Review: iHome iH19 portable speakers

iPod speakers in a protective travel case

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.

Unlike the FX300 this unit is intended primarily for iPod users. Although it also includes a standard 3.5mm jack plug so that it can be used with any player, you’ll only be able to take advantage of the exterior track control if you use the iPod connection supplied.

Inside the toughened exterior is the main speaker unit and a protective foam casing for your mp3 player. There’s not a lot of room here though, anything much larger than a standard iPod was a tight squeeze.

In fact it’s not quite the portable solution you’d expect it to be, the speaker unit is quite bulky and is more like a mini ghetto blaster than a slimline travel solution. Sound quality is fairly impressive from the twin 3W built-in speakers, but bass sounded rather muffled and it’s not quite as loud as we would have liked.

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.

Also consider:
Logitech Freepulse
Listen to your music without getting tangled in wires

Parrot Sound System
60W hi-fi speakers with built-in Bluetooth connectivity

Saitek i-Phonic A-100 speakers
Small, sleek and loud travel speakers

All speaker reviews