Setup & Usage
Getting the unit setup is pretty simple, just plug in the power and then go ahead and plug your iPod into the dock. The just flip the power switch and you’re ready to go. I first used my iPod Nano (3rd generation) and I noticed that when docked I could not use the scroll wheel at all as it is blocked. This will probably be the case for most of the iPod Nano’s out there. I next tried my iPhone, which fit in the dock, but the home button was blocked.
This is not a huge deal since you are able to scroll through songs with the included remote, but you need to be in a playlist first. If you forget to first get into a playlist before you dock your iPod you need to take it back out of the dock then get into your preferred playlist then re-dock the iPod again, it’s just a pain.
Also the power switch is a concern, as I said there is no actually power button on the unit. You use the power switch to give the unit power, which also turns the unit on at first. Then if you press the standby button on the remote the only way to turn the unit back on in working mode it to use the remote or totally power it off with the switch and power it back on. The remote is very small and easy to lose so I would have liked to see a standby or power button on the unit.
I listened to all types of music on the iDock and everything sounded great! I really liked that I was able to adjust the bass and treble on the unit easily with the remote; you can also adjust it on the unit itself. You can really tell this unit has a dedicated subwoofer compared to other iPod speaker systems that do not. The unit can get quite loud before it distorts, which is nice. This unit is perfect for a large bedroom or office.
Final Thoughts
The iDock is a very loud and powerful system and not that bad for being Eagle’s first iPod speaker system. It reproduces sound very well and can get quite loud before the sound distorts. You are able to easily adjust the bass and treble levels. This system would no doubt work well in a bedroom, living room, or office.
Above I did point out the 2 problems with the unit. I don’t like the design of the dock; it blocks the scroll wheel on many iPod models which means if you want to change playlists or anything like that you need to take the iPod out of the dock which is annoying. Also there is no dedicated power button, which also can be annoying.
This unit retails for $79.99, which makes it one of the only iPod speakers systems with a dedicated subwoofer for that price, so you are definitely getting your money’s worth if the 2 other issues do not bother you. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Eagle Arion 2.1 iDock Speakers with Subwoofer a 7 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Dedicated subwoofer
– Price
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Dock design blocks the scroll wheel on many iPod models
– No dedicated power button
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