interactive Speakers for Mac Users.

At $149, the Z-10s are not cheap, but they are well designed and sound terrific. And if you've been depriving yourself of quality audio at your multimedia workstation, these speakers are a treat for the ears.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, The Digital Story

The 30GB iPod video (5G) is my top pick iPod of all time. Great sound, slim design, amazing video capability, and excellent storage for my still photos. But after trying many different cases, I had yet to find one that I liked as well as the iPod itself. That is, until I discovered the Marware Trailvue iPod case ($27.95 from Amazon.com).

First of all, this case is rugged. It feels good in the hands. Marware uses a combination of nylon and other synthetic materials to create a case that inspires confidence while on the go. Plus it looks good, very stylish. The included bungee cord provides a handsome accent (5 different colors are included), and it comes in handy for securing your earphones when not in use.

The Trailvue case includes a nice large opening for the earphone jack that can be used when the case is open or closed, and a robust Velcro tab keeps the top flap securely in position when closed. When the case is open, a clear plastic faceplate protects the video screen but allows direct access to the scroll wheel. A nice touch is that you don't have to remove the case to access the Dock connector.

If you want to maintain the iPod's slim profile, don't attach the belt clip. Your iPod will slide in easily among your other gadgets in your camera bag or backpack. If you need the clip, it attaches quickly and secures your iPod to your belt or backpack strap.

This is a very nice case...

Technorati Tags: audio, equipment, product review

I've always thought that the black iPod nano was one of the best looking music players ever, and XtremeMac's new MicroBlast powered speakers do justice to the nano's stylish design. The black aluminum grill, clear folding cover that ingeniously becomes the base, and tailored protective pouch all perfectly match the nano. And if you have a white iPod, the MicroBlast includes a matching interchangeable frame.

The quad micro speakers are powered by four AA batteries or the included AC adapter. If you use the AC adapter, it also charges the docked nano, even while it plays. I rate the output as above-average for this type of system, especially if you keep the volume setting (on the nano) between 50 and 85 percent. Considering that the MicroBlast is only 1" thick and roughly the dimensions of a standard paperback novel, its big sound surprisingly fills up a small room. I recommend that you play with the nano's EQ setting to customize the output to your ears. Try them all, including the Spoken Word EQ.

I also like that you can leave your nano docked, fold close the clear protective cover, and hit the road without worrying about the safety of your iPod. The included slip cover keeps the clear plastic case free of scratches.

My only nit with the MicroBlast is that it doesn't include an optional audio-in jack enabling me to use it with my 30 GB iPod video. This would be a great sound unit for watching The Daily Show while sipping my morning coffee. The MicroBlast is designed for the nano, and only the nano.

Is the MicroBlast a good value for its $119.95 price tag? I think so. Based on its quality construction, dashing good looks (I really like the aluminum speaker grill), portability, good sound, and choice of power sources, it's a worthy accessory for the handsome iPod nano.

Technorati Tags: audio, ipod-compatible, music, product review

Today, I'm going to air show #22 on The Digital Story, and I've been thinking about what I've learned during this experience. Since you may be thinking about your own podcast right now, or know somebody who is going to take the leap, I thought I should share some of that knowledge.

I posted What I've Learned After 20 Podcasts on O'Reilly's Mac DevCenter (another site that I run). In that piece, I talk about the things I've learned after putting together The Digital Story audio shows. I mention that listeners are the true profits because their contributions of artistic talent, support, and ideas are the motivation that keep me going.

Just thought I should tell you that directly too...

Technorati Tags: audio, podcast

Back in December, I posted an overview of the XtremeMac FS1 High Definition Earphones and the Griffin TuneBuds. For my testing, I removed both items from their packaging and plugged them into three different iPods. I also had three other people blind test both sets of earphones, right out of the package. My conclusion was that the Griffin earbuds sounded good for $20, but I was disappointed with the $149 XtremeMac FS1 earphones.

I received a few notes about my review. I listened to what the company reps had to say and agreed to revisit the FS1 earphones.

This time I skipped the silicon sleeves altogether and tested with the foam sleeves only. I paid particular attention to using the right size sleeves so I had a perfect seal. This did change the quality of the sound considerably. I still had impressive audio at low volume -- something that the FS1s do better than any other earphone I've listened to (and that I praised in the original review even with the silicon sleeves). But the bass response improved dramatically with the foam sleeves -- much better than previously tested with the silicon sleeves.

Overall, the FS1s are different earphones with the foam inserts. If you buy a set, they will come out of the package as shown here with the silicon inserts. My recommendation is to toss the silicon sleeves and use the appropriate size foam sleeves. This adjustment makes a tremendous difference in the earphones' performance... so much so, I wonder why the manufacturer includes the silicon sleeves in the first place.

So back to my original question... are the XtremeMac FS1 High Definition Earphones worth $149? I think for some listeners they are. Of all the different people I've talked to about these earphones, the ones who praise them the highest are those who say they are in the music business, usually as sound engineers. Non-pros seem more divided about the value of the FS1s, mainly because of the price and that the foam sleeves are a bit of a visual turn-off for everyday listeners. They're not totally comfortable either, that is if you fit them correctly to get the best sound.

My guess is that if you're picky about your audio, you will like the FS1s with the foam and not care about how they look. One other note: the fact that you can enjoy your music at lower levels with these earphones is a big deal, and worth consideration alone.

Technorati Tags: audio, product review

Sandisk chose the spotlight of the CES show to unveil their new digital audio players dubbed the Sansa c100 series. They will be available in March in 1GB and 2GB models. The features include:

• Color screen (up to 64,000 colors) displays cover art and photo thumbnails Plays MP3 and WMA audio files
• By capacity, holds large number of MP3/WMA songs and hours of playback (see above capacity matrix)
• Easy-to-use interface for sorting and playing back your music
• Digital FM tuner with 20 preset stations FM "on the fly" recording and voice recording
• Supports Subscription Music Stores
• Includes one AAA replaceable battery
• High-speed USB2.0 for fast and easy file transfer

These devices are designed to sync with Windows computers. The 1GB models will sell for $119 and the 2GB model will cost $169.

Technorati Tags: audio, equipment

The Griffin EarThumps and Marware CEO Card Wallet are my two favorite nano accessories for under $25

I've been reviewing lots of iPod accessories for the holiday season. But the two that I'll be keeping for my nano are the Griffin EarThumps and the Marware CEO Card Wallet.

You can read my reviews of the EarThumps and the Card Wallet for more details. But the bottom line is that both of these accessories are affordable, stylish, and very functional. I had a difficult time finding a nano case I liked until I tested the Marware Card Wallet. And the EarThumps are much more comfortable than the standard iPod earbuds... and sound great too -- especially if you like bass.

Technorati Tags: audio, equipment, ipod-compatible, music, product review

You'd think this battle of earbuds would be no contest -- pitting XtremeMac FS1 High Definition Earphones that cost $149.95 against Griffin TuneBuds that only set you back 20 bucks. But I've just finished testing both on my iPod shuffle, and I was surprised by the outcome.

Overview of XtremeMac FS1 Earphones

The FS1 package is an attractive one (bottom image to the left). You get very stylish earphones that fit comfortably. XtremeMac includes silicon and foam sleeves plus a set of flanged tips. So you're bound to find something that's perfect for your ears. Plus you get a very nice zippered carrying case. One of the selling points of the FS1 earphones is that you get balanced sound at low levels of volume. This is true. And listening to music at a lower level is bound to be less harmful over the long haul.

But XtremeMac's claim of deep bass was not apparent to me. In fact, these earphones produce sound quality that I characterize as "cool" -- a bit too much treble response. This was especially apparent with rock selections with lots of cymbals. In fact, on some songs, I couldn't turn up the volume because the excessive treble response would bother me.

Griffin TuneBuds Overview

I then attached the TuneBuds to the shuffle via the USB port as designed. This is a slick trick because you still have your standard earphone port available. Two people can listen to music at the same time -- one through the TuneBuds and the other with standard earphones. This function also made comparing the FS1 phones to the TuneBuds easier.

Overall, the TuneBuds sound very similar to the earbuds that come with the shuffle. The sound is "warmer" than produced by the FS1 earphones, and there's definitely more bass. The USB port connectivity that enables two people to listen to one iPod is a welcomed bonus. The TuneBuds cost less than Apple's original earbuds, yet sound as good. I should also note their design. You have fewer wires to wrangle with because the earbuds are incorporated into the lanyard. Very handy for active folks.

Conclusion

Considering that you can buy 7 sets of TuneBuds for the price of one set of FS1 earphones, I'd have to say that the TuneBuds are clearly the better value. And for my ears, they sound better too. I'd recommend that you listen to the FS1 earphones first if you're considering picking up a set. I could see some folks preferring the very clean sound at low levels. But, if you like the way your existing Apple earbuds sound, you can buy the TuneBuds sight-unseen. I think you'll be happy.

Technorati Tags: audio, ipod-compatible, music, product review