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.
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Skipping straight to business here.
Pros:
Plays music (speaker)
Charges iPod
It's a case and a stand
It has its own rechargeable battery
Can sync iPod without taking it out
Respectable volume
Decent battery life (keep volume on the iPod itself at 0 to last longer)
Inexpensive
Cons:
Low sound quality
Won't survive much abuse
Doesn't charge while speaker is in use
Squares off the iPod because of the shape
Conclusion: I love this little thing because it's the only thing like this that I have found so far. I only wish a little more thought had been put into it.
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I bought three of these for our video ipods last August. We travel alot, and my boys can be pretty rough on the ipods. I liked the idea of the extra battery life, and the stand (we are so bad, that we often take these to restaurants to keep them in their seats long enough-horrible people we are). The speakers were an extra bonus. Well, I originally got these for our summer trip to europe and they performed very well for the first 6 to 10 charges. I have to say that I was charging them with a power inverter and probably at least once a day. I liked the indicator to know if they were charged, and they gave extra batter life to the Ipods. Great protection in the carry-ons, as well. However, after about 6 to 10 charges, one started to suck the battery from the Ipod, and didn't give any extra life. Then the second started, and now finally all three fail to hold a charge, or function for anything other than case and stand. It's too bad, because I like the multi-function potential.
Honest reviews on Macally Battery Pack with Speaker for iPod Video
Love this product, like to watch videos on my iPod and sound is just what i was looking for. I can also use it to charge my iPod and sync it to my computer.
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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.
