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Top 5 Free Apps

Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: August 29, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Release Date: August 07, 2009

iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

Top 5 Paid Apps

Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
Release Date: March 31, 2009
Genre: Games
Bloons $0.99
Release Date: April 05, 2009
Genre: Games

Discover New Music

  • Velocifero

    • 6 out of 10
    • Ladytron
    • "Back to the future" isn't the right turn of phrase for Ladytron's newest album,

  • Odyssey Number Five

    • 10 out of 10
    • Powderfinger
    • Guitar-driven rock out of Australia, Powderfinger has not seen much exposure in the States, but should get a nod for their toe-tapping songs. Building off their previous release, "Internationalist" (
  • Goodbye Jumbo

    • 8 out of 10
    • World Party
    • Released in 1990, World Party's

  • Supernature

    • 10 out of 10
    • Goldfrapp
    • On their latest CD, Supernature, Goldfrapp has put together a successful mix of 1980-era New Romanticism, German cabaret, and T. Rex glam that leaves you riveted even through the album's lulls. It's a great amalgam that sounds current without sounding at all dated.

  • De Nova

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Redwalls
    • Wow! Perhaps my 5-star rating is simply because the Redwalls are not only new and fresh (none of them older than 22!), or perhaps its because -- despite their ages -- they are able to totally capture

Reader Specials

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In-Depth Review

Podwave Portable Speakers for iPod & iPod mini

When it comes to portable audio, there's a time and a place for earphones and a time and a place for less introverted listening experiences. MacAlly's pint-size PodWave seeks to be your any-time-any-place solution for bringing your iPod to more than just your own ears.

PodWave's goal is a good one, but budget and technological limitations ultimately trump practicality. PodWave isn't a Bose JewelCube speaker -- there's only so much music one can pump out of two speakers that measure less than an inch in diameter and are powered by a AA battery.

Sound quality is clear, but even cranked up all the way the volume is lacking when your iPod is more than an arm's length away from you. PodWave won't restart the party when the electricity goes out, but it may be adequate if you want to converse over a tune with a friend at Starbucks.


Podwave

What your $39 gets you with PodWave is the most basic of a solution for a truly portable speaker arrangement. Other companies, like Altec Lansing, offer battery-powered set-ups that far outclass the PodWave in quality and power, but they're more expensive and don't fit in your pocket.

If your needs are such that the aforementioned Starbucks scenario sounds like your cup of Tazo tea, PodWave may be perfect. Otherwise I'd advise putting your money towards a headphone jack splitter and an extra pair of earphones.


Podwave with iPod

If you do plan on taking the PodWave path, take note of two things. First, the PodWave presses flush against the top of your iPod and looks great, but if your iPod's case wraps around the top you'll have to go case-less to use PodWave (or invest in a short audio extension cable). Also, the PodWave has a manual on/off switch and doesn't automatically turn itself off, so get into the habit of flipping that switch off when you're done or you'll go through batteries like popcorn (each AA is said to last up to eight hours).


Podwave with iPod mini

Just The Facts

Podwave from MacAlly

MSRP US$39.99
Street Price: US$31.99 - From Amazon.com.

Pros:Looks good, clear sound, truly portable

Cons:Significantly lacking in power, no auto-off

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