Does the iHome iP1 perform as good as it looks?

David Carnoy | Sep 17, 2009

(Credit: iHome)

We don't associate the iHome brand with "premium" audio and cutting-edge design, but the folks there are giving it their best shot with the 100-watt iP1, which has a new look for the company known for its budget iPod audio systems.

The first thing you notice about the iP1 is that it has a very distinct, industrial look. It's all black with translucent, dark tinted plastic on the front supporting two rather deep cylindrical speakers (they extend a little more than 6 inches out the back). Weighing 3.6kg, the system has some heft to it, but you can easily move it around the room, though it's a little awkward to carry.

The iP1 has a set of "custom-designed" 4-inch woofers and 1-inch silk dome tweeters that are powered by Bongiovi Acoustics' proprietary Digital Power Station processor. In terms of connectivity, there's a standard audio input to connect other audio sources along with a component AV output and a remote control. It also works with iPhones as it's GSM shielded, so you can dock the iPhone without having to toggle it to airplane mode.

We could lament the lack of a built-in alarm clock or radio on the iP1. However, all iPods have built-in clocks with alarms that will rouse you out of bed in the morning--just be sure to leave the iP1's speakers turned on. Likewise, the iPod touch and the iPhone have plenty of live streaming audio options available, and the fifth-generation iPod nano has a built-in FM radio--so the dearth of a radio on the iP1 isn't such a big deal.

Via CNET Crave

Filed under: Music & Play
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