Cambridge Soundworks Playdock i for iPod

List Price: ~~$199.99~~
Discount Price: $149.89

Brand: Creative Labs
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 year warranty

Customer Reviews:

Cambridge Soundworks and Creative = Perfect Match! [Posted on 2007-04-12]
Well, I recently purchased this product based on prior experiences with Cambridge SoundWorks that were very positive. And I have to say, the PlayDock i didn't disappoint! It looks great and sounds even better.

PROS:

- iPod fits very securely in one of six dock adapters (unlike other docking systems where the iPod sits on top and seems to wobble back and forth.)

- Connects to your TV with the included A/V cable.

- Wireless remote controls key features of the dock AND the iPod.

- Charges your iPod (when the dock is plugged into an AC outlet.)

- Included line in cable lets you connect other MP3 players, such as Creative Zen or Microsoft Zune.

- Stereo separation function does a very nice job of opening up the sound of compressed music.

CONS:

- Lack of real portability. Yes, it runs on batteries, but the unit gets a little heavy when you toss in 8 'C' batteries. I wouldn't want to carry it around for very long. ;)

- Strange FM/MP3 button on the remote doesn't seem to do anything (neither the PlayDock i nor the iPod has an FM tuner.)

OVERALL:

I am very happy with the performance of the PlayDock i and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for docking speakers for their iPod.

Best sounding speaker dock for your iPod or other MP3 player!!! [Posted on 2007-04-18]
I've been a fan of Cambridge SoundWorks for several years now and I use their products for my home theater. I was pleased to find that they now offer a solution for my wife's iPod. I use a Creative Zen player myself, but that is a whole other story. The cool thing is that this system will also work with other MP3 players. It's not just for the iPod.

If you want great sound with excellent bass, the Playdock i is for you. I'm not sure what the first reviewer is talking about when they mention tinny sound. This is the best sounding iPod dock that I've heard and I've checked out all of the major brands. I bought this because it's got a powered sub built in with it's own level control. You won't get that in the cheap docking speakers.

Positives:

- Fantastic sound

- Holds the iPod very securely and charges it as well. Includes holders for several iPod models.

- Very useful wireless remote for dock and iPod controls.

- Connects to your TV with the included A/V cable.

- Included line in cable lets you connect other MP3 players for extra usage if you have multiple players in your home.

Negatives:

- Yes, the unit comes with a convenient handle and runs on batteries which is great, but it takes 8 C batteries which is a lot. I guess it needs so many to output the sound, but replacing batteries will get pricey quick. Luckily unless you need to use it on the go, you can just plug it into a wall outlet and you are good to go.

Rich sound and mindlessly easy to use [Posted on 2007-07-16]
I purchased the Cambridge Soundworks Playdock for use with my two iPods in my office. I considered the similar Bose unit as well as other iPod speaker systems. I settled on Cambridge based on good experience with their products: all of my living room speakers, plus a desktop radio -- and the price. This unit was $100 less than Bose with a couple additional features.

Set-up is virtually nill: First you have to select the correct holder for your iPod model from among a half dozen that come with it. These are not labeled (that I could see), so you try them until you find one that works. Fortunately for me, the same one that fits my older iPod also works for my iPod video in its rubber sleeve -- the video iPod is thinner, but the case bulks it up. Since this purchase I've acquired an iPhone, but have not dared slot it in to the unit because the unit is not iPhone certified and the power needs could be different.

Once the iPod is in place, turn the unit on and you're done.

The unit has an auxiliary input and comes with a cord with mini-headphone jack. I plugged this into my FM3 Buddah Machine and turned my office into a meditation room. Whether playing the FM3 tracks, or Jimmy Buffett or Mozart from my iPods, the sound quality is delightful. Since it's in my office, I mostly keep the volume rather low. Even so, the tones are even and clear. When I occasionally crank it up to demonstrate to visitors it holds clear right up to an intolerable volume.

Using the separate controller, I keep the sub-woofer around mid-range so as not to thump out my office mates. The unit also comes with a video output to send video from the iPod to a TV. I have not tried this. Also, I have only operated the unit on AC power, although it can run on a bunch of C batteries. Although this features seems useful, I find that when I'm in a place where I want to blast music I have a car or boat stereo available (and ways to get music from an iPod or computer into those systems). However, should you decide to use it as a portable, you can be assured that the iPod is relatively secure in the unit.

The remote control is handy if not totally effective. It's great to turn the unit on and off and adjust the volume from across the room. Although it has controls for the iPod, I can't see the iPod display from my desk, so I usually have to roll over to it to see the music selection.

Finally, it's great to know that when I leave the office at the end of the day I can grab a fully charged iPod from the unit (but don't tell my co-workers that I often leave it there unguarded!).

Playdock [Posted on 2007-08-23]
I am very happy with my Playdock. I am a Massage Therapist and to my surprise, many of my clients not only noticed that I had a new system, but also commented on the improved sound quality. For my use, I have a pretty low volume, so I haven't really tested it for louder use.

Excellent Item [Posted on 2008-01-01]
I purchased this item for my sister, and after listening to it, I got the Creative Zen version for myself. The sound is excellent, and the cost is less than the Bose version.

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