Tivoli Audio Fashion PAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio, Pink | List Price: $219.99
Discount Price: $139.99
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Brand: Tivoli Audio
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Portable, weather-resistant AM/FM radio with special-edition pink color based on 2005 European fashion trends
- High-end 2.5-inch driver with metal speaker cover produces clean, precise, full audio performance
- Auxiliary input for connecting iPod, personal CD players, MP3 players, and more
- Automatic frequency control locks onto station for clear reception; 5-to-1 analog rotary tuning dial
- Built-in NiMH battery pack with 16 hours of play time; measures 3.69 by 6.25 by 3.88 inches (W x H x D)
Great sound, versitle [Posted on 2008-06-01]
Sounds great. I love the fact it can plug in and charge and then disconnect for portability. Its picking up a little GSM interference from my phone very occasionally. Otherwise looks great, sounds great. This is the second one I've purchased (gave my earlier one to my college student.)
excellant product [Posted on 2008-06-19]
this good looking easy to carry speaker carries an unbeatable sound! Plus, it actually have great radio reciption at the office (now my co-workers wants one too)
One of the best purchases I've made [Posted on 2008-07-13]
I spend a lot of time working around the house and garden and this radio is an indispensable companion. I've had mine for about 4 years and use it at least once or twice a week. Mostly I listen to NPR but also hook up my ipod from time to time. The rechargeable battery is still going strong. I can easily get a whole day out of it. And Tivoli sells a replacement battery if necessary.
On the sound - yes it's mono but here's the thing... you cannot get stereo imaging out of a radio this small. Tivoli figured wisely that one good speaker is better than two so-so speakers that only give the visual appearance of stereo imaging. The sound has suprising depth and warmth for such a small package that never fatigues the ear. The volume is limited to about a 50ft listening radius.
On the reception - it is good but not as good as some of the other reviewers have reported in my experience. I have had occasional trouble with interference as I've walked past the radio even outdoors. And it was no better than any other radio at picking up the ball game at work. The reception is okay but don't expect miracles.
On the portability - yes it is a brick. I would strongly recommend the optional carrying bag if you plan to use it as I do. It has pockets specifically designed for the ipod and it does a good job of protecting your gear as you toss it around (it's a thick, soft canvas material). The long strap makes it a grab-and-go item.
On the quality - the iPAL has a quality feel to it. Sturdy construction and a pleasing feel to the controls. Unlike other electronic items I've owned the attached rubber protective caps for the inputs on the back are still intact after much use. And I have put mine through the paces. Dropped it off a ladder, left it out in the rain for a bit, tossed it into the car and around work. Have had no issues whatsoever. The carry bag is tough as well.
One final note - the iPAL is no different than any of the other PALs that come in different colors by Tivoli. The PAL predates the ipod and Tivoli just made a white one, included a white 3.5 cable and added the "i" to the name to cash in on the ipod craze. You can get any color you like and get your own cable for the ipod.
I'm not kidding about the title. I buy a lot of gadgets and this is my favorite simply because of the countless hours of hassle-free entertainment I've gotten out of it. If my house burned to the ground this would be one of the first items I would replace.
Best radio I ever owned [Posted on 2008-09-22]
Short and sweet. The best radio I have ever owned. Buy it. Better bye two.
Has not lasted very well - rubber case deteriorating [Posted on 2008-11-15]
I've had one of these for probably 5 years now (the original PAL, not the iPal). While the device is supposed to be weather resistant, I found that after about 18 months the tuning knob became very "dirty" and staticy when tuning. I think this is due to moisture getting into the case. We keep the Pal on a shelf in the bathroom, and I suspect the steam from the shower did this.
But the serious problem is something I've just noticed recently. The rubbery material the case is made out of has started to deteriorate. The rubber case material has gotten almost sticky and can't be cleaned. And if you make the mistake of trying to clean it with Windex, the material almost melts.
So you're left with this device that's totally absorbing all the dirt that comes in contact with it, and can't be cleaned. Even just a damp rag makes the rubber case sticky now, leaving marks in it and not getting the dirt off.
I've seen other rubber things break down this way- usually it's the little rubber feet on older components, or certain cables.
And while the Tivoli still works now, it's kind of gross looking and worse is kind of strange to touch because of the permanent stickiness.
This is an expensive radio, and I just think it should have lasted longer than it did.
My only other operational complaint is that there is no "AUX' input switch on the front panel... you have to plug and unplug the jack from the back, which makes switching from radio to Ipod a hassle.
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