What with putting the recently released iPod mini (Second Generation) through its paces, it’s been a busy week—but not so busy that we haven’t had a chance to cock a keen eye at a few new products.
If your work-outs are marred by unclipped belt-clips or armbands that, through the force of gravity, turn to wrist bands, check out our review of the Koyono BlackCoat T —a pocketed t-shirt that provides the perfect place to tuck your iPod.
Dan Frakes slaps the coveted Playlist Pick badge on Pacific Rim Technologies’ Cube Travel Speakers. We were quite impressed with the sound quality of the Cube given their small size and $35 price tag. The sound is a bit tinny—hard to avoid in small speakers—but much less so than we expected, and the Cube even provides a bit of bass. You won’t get the big sound of a larger system, but you will get enough volume to fill a hotel room or small office.
And if you like your speakers really small, Dan has another recommendation for you— MacAlly’s $40 PodWave speakers. These ultra-tiny stereo speakers are housed in a unit that sits atop the iPod. Sure, they’re anything but hi-fi, but given their small size, they sound remarkably good.
We thought the Marware MetroVue for iPod mini (sold in a pack of three) cases were a perfectly reasonable way to spend $40. While the cases aren’t terribly rugged, their 70s-retro design will surely appeal to some.
When you’re finished pouring over these reviews, take some time to glance through the rest of our updated Product Guide. In addition to providing all the information you need to make an informed buying decision, we’ve implemented a five-point ratings scheme so you can tell at a glance what’s worth your attention. Look for additional improvements in coming weeks.