October 2007  |  MacNN.com

The StreetParty Size 0 is aptly named. Measuring 22 cm (8.7 in) wide and 12.5 cm (4.9 in) tall, with a profile just 16 mm (.63 in), and weighing just 300 g (.66 lbs) sans batteries, the StreetParty Size 0 is about the size of a trade paperback book when closed and can be transported anywhere easily. A stand smartly unfolds to become both a stand and an adjustable dock which fits all iPods dating from the first Mini to today's iPod Touch -- except the Shuffle. Unfortunately, U.S. consumers will be initially confused by the StreetParty 0 because no U.S.-compatible AC adapter is included or available for the system from Gear4. Even powered by batteries, the system's paired tweeters and low-resonance drivers provide a fuller audio experience than a 700 MHz iBook, rivaling a 17" PowerBook G4, with greater volume than either. A surprising bonus to the StreetParty 0 is the particularly useful remote control. Despite its strengths, the StreetParty 0, unfortunately, misses the mark. Not only is the system comparatively expensive, the lack of a U.S.-compatible AC adapter is inexcusable (since the review unit was shipped to me here in the U.S.). Users also need to purchase additional cables to use the StreetParty 0 as a dock with a computer, or with an audio source other than a dockable iPod. The neoprene slipcase also lacks pockets or pouches to help keep the AC adapters or iPod together with the system for convenient mobility. (Surprisingly, this problem persists with many mobile iPod accessories. None of them include any means to keep the accessory with the iPod for regular use on the go. For those mobile accessories one wants to use every day, it soon becomes an inconvenience to haul everything around separately, and it becomes considerably less complicated to just leave the accessory behind. This seems contradictory to what the accessory manufacturers should intend!) Read my full review of Gear4's StreetParty Size 0 Super Slim Portable Speaker System for iPods >

June 2007  |  MacNN.com

There's no doubt that the iPod Nano is beautiful. iPod Nanos cost more than most jewelry at big box retailers, so people are keen to both personalize and protect their Nanos. GizMac's Titan Clear Case for the 2nd generation Nano is the perfect choice for Nano owners who can hardly bear to take their Nanos out of its package. A complete accessory and protection package for the 2nd gen iPod Nano, the Titan Clear Case includes a polycarbonate case, armband with elastic velcro, carabiner clip, rotating belt clip, double weave lanyard, and thin film click wheel protector. The clear protective case resembles the finish of the Nano's retail packaging, and the four attachments make Nanos considerably more convenient to use. Whatever your activity, the Titan Clear Case provides everything you need to fully enjoy your 2nd generation Nano while displaying its beauty, as though it were still unopened. Read my full review of GizMac's Titan Clear Case for 2nd Generation iPod Nanos >

February 2007  |  MacNN.com

It is impossible to find convenient power while on the go, on vacation, at work, at the gym, in class, or wherever our busy lives take us. The Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger solves this problem with a small, elegant, convenient charger for our iPods and MP3 players, cell phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices (excluding the Microsoft Zune). The Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger is a little smaller than the latest video iPod (100 x 62 x 15mm or 3.9 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches), weighs about as much as a 2nd generation iPod Nano (120g or 4.2 oz), and resembles a white iPod. Any standard powered USB port on your computer can charge the Mobile Device Charger. The Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger comes bundled with a retractable cable and five connector heads to charge Sony-Ericsson and Nokia cell phones, mini-USB devices, and iPods. These five tips cover a large portion of the mobile device market. For mobile devices not compatible with one of the bundled tips, the appropriate tip may be purchased from the Proporta web site. Despite its shortcomings, the Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger is very useful for our increasingly mobile lives. Everyone has a cell phone and iPod or other MP3 player, and many play handheld games. If your mobile devices run down when they cannot be conveniently recharged, consider the Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger. It will keep you mobile longer. Read my full review of the Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger >

May 2006  |  MacCompanion

Apple's iPod has become today's walkman, but better because people can now take ALL their music with them on their iPods. Apple's Hi-Fi System introduced earlier this year is another useful accessory for the iPod, replacing what were once home stereo systems. You remember those, don't you? My brothers and sisters all had home stereo systems (my brother's was orange and made up of three globs -- two were speakers, one was the 8-track player/radio). Now comes the accessories for the accessory for the iPod, in this case, a high-priced protective case to make Apple's iPod Hi-Fi System a mobile stereo system. Unfortunately, this case features arguably inadequate protection and a bloated, nearly explosive price tag. With less padding than a conventional laptop bag, the iPod Hi-Fi Case is little better than a padded backpack. Most of the case's padding is less than 1/4" thick and in the double-flap, bottom and sides. The back has some padding, but not nearly the padding as the other four sides. The double-flap also features an impact resistant slice of plastic to protect the speaker grill of the iPod Hi-Fi System while in transport. Though the bag is described as play-through, this does not mean that the Hi-Fi System will play through the bag when it is closed. It plays through only when the bag is opened and the speakers are exposed through the oval opening in the front. Read my review of Waterfield Design's iPod Hi-Fi Stereo System Case >

December 2005  |  MacCompanion

September 2005  |  MacCompanion

August 2005  |  MacCompanion