Logic3 iPod speakers March 2009
Logic3 iPod docking station
iPod speakers allow iPod owners to share their music. Many of them are often easily portable so they can be taken on holiday, and some are battery operated, making them ideal for barbecues or trips to the beach and the park. Full testing results of more than 30 speaker docks are in our full report, but we've also shot a quick video and taken a quick look at four new models from Logic3.
Logic3 iPod speakers: Valve80, i-Station Rotate, i-Station25 and Pro-Dock
Which? has full test results on more than 30 MP3 speaker docks, including models from Bose, Bower and Wilkins, Intempo, JBL, Philips and Logitech.
However, the following models from Logic3 were released too late to feature in our latest lab test. To keep you up-to-date, we had them delivered to our office so we could bring you a hands-on first look.
Pro-Dock
iPod and iPhone cradle with video and audio out
The Pro-Dock from Logic3 provides a handy cradle to slot your iPod or iPhone into – making it simple to synchronise media like your music and video, with your PC. It'll also charge your iPod or iPhone, either via the USB connection to your PC, or the separate mains adaptor.
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It's a convenient tool, reducing desktop clutter, but there's more to it: it also offers audio and video outputs, meaning you can play your music through your stereo, or watch video from your iPod on your TV. With the inclusion of a remote control, you can make full use of all your docked iPod's features – changing tracks or rewinding videos – from the comfort of your armchair.
The output from the dock maintained the quality of the original audio or video footage. However, but be aware that if you're watching the iPod's low-resolution video on a big screen you'll notice the limitations. And while there's a stereo audio cable included in the box, we'd have like to have seen a video cable too – you'll have to get your own separately, and the instructions on what to do with one are a little sparse.
Overall, this is a handy tool if your iPod has become your main media centre, though the remote control is a little on the clunky side.
Logic3 MP3 speaker docks
Logic3 Valve80 amp and speakers
Valve amp technology, iPod speaker dock and charger
The Logic3 Valve80 amp and speakers, is a stylish looking piece of kit. It uses exposed valve tubes, which give it a distinctively retro look.
The amp offers 40 watts per channel, but we’ll reserve judgment about the sound quality until we’ve had a little more time with the device.
It features two audio inputs, so can be hooked up to many of your other devices, such as a TV, mixing deck, or CD player.
It’s available for around £300 at stores including John Lewis, HMV and Amazon.
For the best deals on iPod speakers, visit Which? Compare
Logic3 i-Station Rotate
iPhone and iPod compatible - rotating dock mechanism
According to Logic3, the i-Station Rotate is compatible with any Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPod Nano 4G.
When your Apple iPod has been nestled into the docking station, it can be rotated so videos can be watched in landscape orientation. This allows music and video lovers to use more of the display to view video files, making the images larger and more comfortable to watch.
The reasonably portable i-Station Rotate can be powered by four AA batteries, for use outdoors. It costs around £80 and is widely available.
For the best deals on iPod speakers, visit Which? Compare
Logic3 i-Station
Portable speakers for iPod and iPhone
The Logic3 i-Station25 is compatible with iPhones, including the Apple iPhone 3G, and all iPods, according to its manufacturer.
The whole system can be rotated so the iPod can sit in a landscape or portrait orientation. This can be useful for watching video files.
iPhones and iPods can be charged through the iStation when it is plugged into the mains, but the docking station can also run on battery power.
This portable device can be bought for around £70.
For the best deals on iPod speakers, visit Which? Compare
Apple iPod reviews
Classic, Nano, Shuffle, Touch
Which? has full test results on a wide range of Apple iPods including the iPod classic, the iPod Nano, the iPod Nano 4G, the iPod shuffle, the iPod touch and the iPod touch 2G.
You'll find these results in our MP3 players review.
For the best deals on MP3 players visit Which? Compare
Apple iPhone reviews
iPhone and iPhone 3g
Which also has a mobile phone report featuring almost 200 mobile phones including an Apple iPhone review and an Apple iPhone 3G review.
Battery review
To get the best out of your battery-powered speaker docks you'll need a decent battery. Find out which batteries are best in our AA and AAA battery test.
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