I want to make my 5th generation iPod Touch my primary device for listening to talking books from the NLS using BARD mobile, but would prefer not having to use headphones or the iPod's built in speaker.
Does anyone know of a good blind accessable AC powered speakers that my iPod can dock to without needing any adaptors?
When the iPhone 5 was released, I recall that there was talk that in order to use it with currently available iPod/iPhone docks, you had to get an adaptor from Apple. I'd prefer to avoid that since both of my Apple devices use the new plug design.
Comments
speaker doc recommendations
Here is a speaker doc recommendation that I found.
The link is here.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/HFFC2VC/A/ihome-idl46gc-lightning-dock-dual-charging-fm-stereo-clock-radio?fnode=4b
An acutal recommendation not just a link
Hello. If you want to spend soem money, the Bose docks are awesome. Granted they are expensive but well worth it for music, books etc. Because the new iPhones changed, the new docks cooperated with it. I'm suck on the old device with the 30 pin. The adapter is only 30 bucks. There are less expensive speakers and if that's what you want, that's completely ok. I'd also maybe think of a bluetooth speaker that might keep you from being tethered to your dock. There are advantages to both of course.
Thanks!
@Isaac:
I only want speakers, not a clock radio, besides, I would guess that the clock radio portion isn't accessable to blind users.
@Siobhan:
Yeah, I've never owned something from Bose, but I have several friends who have bought their products and from what I could tell, they were of good quality. I wouldn't have any qualms about buying one of their sound docks, except that, for my needs, they are way over kill, both in cost and sound quality. I'd like to keep the cost under $100 and with mthe issues I have with my hearing, such as tinitus, super high sound quality would be lost on me.
@Both:
Thanks for the recommendations!
BOSE SoundLink Color
Hi, I know you're after a dock, so presumably you want to have charging capability too. Well, sadly, I've not found an affordable option in the UK yet, as the adapters are silly prices. But the SoundLink color is a Bluetooth speaker that works on mains or internal battery. The advantage is that it speaks the Bluetooth connection status with a built-in synthesized voice. So, although it's not a dock, I thought I'd put it out there so people are aware.
New Speaker Docks
Hi Gene,
Your question is one that I'm sure many have had, particularly with Apple switching their connector designs.
As others have said, it really depends on your use case. If you want charging capability as well as audio, then a dock is for sure the way to go. Many manufacturers have switched to making Lightning equipped versions of their docks. I was one of those people who thought the dock concept was silly in the beginning--until I got one for myself. I'll extol the virtues of the model I have in a minute, but there are a few other options.
Bluetooth speakers: These are wireless speakers that can either plug into a wall or run on batteries or both. They come in various qualities and price points. I personally don't have any, but they work well if you are willing to put up with the battery drain on your iPod that Bluetooth will inevitably cause. It looks like this is the way people are moving these days, so maybe my lifestyle just fits the old way better.
Wired Speakers: This can be the least expensive option. As with bluetooth speakers, the range of quality and price varies. These won't charge your iPod, but they produce better sound than the built-in speaker. I like this model for home use and plug my computers into wired speakers. Logitech makes a good set around $100 I think.
So your options are varied. If you don't care about charging or can't take advantage of superior quality, I'd opt for a set of wired speakers. I got my dock when I still had the iPhone 4, and since I wanted to keep using it, just put up the money for an adapter. For me, the ability to use my dock again was worth it. I have one of the simple models that is just a set of speakers--no fancy clock radio--and is portable so I can take the dock back and forth from college to internship apartments and such. For me, filling an acoustically bad room with good music makes it feel a bit more like home. Anyway, I don't think iHome sells a Lightning version of the dock I currently own (I've looked for it). They have mostly jumped on the Bluetooth bandwagon. Post links if anybody knows differently!
These are just my recommendations. Hope they help, and good luck with your speaker search.
Chelsea
Lightning docks and cases
Something worth considering when thinking about speaker docks, is that you are probably not going to be able to use it with a case on your iPhone or iPad (at least not docks with lightning connectors). Cases with no protection along the bottom will probably work, as might some very thin cases.
This drives me crazy, and it’s all down to Apple placing very strict conditions on the design of approved accessories. As a result, manufacturers cannot tweak the lightning connector on the dock to make it work more effectively with cases.
If you don’t use a case or are happy to remove it when using the dock, then there is no problem.
However, if you have a case that’s not easy to remove. Or, like me, you are going to get totally irritated at Apple making it necessary to remove cases … well, maybe another solution might be in order.
In my case, a Twelve South dock that will adjust to accommodate most case sizes and a separate bluetooth speaker has been the way to go.
Fortunately, I've never used
Fortunately, I've never used cases for any of my phones and they are all still in mint condition. So far, knock on wood, I've never dropped a cell phone.
I've also never dropped a media player either, so I not inclined to want to use a case for them. Before I lost my vision and was using a Microsoft Zune HD media player, I did use a case for it, but it wasn't to protect it, the case was designed to provide storage for the headphones on the back, very convenient.
I would prefer a dock because I'll not only be listening to talking books with it, but will also use it to play my music and some of my play lists, have more than enough music in to last all day. I'd want the iPod to be fully charged for when I want to take it with me when I go off somewhere.
@chelsea:
Here's an iHome device with a lightning connectorhttp
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FNJGLRO/ref=mp_s_a_1_22?qid=1413058497&sr=8-22
There were other iHome devices with lightning connectors, but they were all clock radios. I know you already have your dock and an 30 pin to lightning adaptor. I was just curious if they had added products with the lightning. And I'm still looking... :-)
Philips Fidelio
Gene,
I have the Philips Fidelio DS3000. It is very easy to use. Just a few easy buttons. I have to use an adapter because its 30 pin.
However, the new version is DS3205. It is not Bose, but nice sound. The DS3205 is a lightning adapter. At time of writing, $60. on Amazon in U.S.
By the way, AC adapter and no clock or radio. Dont download companion app,its useless. You also can use batteries to take outside.