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Reviews by The Church of Apple

Monthly Archives: August 2013

Spracht BluNote+Chat Review

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The Spracht BluNote+Chat is a portable, wireless, battery powered speaker that allows you to listen your music and have a conversation with someone wirelessly on the go. The BluNote+Chat’s best quality is the portability of the speaker without eliminating good sound. The speaker is available from Spracht for $99.00 or $54.99 from Amazon. Let’s see if it’s the speaker for you.

Form

One of the first things you will notice about this speaker is it’s size. The speaker is very small and very light. It makes you wonder how such a small speaker would ever produce a good sound. For what it is, it produces excellent sound. The portability of the speaker, I feel is it’s biggest point. It is small enough to fit in a large duffel bag or small backpack, perhaps even a large enough purse. The speaker is all black for all of the speaker except a nice silver brim at the bottom of the speaker that adds to the look of the speaker. The speaker has a nice black chrome finish, with the speaker felt below it and of course the aforementioned silver lining at the bottom. The top of the speaker has a set of touch sensitive buttons that light up red. These buttons add to the overall cool-ness of the speaker. In addition, there is an led screen that lights up to tell you a caller ID, whether or not bass is on or off and the up and down of volume. I appreciate that the screen only lights up when it needs to so that it isn’t a distraction nor does it subtract from the look of the speakers. In addition, to the solid look of the speaker, the speaker is also made solid. It is made to be carried around so as such it is made pretty sturdy. It isn’t unibody but it doesn’t have to be, the different parts that make it up are put together tightly and no parts are loose. I do raise a slight concern with the rubber pads on the bottom, but I’ve never been a fan of these on any product so it’s so much the product itself, it’s just my prejudice against rubber pads on the bottoms of things since they eventually fall off. Also, I wish the speaker was available in other colors. Overall though, this speaker has great aesthetics in such a small package.

Function

One of the main points of this speaker is the fact that it is small and compact. However, at a $99 price tag, it needs to have a powerful punch in the small package. Fortunately, Spracht has delivered on that. The speaker, while small, has a good sound range. The bass and treble are both hit pretty well. The notes are hit and while it doesn’t sound like you are in a theatre or music venue, it still sounds great. In addition, the sound of a call on the speaker sounds like it would on a clear phone with great signal. In fact, it sounds better than listening to it to your ear. The screen will display a caller ID on it so you know who is calling. It does not show names of people who are calling so you will have to know someone’s number in order to recognize who is calling. I think that it would be great if the speaker had that capability. The speaker is all wireless, including the fact that it is rechargeable so it can literally go without wires including a power cord for several hours. That leads me to the battery. I have gotten great battery life on the speaker, with an average of about 5-6 hours which more than enough for me. If I needed to have it for longer than that, I would just get a corded speaker. The only problem I have with the speaker, and this is somewhat slight. Let’s say I am playing music and I pick up the speaker, I really have to watch where I pick the speaker up at because I might end up touching the buttons at the top, which are very sensitive. I may put the device on standby, change the song, pause it, change the volume all without intent. Of course, the buttons aren’t all bad, I appreciate that they are lit up at night so that I may see the buttons. However, I do wish they weren’t so sensitive. Overall, the functionality of the speaker is great and will impress anyone intending to buy a small, portable speaker.

Conclusion

Pros

-Great design

-Put together well, not falling apart

-Small and compact

-Great sound

-Great minor features

Cons

-Only comes in black

-Future of the rubber pieces at the bottom

-Buttons are a bit too sensitive

Things to improve

I believe that the company should try selling different colors on the speaker. I think that would attract the younger demographic. The rubber pieces at the bottom should be removed or make it better integrated with the speaker rather than just gluing it on. Finally, touch sensitive buttons are great but I think the product would do better with physical buttons that are engrained in the speaker.

This is a great speaker that I feels earns high marks. It’s light, portable and still has a great sound. While I think it is a bit on the high end in terms of price, I personally think it is worth it. Great job Spracht, your speaker earns 4 and a half stars from me.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

 

Matias iRizer Review

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The iRizer is a very portable laptop stand that is available from iRizer for $39.95. The stand comes in two easy portable pieces that take laptop stands to a whole new, portable level than any other that I have seen before.

Form

Let’s be honest, the stand isn’t made out of the best looking material on the market. It isn’t wood or bamboo. It isn’t metal. It’s plastic, hard plastic yes, but it’s plastic. However, the stand has a simplicity to it that does actually make it attractive.  The stand comes in just two parts. There’s one part that slides into one of four slots on the other part, each slot putting the stand at different angles. These pieces by themselves, laid down flat, are very thin and light. They are very easy to carry and very easy to use. The plastic they use in the product is strong and sturdy and it will not break easily. The rubber padding on the stand used to keep the laptop in place is not cheap and will not come out of the stand. The part of the stand that the laptop is sitting on does bounce a bit while typing, especially with a heavy laptop, but it isn’t a big deal. The thing I wish it had was more options for colors. But while it isn’t the most expensive looking stand out there but it doesn’t have to be, practicality and simplicity can be elegant too, right?

Function

The main reasons we buy laptop stands is to provide sufficient ergonomics, to stand the laptop in case we want to use it like a desktop and to provide cooling for a laptop. This stand provides this and more. First off, the stand comes in four different angled positions, 20, 30, 40 and 50 degrees. 20 and 30 degrees are both more for regular, on-the-desk, typing positions while 40 and 50 are more for standing the laptop and using external devices such as bluetooth mice and keyboards. All the degree positions are labelled to the benefit of the costumer. The 20 and 30 degree positions I find are very ergonomic and keep your hands at a good position to prevent Carpal Tunnel. I have found all four positions to be quite comfortable viewing angles as well. The stand does not have nor need a fan as it has holes for air to go through and of course we all know that elevating laptops off the ground provide air flow as well. Almost all laptops stands cool down your laptop at least a little and this one is no different. In addition to great ergonomics and the ability to cool your laptop, this stand is also ultra portable. I can easily fit the stand and the laptop into the laptop bag. I can not exactly say the same thing about really any other laptop stand I have tried. It can’t fit in a manila envelope but it can fit in just about anything else. The stand also comes with a iRizer mini stand for your iOS device. I thought that was a nice touch. There is only one thing about the stand I am not a fan of and that is that it’s not very comfortable to put into your lap. It really only works on a desk, which is okay since when I travel to a hotel, I use the desk. Or if I go to Starbucks, it’s also okay. Let’s face it, it is a traveling laptop stand due to it’s ultra-portability. It’s a great stand, regardless of it being somewhat uncomfortable on the lap, I take it anywhere I go with my laptop.

Conclusion 

Pros

-Sleek design

-Thin and light, ultra-portable

-Ergonomic

-Provides airflow for the laptop

-Comfortable to use

-Different positions that are easy to change to

-iRizer mini

Cons

-Typing is bouncy with heavier laptops

-Should be sold in more colors

-More for use on the desk, not the lap

Things to Improve

First off, I would start producing the stand in multiple colors. Second, I would improve the “shocks” of the stand, if possible. Finally, I would increase the width of the piece that goes on surfaces to make it a bit more comfortable to have it in your lap.

This is a great laptop stand. It has it’s faults but I think it’s one of the best stands I’ve tried. It’s portability and ergonomics makes it an ideal laptop stand for anyone who travels a lot. However, if you use it mainly at home and you have your laptop on your lap more than your desk or table, then this isn’t the stand for you. This stand earns four stars from me.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

BTC Mouse and Trackpad Review

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The BTC Mouse and Trackpad is a paid jailbreak utility that allows you to pair your iOS device with your bluetooth mouse, trackpad and keyboard. That’s right, I did just say mouse and keyboard. With this product, your iOS device will have a cursor, just like on your computer (of course this is why it is a jailbreak tweak, Apple would never approve of this). The BTC Mouse and Trackpad tweak is available on the Cydia store for $4.99. Let’s see if it’s right for you.

Form

There is not much to say about the form of this product. This product is an all software product. The settings tab in the Settings app of your iOS device for the BTC Mouse and Trackpad is easy to use and navigate. The cursor used in the tweak looks like a Mac cursor, rather than a Windows cursor. Of course, since iOS products are Apple products and Macs are Apple products, that makes sense. However, I do appreciate them deciding to use a Mac cursor. This comes in handy for something later on down the road. As for the form of the hardware, since it can run any bluetooth keyboard, mouse/trackpad, the hardware is only as good as what you own. Let’s take a look at the functionality of this tweak, which has a bit more to talk about then the form of he product.

Function

The ability to add a cursor on an iPad screen has been an interesting thought of mine that I had before I knew that the product existed on the market. After having tried it, I am not sure if I see the functionality in using it. First off, if you want to seriously use a trackpad and keyboard with an iPad, those are additional things you will need to carry around. Some already carry around a keyboard, which I think is bulky enough to carry around, but a trackpad/mouse adds on to that. In addition, if you wanted to use it a lot like that, you would need to probably buy an additional trackpad/mouse and keyboard, because the ones you have for your computer currently are either USB driven or you want dedicated to the computer and it would be a pain disconnecting the devices from your computer, connecting them to your iOS device then disconnecting them from the iOS device and then connect them again to the computer, every time you want to switch from a computer and back. Therefore, if you wanted to avoid this big burden, you would need to spend extra money to buy a keyboard and mouse/trackpad. I have never been a fan of using a bluetooth keyboard on an iPad because of the lack of portability. Even keyboard cases are not good because of the thickness they require. Lack of portability is certainly a practicality issue.  In addition, a cursor on iOS works similar to a cursor on Windows 8, it doesn’t work. They just don’t go together, iOS is made for fingers not a mouse, using this tweak is a verification of that. Another issue I have is that the cursor does seem to lag a bit. On top of that, the mouse only provides basic functions. It can not rotate objects, it can not move objects, it can not act like a cursor on the computer in most ways. It just doesn’t make it worth it for me.

However, the product isn’t all bad either. If you want to make a cheap man’s portable computer, this is definitely a way to do it. It is portable enough, nothing like a laptop and it requires more real estate in your backpack but it is doable. A theme that I have reviewed for the iPad, the OS X Pad theme, is a perfect companion for this device as the cursor the tweak provides is a Mac cursor. In addition, there are bluetooth cases that make the iPad look like a MacBook, which even further the Mac look. However, even then, it still isn’t the same as a computer. The iPad isn’t made to have a cursor, it’s OS just doesn’t work well with a cursor. The product itself isn’t necessarily flawed, the settings that comes with it is easy to work with and you have the option of using any bluetooth device you choose. The concept, however, is flawed and that’s because the cursor is not meant to be on the iPad.

Conclusion

Pros

-Mac Cursor

-Easy to use settings

-Poor man’s laptop (with limited functionality), works well with some jailbreak themes

Cons

-Transport of too many things makes the concept lack portability

-Concept of a cursor just doesn’t work on an iPad

-Cursor lags and only provides minor functions

-Lack of functionality in the whole experience

Ways to Improve

Honestly, I believe this product should be scraped. The product just doesn’t work. It’s not that the product wasn’t executed well, it’s just the idea wasn’t. The idea of putting a cursor on an iPad is as appealing as putting a cursor on Windows 8, it isn’t. The only way to improve from here for the company is to go into other jailbreak utilities.

This product is not entirely a failure in my eyes. They did the best they could with it and I applaud their efforts. However, I think the company should consider moving on to a different idea. I give this product 2 and a half stars for a good try on a bad idea.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

 

Boxer Speakers

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The Boxer speakers are powerful, audiophile speakers that can plug into anything with a headphone jack. The speakers are available from Well Rounded Sound for $389.00. Let’s see if they are the speakers for you.

Form

The Boxer speakers are designed beautifully. The speakers are made out of real wood which help improve the sound quality and the looks of the speakers. The Boxer speakers are made out of two pieces of wood. One piece surrounds and houses the speaker while the other piece is a small stand that holds up the speaker in the front. Because all of the speaker is surrounded by wood, it adds singularity to the speakers, as opposed to making the stand plastic for instance. The front of the speaker is where the sound only comes out of, there are no sound vents on either side. In the center is a black part that comes out of the speaker, surrounding this is a bass controller. The fact that these parts are uncovered and not protected by a foam cover like many speakers not only increases volume and improves sound but it also adds to the look of the product. Surrounding this is a metal piece that has screws surrounding it. Surprisingly, these screws don’t subtract from the look of the speakers, they add to it. I am supposing it also adds the ability of the buyer to service the speakers his or herself despite the fact that I nor the manufacturer can recommend that. The speakers have to be powered by a small amp which looks ugly but can be hidden away. Also, because the controls are on the amp and not the speakers, there are no buttons on the speakers thus improving the look of the speakers themselves. Overall, these speakers look great and will look great no matter where you put them, be it on a desk or table.

Function

The only reason we buy speakers is to play sound, almost always music. Consumers buy cheap speakers to meet their music listening needs, but sometimes we need a bit more power, a bit more sound to our music. That is where the Boxer speakers come in. These speakers are power horses. They provide some of the best sound you can hear from a speaker it’s size. The bass is bass-y and the treble is rich. The sound just sounds great. If you want great sound quality speakers, these are it. They have excellent sound at any volume. Be it at low volume or blasting, these speakers retain a rich sound. You can hear every instrument through these speakers, I know because I can hear every instrument played in Coldplay’s songs and without great speakers, that’s difficult to do. I have tried listening to songs of many genres and each song sounds like you are there while that artist is performing that song. The speakers take you to the artist performing the song. The highs and lows of a singer, the notes of a piano and the strums of a guitar all come in crystal clear. The speakers can fit in many places but not everywhere. They are limited down a bit by an amp, but that is the case with most audiophile speakers so that is not much of their fault. In fact, that just shows how powerful they are, they actually need a small amp to run them. The amp you get is small and has a port for audio in and a 3mm headphone port (same end as a guitar cord). It also has a small knob for adjusting the volume. That’s it. The wires that are included with the speakers to the amp are long enough to hide the amp underneath a table, while the speakers are on top of it. Of course, longer cords are available on the market, but these cords should suffice. Overall, the function of these speakers excel to highest marks.

Conclusion

Pros

-Excellent form, looks great on any table
-Excellent sound
-Long cords
-Amp does what it needs to do efficiently

Cons

-Amp is a bit bulky (small but heavy and it’s power brick is no different)

Things to be improved

Nothing has to be improved with these speakers.

These speakers produce absolutely stunning sound quality. These speakers are a must buy for consumers wanting to buy better speakers or audiophiles anywhere. These speakers could not receive anything lower than five stars from me. Great job Well Rounded Sound, your name of your company accurately describes your product.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

iRig HD Review

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The iRig HD is a connector that allows you to plug in your iOS device or computer to a guitar which in turn is plugged into an amp. The software that comes with the device allows you to add many effects to your guitar. The app works with HK Mulitmedia’s own software Amplitube, Apple’s GarageBand, or other apps dedicated to adding guitar effects. The device is similar to HK’s own iRig Stomp but it provides better sound and more features. The iRig HD is available from IK Multimedia for $99.99.

Form

The iRig HD is a small, black device. The device has two ports, one on either side. One side has a port for the guitar and the other has a port for the iOS device. The form of the device pretty straightforward. The device is built well, the ports don’t feel like they will easily break. The device is made to take some hits (as with any device, I would not intentionally test this out), it is made to be carried around a lot so any traveling musician will appreciate it’s portability and it’s ability to take a hit. The way the device is built is nice. It’s well made, definitely a plus in my book. Something that requires a bit more examination is not the hardware but the software. The app that is made for the iRig HD is called Amplitube and it is free on the App Store. Of course, there are other more specified options you can buy, such as Hendrix Amplitube, but I will only cover the basic free Amplitube. The app is designed well. It is well put together and it is easy to configure and work with. The app is made for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. I like to use it on my iPad the best because the layout on it is better as it has more landscape, however all versions of the app are easy to work with. Overall, the form of the product and the app that comes with it excels.

Function

The iRig HD is no different in the function department either. The device is easy to set up with your iOS device and guitar/amp. Once it is set up, you have access to many effects through either the Amplitube or GarageBand apps. I made the complaint before on the iRig Stomp that the iRig Stomp needed to use one of the available slots for pedals to reduce the static noise. I am pleased to say that that is no longer necessary. The iRig HD has the initials HD for a reason and the clarity of the sound proved it. There was absolutely no static nor unnecessary noise whatsoever. The hardware and software work together to provide an excellent experience and some cool features that make it even more enjoyable. The iRig HD has an indicator light telling you if there is too much or too little volume or if it’s just right so you can get the best sound. The app includes features such as the ability to take out the voice out of any song so you can hear the music parts in the song more clearer or the app’s ability to record what you play. The device and the app provide excellent sounds for your guitar that any musician would be pleased to use.

Conclusion

Pros

-Ease of use of both hardware and software

-Portability

-Product is well-made

-Added features add to the product

Cons

-None

Things to Improve

At this time, there is no need for improvement.

The iRig HD is a great companion for any guitarist, providing you with great sounds and great features that any musician would want to get their hands on. The iRig HD earns five stars from me! Once again, great job IK Multimedia.

Thanks for reading,

Joe