Finding Portable Speakers for iPod Nano

Most people listen to their iPod or other MP3 players through headphones. However, there might be times when you want a quick and simple way to play your music out loud. If you have a 3rd generation iPod Nano (the square shaped ones that also play video, not the rectangular ones) you just might want to check out the AudioWrapz from iFrogz.com. Their unique little product combines a silicone iPod sleeve with a set of small passive speakers built into the base of the unit. This allows you to play your iPod like a mini boombox. Check it out below.

---

iPod Speakers

How does the AudioWrapz work? You slip your Nano into the silicone sleeve (there is also a plastic insert that maintains the shape) where it fits onto a jack connector that goes into the earphone jack on the bottom of the Nano. This essentially feeds the audio out from the iPod and through the mini speakers. The speaker portion of the sleeve makes up the bottom of the unit, so once your iPod is in place, the whole thing is about 4.25" long, significantly longer and bulkier that the Nano by itself. When you push play, audio comes out from the speakers - pretty simple. There is also an audio jack on the outside of the AudioWrapz, allowing you to connect your headphones if you like to disengage the speakers and again pipe sound to your headphones. The only thing missing is a pass-through connector for charging your iPod -- you will have to remove it from the AudioWrapz to charge it each time, which is kind of a hassle. When it comes to battery life, they claim it is passive and uses no battery power, but in our usage it felt like battery life was being drained faster -- maybe just our imagination. So how about sound quality? Let's say you won't have to worry about neighbors or parents yelling at you to keep the noise down. These are small speakers, and everyone knows it is tough to get room-filling sound out of tiny speakers. So you get fairly mild sound of basic quality, nothing fancy here. But for just over $20, you can't expect the moon and the stars! So when would you use this thing? Maybe you get sick of the feeling or earphones always in your ears. Maybe you are on the run somewhere and don't have your normal docking station or bigger speakers you plug into at home. Maybe you want some friends to hear some new tunes. As long as you don't expect big booming sound and you can deal with having to remove the case everytime you want to charge your iPod, then check out the AudioWrapz - its cheap, it works, and it's a good basic, inexpensive solution for getting speaker sound out of your iPod. How much does the AudioWrapz cost and where can I buy it? The AudioWrapz costs about $25 and is available direct from iFrogz.

Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.

Review and Internet Guide Index: Computers and Internet: - Amazon Kindle Review - Best Selling Wireless Routers Household/DIY: - Replacing a Furnace - Most Popular Bread Makers Cars and Automobiles

Audio/Video Electronics - Best 50" LCD TVs - What is Tivo and how does it work? Top-Rated Digital Cameras and Photos: - Top HD Video Cameras - Buying a Digital SLR Camera Entertainment/Hobbies

Health & Fitness: - Teeter Inversion Tables - Recumbent Exercise Bikes Travel - Disneyland Hotel Guide - Hotels and Lodging - Top 10 Things to Do in New York Sports and Outdoors