Bluetooth Keyboard & portable Speaker system from iHome has the 'classic' Executive look with rich black finish. The design however resembles like an old school typewriter from a by-gone era. The product itself is fully functional otherwise. Seems well built and the speaker puts out a lot of punch and sound clarity is very good.
The pairing is super easy with most Android and IOS based tablet devices. I attempted this with Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) and it had zero issues in paring it as 'media' and 'keyboard' device simultaneously. The keyboard has the tendency to chatter but all the keys are fully compatible and functional with Android OS Jelly Bean 4.1.1. It takes time to get used to the keys and functions for a touch screen tablet but once you learn the key functions it seemed second nature to me.
You have the capability to use this for 'Skype' or other instant voice or video chat as it has 'built-in' microphone. There is also an 'AUX' Line-in Analog input for backward compatibility with devices that do not have Bluetooth audio. You can also use this with your Smartphone and stream music remotely to your desk!
PROs
The pairing is super easy with most Android and IOS based tablet devices. I attempted this with Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) and it had zero issues in paring it as 'media' and 'keyboard' device simultaneously. The keyboard has the tendency to chatter but all the keys are fully compatible and functional with Android OS Jelly Bean 4.1.1. It takes time to get used to the keys and functions for a touch screen tablet but once you learn the key functions it seemed second nature to me.
You have the capability to use this for 'Skype' or other instant voice or video chat as it has 'built-in' microphone. There is also an 'AUX' Line-in Analog input for backward compatibility with devices that do not have Bluetooth audio. You can also use this with your Smartphone and stream music remotely to your desk!
PROs
- Functions well right out of the box
- Very good fidelity sound output
- Sturdy base & has one 'USB' charging port
- Dedicated volume control keys
- Analog input for non Bluetooth devices
CONs
- Bulky design and takes up too much space on your desk
- Power cord is too short for most desks (Wish the cord was longer)
- Does not work without power (Wish it had rechargeable battery pack inside)
- The flap cover cannot go past 90 degrees (Wish it had some angles for better view )
- Keys are soft but tend to chatter a lot when you type fast
- Typing and swiping can be challenging at times
If you do not mind dedicating a old school typewriter style device on your modern desk then this might be a perfect fit. However, I seriously doubt any executive of today's era will love this outdated look. I personally liked the sound quality this device had to offer compared to the built-in speakers found in most modern tablets. I personally did not like the feel of the keyboard as it chattered a lot.
Bottom-line:
For the price that it is currently being offered it is OKAY. If you use your tablet extensively for typing large documents and do a lot of instant messaging by typing you could use this contraption and convert your super slim tablet into a fully fledged laptop computer of some sorts with added super clarity sound. I wish iHome comes up with something more sleek design to match the gorgeous tablet devices these days.
You can buy one of these from Amazon by using the link below
iHome iDM5 Executive Space-Saver Station (Black)
Side note:
It is contradicting to note that Amazon's product pictures show two USB charging ports but the product I received recently has only ONE USB charging port.
The product manual at iHome also validates that, Looks that somewhere down the line the product has gone thru' a design change. Please make a note of this.
Side note:
It is contradicting to note that Amazon's product pictures show two USB charging ports but the product I received recently has only ONE USB charging port.
The product manual at iHome also validates that, Looks that somewhere down the line the product has gone thru' a design change. Please make a note of this.
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