iLuv Products Review

Portable Speaker for MP3 Players and iPod
Company: iLuv
Model: iSP100
Price: $24.99 (a little less on Amazon at press time)

If I’m driving more than 15 minutes I like to listen to podcasts on my iPhone. However, I don’t have a USB or auxiliary port in my car, therefore I need to attach a speaker to my phone. The speaker I used to use wasn’t loud enough, so I was very happy to have the opportunity to review the iLuv Portable Speaker for MP3 Players and iPod.

The iLuv Portable Speaker for MP3 Players and iPod (iLuv PS) is small enough to carry in a purse, bag, or backpack, but has surprisingly good sound. Granted, it’s not going to replace a stereo speaker system, but for casual listening in the car or by the pool, it’s a good choice.

The iLuv PS uses three AAA batteries (not included) and is compatible with any device with a 3.5mm jack. In my testing with my iPhone and iPad, the iLuv PS sound was loud and clear enough for me to drive with the windows down and listen to podcasts without distortion. It may take a few tries to find that sound sweet spot by tinkering with the volume on the device then the volume of the speaker.

Be careful turning the iLuv PS off in bright sunlight. There’s a blue light above the on/off button to show the speaker is on, but you can’t see it in bright light. When turning off the speaker, check to make sure it’s really off, and push hard on the button. A gentle tap will turn the speaker on, but won’t always turn it off.

The iLuv Portable Speaker for MP3 Players and iPod has found its way into my daily life. For the price you won’t go wrong.

MyMac.com Review Rating: 8 out of 10

Notebook Folio Case for Kindle Fire
Company: iLuv
Model: iAK503
Price: $39.99 (a little less on Amazon at press time)

The Notebook Folio Case for Kindle Fire is a sturdy case that does one thing: it protects your Kindle Fire. Although the case doesn’t bend and fold at different angles for easier video viewing, you can prop it open if you put it on the right surface. Be careful, it has a tendency to slide.

The Kindle Fire easily slides into the case and is secured by elastic straps at each corner. The Fire isn’t going anywhere! The interior is made of a soft faux-suede and has a pocket for notes, credit cards, or a license, great for going to the gym. I’m not quite sure of the material on the exterior, maybe something synthetic, that I thought would stain. Surprisingly it didn’t.

The one thing threw me with the Notebook Folio Case for Kindle Fire was the closing strap. On other cases I’ve had for various devices, the strap was on the back of the case to catch the front cover on the back when opened, or the strap was brought to the front to secure the case closed. The strap on the Notebook Folio Case for Kindle Fire is just the opposite. When using the Kindle Fire and folding the front cover to the back, the strap is on the front bezel. This doesn’t get in the way of the screen; I just have to get used to it. It’s really a matter of preference, and has no effect whatsoever on the security of the cover.

Overall, the Notebook Folio Case for Kindle Fire is perfect for someone looking for a simple case that will protect the Kindle Fire and look stylish at the same time. The price is a little steep, but I’m sure an online search will find retailers selling it for a lower price.

MyMac.com Review Rating: 8 out of 10