Customer Reviews

Portable Sound Lab Handheld Speaker Case for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I just purchased a pair of these iMainGo iPod speakers after reading positive reviews on Amazon and elsewhere on the web. I'm a finicky consumer as well as musician with a critical ear for sound quality. Given the positive reviews, I had high expectations going in -- and I must say that my expectations were exceeded in most areas.

1) The sound quality is very impressive for such a small set of speakers. The bass is full, the mids and highs clear and punchy, even at relatively high volumes. Each speaker is powered by a 2.5 Watt digital amplifier (according to the specs) -- which provides incredible volume considering its size. What's more, I didn't hear any clipping distortion that you typically find in many underpowered devices. Honestly, I don't know how they achieve the rich sound quality in this little set -- but I give credit to the engineering/acoustics team that obviously tackled this challenge with impressive results.

2) The one area that I found a little cumbersome was the use of little foam pads to line the case for different iPods. We have an older iPod shuffle -- and getting the foam pads to stay in place while inserting and strapping the iPod took a little effort. It would be helpful if the foam pads were adhesive-backed so they'd stay put while inserting the iPod. Furthermore, the on/off switch of some iPods may become unaccessible, which requires removal of the iPod from its padded carrier. I think the iPod cradle design could use some revamping to be a little easier to install and setup for different versions of iPod.

Despite this, the sound quality is superb and offsets my objections around the iPod cradle itself. There's also a clear plastic cover that protects the iPod, which I haven't tested yet with the iPod Touch to see if the touch screen will still work. It did work with the tactile interface of my older-generation shuffle, however.

3) The overall build quality seems pretty sturdy. Even the male stereo plug (that goes into the earbud/headphone jack of the iPod) is gold-plated, which is a nice touch for a $40 device. The gold plating helps to eliminate corrosion of the plug to ensure noise-free connections.

4) As others have noted and the instructions confirm, the iMainGo can be used with most devices (MP3, MP4, Cell Phones, etc.) that have a standard analog miniature stereo jack. The iMainGo simply re-amplifies the analog headphone output. The unit requires (4) AAA batteries, which are supplied with the unit.

5) Finally, for iPods equipped with the alarm feature, a mode switch on the iMainGo can be set to Alarm mode. This will activate the iMainGo to conserve power. I haven't tested this feature, but I assume it works as advertised.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a pocket-sized portable stereo speaker set for your iPod or MP3 player, this device will not disappoint even the most discerning audiophiles.

As an aside, this is also a great device to stick in the corner of a crib or place on a nightstand to add an emersive "surround sound" of Mozart or your favorite tunes for your newborns. Keep it out of reach so they don't open it and possibly start to dismount parts -- but keep it close enough to enjoy the music with its rich spectral response.

I purchased the iSound and was definitely impressed. Fell in love with it. The ISound Audio Vault I purchased was pink. I decided I wanted it in black.I sold my pink one. When searching for the black ISound unit, I found the IMaingo. After reading the reviews for the IMaingo, I decided to purchase it. Actually, I believed it would be equal to the ISound. I had little faith, but purchased it anyway. Visually, it looked like the same unit. To my surprise, the IMaingo won! The sound is awesome! Much clearer and crisper. The bass is awesome. Also, the volume is much louder. It was worth the investment. As said in another review.."you get what you pay for". It protects my 80gb Ipod. I LOVE MY IMAINGO. I can't put it down!!!!

Sound - The sound is very good on this portable speaker case for your MP3 player.

Protection - The protection it offers for your ipod is very good as well.

Convenience - is okay. This is not going to fit into your pocket. It might fit your coat pocket.

If it was smaller, though, it wouldn't sound very good. I am very pleased with the sound quality and usually can find a way to carry it where I want to use it. Size is about like a very thick small paperback book.

Power - A couple design flaws that don't bother me much - it has no AC power option. But batteries last 30 hours so it isn't a big deal.

Speaker protection - Also, the front grille is not very protective of the foil like speakers. I put my case in a basket and the magnet atracted a new paperclip (rounded) that made a dent in one of the speakers. They need a better grille.

And did I mention the sound? It sounds great!

See the website imaingo dot com for more quotes from reviews. Go to the actual review site to see the actual review, though.

Upon noticing that color preference accounted for as much as a twenty-dollar spread between the low and high price ends of these iMainGo Portable Sound Lab speakers, I had little trouble deciding on a color (some non-Amazon dealers are asking twice as much for the same speakers). Now that I have them, I'm not sure I want them (I certainly don't need them):

The Good: 1. The sound is rich, full, and loud in the mid-range register (nothing special in the treble and, especially, bass range); 2. If you have an iPod with alarm, this unit has the power to blast you to your senses; 3. It integrates your iPod and speakers in a single, stable case that can be carried on a wrist strap or tossed into a brief case.

The Not-so-good: 1. The 4 required AAA batteries are a bit awkward to squeeze into the battery compartment. 2. Packing your particular iPod into place requires binding it with indecorous straps. 3. The materials are a grotesque mix of shiny faux satin, shiny black plastic, and faux black velvet. 4. Upon opening the case, the user is greeted by nothing but the aforementioned materials plus a migraine-inducing light. 5. The unit is actually too heavy to be worn on a belt loop or strung around the owner's neck; 6. The transparent plastic front, though it protects the iPod and permits operation of the controls, feels like a Trojan obstruction between the owner and his nifty instrument.

The Truly Bad: The unit is larger (and heavier) than expected, all but neutralizing the size advantages of a 3rd-generation Nano iPod. In fact, this thing seems like an utter regression. I may as well have ordered a boom box! The trade-off (better audio in exchange for a clunky, not-so-portable device) simply isn't worth it.

I have another unit similar to this, the iSoundz wallet, which is sleeker and more practical, but the company has folded. If like me, you occasionally wish to use your iPod without the ear buds, I recommend something like the JBL On-Tour Portable System (big markdowns recently). If you wish to use your iPod on the go without ear phones, take a look at the Saitek-100 speaker, which is flat enough to slide easily into a pocket yet puts out sound equal if not superior to the iMainGo, offers easier battery replacement, and includes a connector that's tailor-made for a Nano 2 or 3g.

The iMainGo is another impulse purchase that gets returned. As long as Amazon keeps the prices nice and permits easy returns, I'll remain a loyal customer.

The product is advertised as working for ALL Ipods! I bought this as a Christmas Present and my husbands Ipod Touch doesn't fit! Come to find out there is an iMainGo2 - for the Ipod Touch!!!! I am extremely disappointed that the advertisment said it works for all!!!!

On a positive note the sound quality is suprisingly amazing for the size of the speakers.

I absolutely love my iMainGo. It's great for traveling, using at the beach, or entertaining friends outside. The speakers are loud and provide good quality without any noticeable distortion. The case is very durable and includes a clear window that allows you to easily change tracks or lower the volume.

Of all the iPod accessories on the market, I'd put this at the top of the list as a must have.

I promise you won't be disappointed if you purchase this.

I had serious doubts about all the imaingo hype until a freind at work played theirs. Since then, I have purchased an imiango for myself and my girl. She travels alot and loves it with her iPod and hooked up to her laptop. Sounds great worth the price. I would absolutely recommend this product.

It's not often that something exceeds my expectations. Well, the iMaingo certainly has. In the past two years, I have purchased several so called portable speaker systems from the folding speaker system from CTA to the Logitech mm32. All of the other systems purchased were either not so portable and/or poor sound quality. They all lacked clarity at higher sound levels and the low bass sounds. After purchasing the iMaingo, the other systems ended up in their rightful place, the trash.

The iMaingo immediately delivered sound that was both full and clear. The iMaingo has eliminated the need for an FM transmitter or tape playback device in my car. Now, I just use the ipod with the iMaingo in the car, and the batteries last over 30 hours. I find that whenever I have friends over, the iMaingo is the sound system I use. It really does generate the sound to fill a room or backyard picnic.

The biggest problem with the iMaingo is that I have to keep an eye on it, as everyone that gets a chance to hear it wants to steal it. I guess my holiday shopping will be easy this year.

I bought these to use with my ipod touch. Unfortunately, touch does not fit in to the place provided for mp3 players. That's why the speakers get a 4. However, this was a risk I took before ordering. I think if I cut the inner plastic a bit it will fit in. The sound quality is excellent for the price. They are really small and convenient. A best buy!

Bought this for my video ipod to use on my desk. Nice not haveing to deal with earbuds at times. Sound is Very Good for such a small system, wish there were a way to charge the ipod without removing it from the case. I would defintely buy again, the sound and volumn will suprise you coming from such a small case.