Product Requirements:
Device:
3rd Generation Apple iPods (there is a version for
the original iPod too)
My new best friend is my 30GB iPod (sorry Judie…). I’ve had this little guy
for 2 months now, and I take it with me everywhere I go. Although cases for the
iPod are fun to review, I find the other accessories to be way more interesting
to me. So, when I was approached by TEN
Technology to review the naviPod, I practically sprained my finger pressing
the reply button in my email program to say yes after checking out the product
on their website!
What is the naviPod? It is a very cool IR controller for the iPod. Ok, I know
what you are probably thinking: "why would I need an IR controller?" With the
naviPod, you can Play, Pause, Next track, Previous track, Fast Forward, Rewind
and adjust volume, from across the room. Picture this: your iPod is sitting on
top of your stereo cabinet, using an iRock (or
similar) FM wireless transmitter to play tunes through your stereo. From your
chair, you can control the major features of your player. Very nifty!
The naviPod consists of 3 components: the IR receiver, handheld remote, and
the chrome plated stand. The receiver, which matches the color and curves of the
iPod exactly, plugs into the top of the device. It does not require any
batteries to power it, as it is powered directly from the iPod. The front of the
receiver has a large IR eye, while the back has a standard 3.5mm jack. You can
plug earphones, an FM transmitter, or a audio cable into this jack.
The handheld transmitter is a small plastic circular disc with 5 soft rubber
buttons. The transmitter is powered by one CR2032 battery, which is included.
This type of coin cell battery is easily found in almost any drug or convenience
store. The button layout is very good. The top button is the Play/Pause button,
while the bottom buttons control volume levels. The left and right middle
buttons have two functions each. If you press them once, they will play the
previous or next tracks respectively, while holding the buttons down will cause
the playback to rewind or skip ahead 5 seconds inside a song. The buttons are
very easy to press and have good tactile feedback. The transmitter actually has
a very good range. I was able to control my iPod from a distance of 15 ft. Not
too shabby!
If you don’t care to use the docking cradle with the iPod, you can use the
naviPod’s included chrome stand, which attaches easily to the sides of the IR
receiver. It lets the iPod rest at the perfect angle for viewing the display on
a desktop. Also, since it attaches directly to the naviPod receiver, you can use
the stand while the iPod is in some cases. I’ve been using it with the Vaja
iVod case and love it.
The naviPod is currently my favorite iPod accessory. Besides looking very
stylish, it adds functionality to my already awesome iPod.
Price: $49.95
Pros:
Allows your iPod to become part of your stereo system
Plug and play
Cons:
None
Product Information
| Price: | 49.95 |
| Manufacturer: | TEN Technology |
| Pros: |
|
| Cons: |
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Awesome review, like normal. I do have a question about the new iPod itself. Does it have any form of Digital Rights Management like the old iPods? The reason I ask is I have a Nomad Jukebox Zen USB2.0 I love, but of course would like something smaller.
It doesn’t have any rights management under Windows and as far as copying MP3s that I’ve already ripped. Now, if you buy MP3s from music sites (like iTunes for Macs), there is DRM to consider.
Hi Julie. I’m a purchaser for a national retail chain and I too use my iPod as my main stereo at home. When I heard about the NaviPod, I knew I had to have it. I agree, the NaviPod is a great device, but there’s one thing missing that would have made it EXCELLENT (and also jack up the price) and that would be a small display on the remote to select playlists or albums. My speaker system is on the other side of my apartment. To change albums or playlists, I still have to get up and walk to the iPod (No, I’m not lazy I just don’t like to stop when working). If someone made a device that would essentially mimmick the control and display of the iPod. I’d buy it in an instant!
You’re right, that would be cool… but yes, very expensive.
heyy Julie .. just had a little question .. now that you’ve physically experienced the Navipod, you think the iTrip and Navipod could both work together simultaneously? (keeping in mind that the iTrip goes on the top of the iPod too)
No, I really don’t see how they could work together as they both can’t be plugged into the iPod at the same time 😉
hows the connection? is the IR really picky about having line of sight? if you point the remote in the opposite direction, does it still work? how about trying to use the IR remote while the ipod was in the car storage compartment? thanks.
Yes, there has to be a line of sight for IR to work. It doesn’t have to be an exact line though, as the light can bounce off of objects and / or walls.
If your iPod is in an enclosed compartment, the naviPod will not work.
Why aren’t we just using our ipods *as* remotes-with FM transmitter options like iTrip and iRock that function even to 30ft?
Is there a sound quality loss using such devices, say at 15ft?
Can anyone comment on the sound quality difference between the iTrip to your stereo and the iPod with a naviPod ontop plugged into your stereo?
I’m sure there is one, but is the iTrip/iRock giving people sound quality they are happy with?
Cheers y’all,
Kaale
Nice gadget but it is flimsey. I dropped it a foot and a half onto a carpeted floor (by accident) and now it doesn’t work. 😡
RoyMunson:
I’m very surprised that it broke so easily… The one I have feels pretty robust. I would contact the company and give them a chance to make it right.
I am going to bring it back to the Apple store where I bought it last week. I don’t think it should be a problem:o
Good luck! If it’s only 1 week old, they should replace it with no questions asked. I bet there was a faulty connection somewhere and dropping it exacerbated the problem.
Can I use the remote with 40 gig and 3 gig. It would be perfect to run my BOSE system in my kitchen and Beosound at the office if I could get away with buying one and use it with both ipods. My Best. Dan
Yes, the naviPod should work just fine with the 40gig since it has the same connector. As for 3gig, did you really mean 30gig? Or are you talking about the mini? I don’t know if it will work with the mini or not since I don’t have one to test with.
Sorry about that, I meant the mini.