So since I picked up a 30 gig iPod a few weeks back, I’ve been on the hunt for some speakers, so I could play the iPod at work. Sure regular computer speakers could work, but I thought it would be nice to have speakers that also doubled as a docking station. Of course, generally these don’t come cheap and are a lot more high tech, meaning it’s not something I would want to leave at work. Most decent ones were over $100 which was more then I really wanted to pay for.
This week however, while browsing through the Canadian Tire flyer, I noticed they had a special on a speaker dock called iPodium by Astone. The price $29.99 which was just in my range.
So on Saturday, I went to the local Canadian Tire and picked up one. At first I was worried that they might be sold out, because the flyer touted that there would be limited quantities. I wanted to wake up early, but after an evening of playing on the Wii any hopes of that happening were smashed. So I headed over in the late afternoon. The large number of Christmas shoppers worried me as I entered the store. But once I was over at the electronic section, there were plenty to be had.
Let me say, I was totally impressed by the speakers. Sure they weren’t anything highend but the sound was decent, the price was right and I actually think I got a lot of bang for my buck. To top things off, there is both a iPod attachment as well as a PSP attachment. So you can dock either type of device. The speaker dock also comes equipped with a remote which allows you to adjust the volume as well as browse through your iPod menu (I am unsure if the remote works with a PSP, it’s untested). Let me say, I’m very tempted to go back and pick one up for home use.
It’s a definite pick for “Deal of the Week” and would make the perfect little Christmas Gift.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Canadian Tire donated one to my contest.
yes, it would be.
Thanks so much for this! I actually just picked this unit up last night at Canadian Tire but was concerned it might be junky quality. If the sound quality is decent, I think it’s a great deal for a $30 gift!
Did your iPodium come with the Nokia adaptor as well? Looks like the austrailian version does (http://www.astone.com.au/i-podium.htm) which would be very cool for playing music / charging the 6265i.
I’m having trouble getting this unit to charge my ipod mini. Is there a trick, or has anyone else had the same prob?
Scratch that last comment. The rubber skin was obstructing the connector!
Would this work for an iPod Shuffle, the first modle? I have the dock, but don’t want to open it if it doesn’t work with the first modle of iPod Shuffles.
AJ – The dock has a 3.5″ headphone line-in included with which you can play any mp3 player / music device that uses headphones… But it won’t allow you to control the songs with the remote or charge your shuffle.
Alas – Even my 3rd Gen. iPod doesn’t work fully with it – i can get audio and charging ok – but it won’t let me change songs with the remote (this is a limitation with MY iPod, other’s work great!)
Hi there,
I too thought this would be great for work. I bought one and after a mere three days of play, the speakers crackled and died. I turned it off and tried again after lunch and it worked for a while and then died again. They don’t die completely but your can barely hear any sound. I returned it to CT tonight in hopes of exchanging it. I was able to get one but the cashier said that I was not the first to return it for the same problem. Just thought I would give you a heads up to SAVE your receipt. I have another one and hopefully it won’t die on me.
I also got one of these for christmas, but unfortunaly it kept turning on by itsself and wouldnt turn on when i manually tried. So my mother had the recipt and took it back and i got another. It actually turns on when i manually do it, but sometimes it will turn on my itsself, wierd. And my remote doesn’t work with my ipod nano but i’m guessing its just cause of the generation?
hey, i’ve had one since xmas ’06, (6months) with minimal use, worked fine the times i’ve used it, but now it doesn’t turn on at all, but still charges the ipod. took it apart, all circuits appear to be fine…. fit for the pit…?
is it portable?- every description iveread says it has an adapter but i want to know if it also uses batteries for portable use
I just saw this in the Canadian Tire flyer for this week. I might buy it if people think its good. Should I buy it or not?
I got one of these a few months back, and I too have trouble with it charging my 4gb Ipod nano.
The icon shows that it’s charging, but I can have it sit on there for hours, and nothing happens.
Whats up with that?
Sound is good on mine, the remote is finicky at best. Not bad, but you get what you pay for.
I’m taking mine to mexico , cause I need to charge my 80 gig and put on the tune , at least in the hotel room !!!
When I bought the Ipodium, I thought it would be poor quality and that it would not make much noise. I nearly fell off my chair! The sound quality is good and it can spit the hell out!
I have the same problem, it says it’s charging, but kills it instad, that really sucks.
I was hoping I didn’t need to use the computer anymore. :/
i have an i podium and i works great with my ipod nano 3rd gen