Review of Griffin Travel speaker system

GH Institute

MP3 speakers

Features

Travel speakers, powered by iPod. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Exclusive to Tesco.

Comments

Good points: Superbly light and small, the Travel speakers are a great way of having louder playback in a neat, small product. There's no battery or mains connection - it uses the iPod's built-in battery to power it. If you want to recharge the iPod you can connect it to a PC using the USB cable. Sound quality is more than acceptable, and the speakers are undeniably convenient.

Drawbacks: Unexceptional sound. No visual indicator to say you've reached maximum volume.

Rating: 70/100

Price: £30

Stockist: 0800 505555 - http://www.tesco.com

GHI Test Report - November 2010

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Other products in MP3 speakers

Review of Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 speakers

Features
Rechargeable battery, mains power. Carrying case. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Remote control. Unlike earlier version, does not require iPhone to be switched to airplane mode to avoid interference. Black or white finish available.
Comments
Good points: This portable unit has excellent audio with an impressive soundstage. Touch the XL button and it makes it sound wide and powerful. Highly portable and the rechargeable battery lasts 10 hours between charges. It recharges the iPod as you play. Punchy, strikingly clear sound in a light and easy-to-carry machine. Works with international electrical frequencies so can be used abroad and comes supplied with multiple international plugs.
Drawbacks: None.

Rating: 91/100

Price Range: £100 - 140

Stockist: 01753 870900 - http://www.logitech.co.uk

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of JBL On Time Micro MP3 speakers

Features
Alarm with LCD screen. Snooze function. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Remote control. Weighs 0.8kg (1.8lbs). Mains power.
Comments
Good points: JBL is known for its outstanding audio fidelity: this product lives up to the brand's reputation. It's the sound quality that really excels, with strong, bassy playback. The alarm is versatile - you can programme it with up to seven independent wake-up times.
Drawbacks: When turned up to full volume, the sound can distort.

Rating: 90/100

Price Range: £140 - 180

Stockist: 01707 278100 - http://www.jbl.com

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of Orbitsound T4 MP3 speakers

Features
‘Spatial stereo' dock with DAB, FM and internet radio. Alarm clock. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Mains power.
Comments
Good points: Although there's only one speaker on the front of the T4, because the side speakers fire sound outwards it manages to sound wide and powerful even in a big room. The system means the audio sounds good wherever you're standing. Then there's the radio which not only includes FM and DAB radio, but internet radio, too. If you have a broadband network it can connect to it wirelessly, delivering literally thousands of radio stations from around the world.
Drawbacks: It's easy to press the wrong button - they're all lined up round the top of the unit. Wi-fi internet is also fiddly to set up, though you only have to do this once.

Rating: 85/100

Price Range: £140 - 150

Stockist: 08456 521 219 - http://www.orbitsound.com

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of JBL On Stage IIIP MP3 speakers

Features
Fits all iPods with dock connector. Remote control. Mains power.
Comments
Good points: It looks like a doughnut but sounds even sweeter. The directional speakers mean it delivers strong sound in multiple directions. It's also easily portable as it's so small and light. It has a rich and full sound, excellent on high notes and okay on bass, and sounds clear and bright. Small enough to make it an essential travel gadget.
Drawbacks: Bass could be stronger.

Rating: 84/100

Price Range: £90 - 100

Stockist: 01707 278100 - http://www.jbl.com

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of Sony ICFC1IPMK2 MP3 speakers

Features
Charges while it plays. Remote control. Alarm clock and FM/AM radio. LCD screen with adjustable brightness. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Weighs 0.5kg (1lb)
Comments
Good points: Decent sound and handy features make this Sony dock a good choice. The clock radio offers the choice of waking to a buzzer, radio or music from the iPod. Straightforward to use.
Drawbacks: Lacks the bass effects and crisp clarity of bigger units.

Rating: 75/100

Price Range: £55 - 70

Stockist: 08705 111999 - http://www.sony.co.uk

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of Griffin Travel speaker system

Features
Travel speakers, powered by iPod. Fits all iPods with dock connector. Exclusive to Tesco.
Comments
Good points: Superbly light and small, the Travel speakers are a great way of having louder playback in a neat, small product. There's no battery or mains connection - it uses the iPod's built-in battery to power it. If you want to recharge the iPod you can connect it to a PC using the USB cable. Sound quality is more than acceptable, and the speakers are undeniably convenient.
Drawbacks: Unexceptional sound. No visual indicator to say you've reached maximum volume.

Rating: 70/100

Price: £30

Stockist: 0800 505555 - http://www.tesco.com

GHI Test Report - November 2010
Review of Boston Acoustics Duo-i MP3 speakers

Good Housekeeping Top Scorer
Features
iPod docking port, line-in socket for other brands of player. Mains only power supply. Wireless remote control. FM/AM alarm clock radio. Changeable coloured grilles available in red, light blue, pink and green. Dimensions: H5.5 x W12.9 x D8 inches. Also available in black
Comments
Tremendous sound marks out the Duo-I, not least due to its weighty build. Its looks are basic but changeable covers mean it's easy for the owner to change the colour (£15 extra each) and the rubberised finish feels nice to the touch. There are two alarms on the clock radio and the lights dim according to the surroundings. Impressive. The speakers can be connected to a CD player.

Rating: 90/100

Price Range: £151 - 170

Stockist: 0845 800 1020 - http://www.play.com

GHI Test Report - November 2008
Review of JBL Creature II 2.1 MP3 speakers

Features
Line-in socket. Touch-sensitive volume control. Mains only power supply. Dimensions: H9.0 x W9.0 x D9.0 inches. Satellite speakers dimensions H3.0 x W3.0 x D3.0 inches.
Comments
The strange-looking Creature speakers work with any MP3 player, connecting by line-in to the headphone socket. This does mean you can only charge without listening at the same time. Strong, clean sound and easy use with touch-controlled volume make it great to use. Lots of bass from the large sub-woofer.

Rating: 85/100

Price Range: £50 - 70

Stockist: 08705 425 524 - http://www.comet.co.uk

GHI Test Report - November 2008
Review of Fatman itube MP3 speakers

Features
iPod docking port and valve amplifier. Line-in socket for other brands of player. Mains only power supply. Wireless remote control. Dimensions: Amplifier: H5.8 x W14.2 x D7.9 inches
Comments
If you're buying for someone traditional enough to enjoy the silky smooth sound only valves can offer, but modern enough to enjoy the convenience of MP3, this curious-looking device is ideal. The quality is extraordinary.

Rating: 85/100

Price: £233

Stockist: 0845 800 1020 - http://www.play.com

GHI Test Report - November 2008