Take your Apple iPod anywhere in this rugged water-resistant protective case! Listen through headphones or speakers. The iH19 attaches quickly and easily to bike, stroller, exercise equipment and more. The sturdy, lightweight zippered case features 2 dynamic stereo speakers, built-in remote control capability. It also charges iPod with included adapter.

The iH19 consists of a rugged neoprene case (five colors are available, ours is the light pink iH19P) that measures 9.05 x 4.25 x 3.54 inches and weighs approximately 2.4 lbs (without an iPod). The unit’s front panel features stereo speakers (each with a diameter of about 2.25 inches), as well as a control pad reminiscent of Apple’s own remote control, including back/forward buttons, volume up/down buttons, and a play/pause button in the center. Instead of the various snaps and latches normally used by speaker docks, the iHome2go is held closed by a zipper, which opens to reveal the battery area, as well as an iPod connection cable, a hold switch, and connectors for the AC adaptor, a line-in cable (enabling you to use the iHome2go with an iPod shuffle or other audio devices), and headphones. The power, line-in, and headphone jacks can also be accessed while the unit is closed via a Velcro panel. If you want or need to see your iPod’s screen, however, you will have to unzip the unit fully.

In practice, however, some features of the Colortunes iH19 seem less than optimal. Although the device is designed to be quite portable, it doesn’t include a rechargeable battery—you’ll have to use 4 AAs instead. Moreover, although the product does charge your iPod when it is connected to AC power, it doesn’t charge it on battery power, and it doesn’t provide any syncing ability. You will also not be able to use the iHome2go to charge rechargeable AAs, even if it is plugged in.

Perhaps even worse is that the control panel is buggy—sometimes the buttons don’t seem to respond to being pressed, and sometimes audio doesn’t play through the speakers at all if you use the iPod’s own buttons instead of the control panel. Discussions I found on the Internet seemed to indicate that many people are experiencing similar issues.

There are more than a few portable speakers available that offer additional security for your mp3 player in the form of a protective case. We looked at Kensington’s excellent FX300 in 2006 and were impressed at the level of functionality offered at a very reasonable price.

iHome is another manufacturer who has offered a similar, albeit more powerful solution with twin speakers mounted in. The iH19 is similarly hard wearing and water resistant, although we’d still be extremely wary of splashing around with it in a pool.

Inside the box you’re provided with a mounting strap to attach it to sports or gym equipment, but quite why you’d want to do this we’re not sure. The device is powered by either four AAA batteries or the mains adaptor supplied, and comes with a carry strap attached.

We liked the styling and convenience of the iH19 but everything from the dedicated controls and carry space for a player orients it towards iPod owners. If you don’t have one of Apple’s players you might consider the price a little too much for the limited functionality.

Features

• Listen through headphones or speakers
• Secure Fit holds iPod snugly
• Attaches quickly and easily to bike, stroller, exercise equipment and more (2 brackets included)
• Sturdy, lightweight zippered case
• Two dynamic stereo speakers
• Hold button prevents inadvertent operation on the go
• Built-in remote control capability
• Charges iPod with adapter included

Specifications

• Speakers: Strontium micro drivers
• Power: AC adapter, 10V, 1.4 amps (included); 4 AA batteries (not included)

The IH26 comes with all the necessary adaptors to accommodate everything from the shuffle to the newer, 5G models. Button layout on the unit itself is pretty intuitive, and you can figure out most of the functions without consulting the manual.

A neat feature is that the IH26 gradually decreases your music’s volume when it goes into sleep mode, and conversely, it gradually increases volume when the alarm goes off. While it would’ve been great to set specific tracks for sleeping and waking, the IH26 just plays the same track you (and it) fell asleep to. There’s also a default buzzer that kicks in if there’s no iPod present.

Sound output is adequate enough at moderate listening levels – say up to the mid-20s on the volume counter. Go past 30, though, and distortion becomes unbearable.

The IH26 is a great companion when traveling – if you recognize that it is BOTH an alarm clock and a speaker system