Macally Battery Pack w/speaker for iPod Video

List Price: ~~$49.99~~
Discount Price: $20.00

Brand: Macally
Binding: Electronics

Features:

4-in-1 iPod portable stereo speakers, Li-ion battery charger, protective case and stand
Supports iPod 5th Generation (video)
Swivel cover turns into a stand
Built-in 1050mAh Li-ion battery approximately doubles iPod play time
Exceptional sound from two 500mW speakers with volume control

Customer Reviews:

John Nemerovski's MyMac.com Review [Posted on 2007-11-25]
MacAlly's versatile new PowerTune is the best $50 U.S. iPod accessory ever. As a case, its rigid plastic is snug and secure, with full access to iPod dial and headphone port, but not on/off/hold switch. The speakers are tiny with midrange emphasis, but with enough presence to keep you entertained or informed by whatever is playing on the iPod under most listening conditions. Charging is efficient and almost effortless, with enhanced built-in battery capacity for your iPod. As a stand, PowerTune is stable, with sensible positioning.

Speakers and charging indicator light are on lower front of PowerTune. Volume control, mini-USB port, and off/charge/play switch are lower rear. A clear front plate with circular hole hinges at the bottom and snaps shut at the top, onto the black rear business-end of the case. An iPod slips into a 30-pin dock connector that is just above the speaker section. MacAlly provides a self-adhesive foam shim to fill the gap between PowerTune's black inner back and an iPod's silver backside. Fit is snug, without much wiggle room.

There is not a lot more to know. You can play or charge an iPod with or without the assistance of a computer, or external speakers or headphones. PowerTune fits into most front pants pockets, or nearly all tote bags or purses. Indicator LEDs notify you when charging is complete. Syncing or recharging PowerTune via the included USB cable is straightforward.

Audio playback via headphones is easy as pie, as is operating an iPod's click wheel controls. Playback from the built-in pair of 500mW speakers will leave you wanting more robust audio delivery, but will certainly satisfy most buyers who know value when they see and hear it. Rotating PowerTune's clear front plate forward and underneath allows you to set it down on a table or desk with both screen and wheel exposed.

PowerTune's full set of features plus four photos are located at its web site. Wear and tear will blemish the clear screen protection area, so be aware of where and how you handle and carry it. I worry the plastic top snap will erode, and suggest that MacAlly redesign that aspect.

I am not going to test how much extra power PowerTune's 1050mAh Li-ion battery provides, because there are too many variables to that equation, but its built-in battery can only boost and not diminish and iPod's battery capacity. "Approximately doubles" is MacAlly's claim.

The company does not include any written or website instructions for PowerTune, which is a mistake I've mentioned to MacAlly. You can expect to have additional information available by early 2008.

MyMac.com is fond of MacAlly's ingenious PowerTune, and we give it a high recommendation. With many more positive features than flaws or omissions, we rate it a strong 4 out of 5.

Great for kids [Posted on 2007-12-03]
I use this for my 2 year old toddler too watch Baby Einstein videos on a 30gb video Ipod, works great, protects the screen and ipod from a few drops and/or throws from the little guy. The volume is much louder than say an iPhone playing back video. Build quality is OK, the sliding button on the back that turns the speaker on does not always stay in place.

A really neat product! [Posted on 2008-07-26]
Have had mine for several months and I love it. It beats taking a video player or laptop out on an aircraft -- there's just never enough room. The added battery capacity is very helpful on longer flights, too. I hook my Bose noise-cancelling headsets up (yes, it will drive them) and watch movies with minimum space on the seatback tray. That easel feature works well.

In a doctor's office I just use ear buds, and at home I use the speakers, quite adequate for desktop use.

I wish the clear plastic were more scratch resistant -- no problems yet but I'm careful with it.

Pretty ugly, but it works [Posted on 2008-08-26]
The Macally Battery Pack is pretty blocky and not at all an attractive addition to the iPod Video, but it works well. The sound is decent for the price, and it does double the battery life. I also like the LED, as it changes color as the battery charges, so you know when it's done charging. One thing, don't expect this to charge your iPod through the USB while the pack itself is charging. Both will take forever.

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