Just like somebody else, I plugged them into my iPod and hit play before I knew any specifics on them. From then on, I didn’t need to take them off.
Ultrasone announced a new set of headphones called the Zino.
The headphones’ design is simple and useful for portability. When not in use, they easily fold up for storage in the included hard carrying case.
Not only was the sound clear and natural, they also are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever tried on.
What delivers the sound are two powerful 40mm gold-plated drivers. The technique uses S-Logic technology, which delivers the sound in a way that’s directed to the user’s outer ear. Ultrasone claims this help reduce sound pressure on the eardrums by about 40 percent.
The adjustable headband is made with a gunmetal black brushed finish and the ear cups have an aluminum finish.
If that doesn’t confuse you, then knowing the company also says the Zino features MU-Metal shielding (ULE technology), which reduces the amount of radiation directed to the listener by up to 98 percent compared to conventional headphones, should.
“Music lovers, concerned about the effects that ear buds have on their hearing, will be glad to know (with the Zino) they have a safer and better sounding headphone,” said Paul Taylor, President of Ultrasone Inc. in a recent press release.
The bottom line is simple: they sound and look great for a decent price.
Details: www.ultrasone.com, $99 at Amazon.com
Somehow, no matter what I do, the clutter always comes back but Dexim’s MacHub Dock Station can solve part of the problem.
If your table is anything like mine, you’d do most anything to tidy up the cables and clutter.
Specifically, the docking port is on top, two USB ports are on the right side, one is in the back and the mini is on the left with the card reader. Also on top are two indicator lights to show when the unit is powered up, a card is in the reader and when an iPod/iPhone is docked.
The multipurpose desktop device gives users two additional (on top of what your computer has) USB ports, one mini USB port, a docking/charging/syncing port with an Apple 30pin connector for iPhones or iPods as well as a SDHC card reader. All of this is packed into the 3.75-inch wide unit, which is built in an aluminum case.
The AC adapter acts as a duel device, since it not only powers the station, but also has a USB port for charging an electronic device. This can include cell phones, digital cameras or anything else able to charge with a USB cable.
The multi-function power supply makes for a lovely travel gadget since most any device can be charged by USB, thus eliminating the require to bring separate chargers.
Since the iPods have changed sizes over the years, Dexim has also included an adjustable bracket on the top to ensure any unit docked will have a close and secure fitting.
All iPod and iPhone models can be docked for charging and non-dockable units (shuffle or any other MP3 player) can be connected by USB for charging and syncing. Users must take their units out of any cases before docking them.
All the necessary cords are included along with storage sack. Dexim even puts a lovely touch on the cables by including Velcro ties to ensure the cable clutter is kept to a maximum.
Details: www.dexim.net, $54.90
A portable speaker from cy-fi allows hands-free iPod/iPhone use through a wireless speaker.
The speaker broadcasts sound in CD-quality by Kleer technology. It was created for bikers and reduces the danger of biking while wearing headphones.
Two mounting brackets are included with the speaker kit, one small and one for larger mounting devices. determine the diameter of where you’ll mount the speaker, choose which bracket will fit best and connect it in seconds.
From there, tighten them on with the locking key inserts. they include rubber spacers inside the bracket for a proper fit and to prevent scratches.
If multiple speakers are purchased, a single iPod can broadcast music to up to one cy-fi speakers.
Measuring about 4.75-by-4-by-1 inches and weighing a few ounces, it’s not difficult to find a spot on any bicycle that is out of the way. Since the speaker has a wireless range of about 30 feet, users can find it useful for other possibilities including kid strollers, tents and even lounge chairs for poolside sound.
The speaker has simple buttons on the front for power, volume, forward/back and indicator lights for charging and power. It takes about two hours for a full charge, which should give about four hours of speaker time.
Once you’ve the bracket mounted, speaker charged (power adapter and dock included) and your iPod ready, connect the iPod transmitter to the unit and the connection is made.