iHome Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker with Speakerphone Model iDM11 Review

Just when I thought there?s no way that there could be another iCcessory, the�people�at iHome come up with the iDM11�Portable, Rechargeable,�Bluetooth�Speaker with Speakerphone. �Now if you�haven?t�already bought several devices to play your iPod/iPad/iPhone through, you have the opportunity to do it wirelessly and in style. �Of course, it doesn?t work just with Apple products. �It will connect to your Bluetooth enabled computer or cell phone, just not at the same time and any audio device with a headphone jack.Firstly this is a well made device, well ? as well made anything made of plastic can be. � It has a substantial heft�which�should keep it from falling off the desk. �This is�probably�due to the weight of the rechargeable battery. �It looks good�sitting�on my desk.

Features:

• Bluetooth wireless capability
• Bluetooth wireless audio profile (A2DP)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR wireless technology
• Bluetooth hands-free profile
• Integrated microphone, ATI SoundClear voice echo cancelling and answer end call controls
• Rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery
• SRS TruBass sound enhancement
• LED Power On/Charging Indicator

In the package you get the iDM11, an adapter cable for charging the device and also connecting to a 3.5 mm jack. �By the way, be prepared to spend some time getting the packaging open. �I had to use a set of diagonal cutters to cut through the plastic shell.

A look at the bottom. �The slide switch selects lock, aux input or�Bluetooth�mode. �The socket is for the charging/aux input cable.

This is the Y cable that?s used for both charging and connecting an�auxiliary�device. �Lose it and you?ll have a paperweight. �The connector on the end that plugs into the iDM11 is microUSB.

Before using the iDM11, it has to be charged. �This can be done by plugging the charging cable into a USB port on a computer or using a mains USB adapter is I did. �While charging, the LED on the device pulses red. �When fully charged it glows blue. �When using the iDM11, a pulsing blue light indicates low battery and a quickly flashing red light signifies less than 10% charge left. �In use, I was able to go for 7 hours before I got a pulsating blue light. �Specs say you should get up to 10 hours on a charge.

Pairing the iDM11 with my iPod Touch was a simple process of �switching the slide switch to the Bluetooth position; �pressing and holding the power switch until a light appears at the base; �turning on Bluetooth on my iPod; and then pressing and holding the Bluetooth speakerphone switch until the light on the base flashes blue and red. �At this point my iPod�recognized�the iDM11, and I paired the two devices. �There�was no password required.

Once connected, subsequent pairings are automatic. �When the iPod and iDM11 are within range of each other and there is no other device using the iDM11, they connect.

While playing audio through the iDM11, you can�control�the volume and play and pause the stream via buttons on the iDM11. �You?ll notice I wrote playing audio and not music. �This is a mono sound device.� I have many other gadgets I can use to play the music from my iPod in stereo. �However, I like to listen to audio podcasts that I download using the RSSRadio app. �With the iDM11, I fire up the iPod to playback through the device and can listen without the encumbrance of headphones.

Using the special�auxiliary�cable, it is possible to connect an audio device using the 3.5mm connector. �It works, but again for music, I would use something else.

The iDM11 is a multipurpose audio device and works as a very respectable cell phone speakerphone. �Pairing the devices proceeds just as with the iPod except my phone asked for a password. �Inputting the�default�of 1234 got the devices paired. �Many phone calls later, I can say that I was impressed with the echo cancelling and sound quality. � Of course sound quality is subjective, but I was able to hear clearly those that called me and�people�I spoke with had no problem understanding me.

I?m conflicted about the iDM11. �Yes, it?s very portable and wireless, however, the loss of the special cable could make it useless. �I find it convenient for playing talk show podcasts, but when playing the tunes on my iPod, I prefer earphones or powered stereo speakers. �And, I really don?t need another speakerphone. �My cell has one built-in. �I was even able to get it to connect�to�my Windows 8 PC, but I can?t find a must have application for this device.

Product Information

Price:	$69.99
Manufacturer:	iHome
Retailer:	Available from Manufacturer
Requirements:	Audio source via Bluetooth or auxiliary jack
Pros:	Wireless Decent mono sound Quality build
Cons:	Audio controls hard to find Unique cable required for auxiliary input

Tagged as: Bluetooth speakers

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