iMainGo 2 (black)
Manufacturer: Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc. Part number: 08BWB02
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The iMainGo 2 portable speaker offers an innovative design, solid sound quality, compatibility with a ton of MP3 players, and an extremely competitive price. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to rock out loud on the go.
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CNET editors' review
iMainGo 2 (black) price range: $32.71 - $36.39
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 06/05/2008
- Released on: 04/01/2008
The good: The iMainGo 2 portable speaker case is inexpensive, compact, and can be used with a variety of MP3 players. It comes in a choice of five colors and offers some innovative features.
The bad: The iMainGo 2's battery-insertion process is awkward, and it can be a challenge getting the battery compartment to stay shut.
The bottom line: The iMainGo 2 portable speaker offers an innovative design, solid sound quality, compatibility with a ton of MP3 players, and an extremely competitive price. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to rock out loud on the go.
Anyone who has ever shopped for an iPod speaker knows that there is no shortage of models from which to choose; options range from extra-deluxe party speakers to the gadgets smaller than a pack of gum. Heck, you can even get a case with a speaker built right in: the iMainGo 2. This follow-up to Portable Sound Laboratories' popular iMainGo offers the same compact, innovative design and affordable price tag ($39.99), but includes upgraded titanium speakers as well as fit tweaks that allow it to be used with a greater number of MP3 players.
Perhaps the iMainGo 2's most attractive feature is its design. If nothing else, it's convenient since it serves to protect your MP3 player while letting you play music through a set of speakers built into one half of the case. The case itself comes in a variety of colors--black, blue, green, pink, and silver--but its shell is fabric, which means the unit is not weatherproof. The iMainGo 2 is clamshell style with a zipper that joins each half into one compact package. The half that holds your player has an adjustable Velcro belt and a removable plastic backing, both of which serve to keep the MP3 player secure and flush with the front of the case, which has a clear plastic window through which you control your device. The iMainGo 2 is compatible with 90 percent of MP3 players (including the iPhone and iPod Touch), as playback is achieved through a 3.5mm plug. The only limiting factor is the size of the device--we were able to squeeze a first-gen Zune in there, but only just barely, and it didn't rest precisely flush with the front window (we could still control it, though).
The other half of the iMainGo 2 contains the speaker unit. It's actually quite the brick and it's not exactly lightweight: The entire unit measures 5.7 by 3.8 by 2.4 inches and weighs about 9 ounces, with most of that weight coming from the speaker. Still, the speaker case is plenty portable, just not pocketsize. The backside of the speaker is lined with felt to avoid scratching your player--a nice detail. Here, you'll find the battery compartment, which takes four AAA batteries (included). Inserting the batteries isn't the simplest task and getting the door to stay closed took a couple tries, but at least you shouldn't have to replace them that often; the iMainGo 2 is rated for 30 hours of battery life. Kitty-corner from this compartment is a power switch for turning the unit on or off or placing it in alarm mode. This mode keeps the speakers on standby (reserving battery) until it senses audio coming from the player--pretty cool.
Two titanium drivers arranged in a diagonal with two bass ports in between reside on the outer shell of the iMainGo 2 and provide the sound. Although they're not the best portable speakers we've heard, we're pretty impressed by the audio quality given the unit's price and size. Music sounds clear and warm and there's even some bass. On the downside, not all high-end detail is audible and there's some distortion at high volumes. But sound is very good all things considered, and the iMainGo 2 should be a top choice for anyone looking for an ultraportable speaker.
User reviews
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Perfect, by far the best yet!
by quitifa on June 26, 2008
Pros: LOUD sound, able to use the iPod's own interface, durable, long play time, PROTECTS the iPod
Cons: Replacing the AAA batteries can be hard, doesn't charge the iPod
Summary: This is the third iPod portable speaker I have purchased and no other system comes even close.
I have already brought this to the beach, canoeing, camping, and while working ...Summary: This is the third iPod portable speaker I have purchased and no other system comes even close.
I have already brought this to the beach, canoeing, camping, and while working in the yard. Every single time, strangers and friends come up to me and are FLOORED by this thing. The sound is impressive for being super-portable.
I chose this one because my iPod would fall out of my other portable speakers, or the iPod would be obscured and I was forced to use some sort of external control to change songs.
The great thing is, you can SEE your iPod (but it is still covered) and it PROTECTS the iPod without hindering the wonderful clickwheel/touchscreen that makes the iPod great.
As for my cons, they are NOTHING compared to the cons of other systems or the pros of this system. I used this system one week ago for FIVE HOURS and the sound never once got lower and my iPod still played just fine.
Honestly, I am very rarely impressed by all of these gadgets for the iPods (especially with the cheap plastic alternatives) but this thing is AMAZING.
I guarantee you will be blown away and that other people at the beach or camping, etc will be shocked, too.
Plus, I payed $15 for mine (you can bargain hunt) but the price tag is WELL WORTH the durability, function, and impressiveness of this portable speaker set.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound for the price
by Faztang on June 26, 2008
Pros: Awesome sound, very inexpensive
Cons: No kickstand, baterries are tough to get in
Summary: Just bought this. For such a small portable system it really does crank. It's not going to replace your home speakers but it's perfect for camping, beach, or ...
Summary: Just bought this. For such a small portable system it really does crank. It's not going to replace your home speakers but it's perfect for camping, beach, or at the office. I just wish it had some sort of stand, I guess you just set it on it's side when you want to use it. Batteries were a pain to get in, I agree with CNET on that one. The battery case did close without a problem though. It does take a few mins to get it in and out of the case, it's definitely not something you can just unplug and plug in within 10 seconds. Overall though it rocks!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing sound for its size!
by musklvr on June 9, 2008
Pros: Now fits my iPod and iPhone, great price...did I mention the sound ...fantastic!
Cons: Rechargable batteries would be a nice extra
Summary: I use the original iMainGo on a daily basis, with my iPod...and LOVE it. My biggest regret has been that the iMainGo did not fit my iPhone which is ...
Summary: I use the original iMainGo on a daily basis, with my iPod...and LOVE it. My biggest regret has been that the iMainGo did not fit my iPhone which is quickly replacing my iPod as the device of choice. The iMainGo 2 solves this problem. I can now enjoy the same great ultraportable sound from my iPhone and iPod. I will continue to tell everyone about this amazing little device that keeps getting better. For a change, its nice to see something this inexpensive that actually delivers on its promise!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Poorly designed product
by hickeymad on November 10, 2009
Pros: It is a good concept for a product needed in the marketplace.
Cons: I've got to wonder; how in the world does an item like this get manufactured and praised so highly when it has so many very obvious design flaws?
Summary: The strap holding the iphone inside the case broke on muin within 2 weeks. The batterries are very difficult to insert and remove. The case is too small for an ...
Summary: The strap holding the iphone inside the case broke on muin within 2 weeks. The batterries are very difficult to insert and remove. The case is too small for an iphone jacket. There is no easy way to attache the case to something like a bicycle handelbar, the speakers have a lot of distortion at even moderate sound levels.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Loud enough to fill a room and you get rich bass sound
by JustineCtZ on February 21, 2011
Pros: Sturdy and a nice size, it even survived falling into a giant ball of salsa and still rocks!
Cons: Could be a wee bit louder, but how loud do you really want it at my age anyway? ;)
Summary: Glad to see the price is dropping, too. Hope that means they are selling more and that this product stays on the market!
Summary: Glad to see the price is dropping, too. Hope that means they are selling more and that this product stays on the market!
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Amazing sound! Absolutely love it!
by gottabear on February 4, 2010
Pros: Awesome sound and bass, great price, compatible with my iPhone or nano, protects my phone, light, and portable.
Cons: Nothing at all!
Summary: I am absolutely in love with it! I already own TWO, one for me and one for my boyfriend. The sound is amazing and has a bass to my music. ...
Summary: I am absolutely in love with it! I already own TWO, one for me and one for my boyfriend. The sound is amazing and has a bass to my music. I use it when I'm tanning by the pool, hanging out with my friends, or relaxing at the beach. What I love the most is the case protects my iPhone or my Nano from the sand. It's small, lightweight, and easy to throw in my beach bag. I knew I had to buy another one when my boyfriend started stealing it and taking it to work. He's a firefighter and uses it at the station. All his co-workers loved it and wanted to know where I purchased mine. A neat little tip I learned was if you play it in 'Alarm' mode, it conserves your batteries for those times you forget to turn off your iMainGo. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a great affordable, portable speaker!
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Best sound quality I have heard from a portable speaker
by shirleygirl1 on January 19, 2010
Pros: The sound is really awesome, with great bass. It is versatile too, I use it with my iPhone, my Sony MP3 player and with my computer at work and it is so portable.
Cons: Nothing really!
Summary: The sound is really surprising, I wasn't expecting it to sound so good but it really blew me away. I play mine almost constantly and the batteries last for ...
Summary: The sound is really surprising, I wasn't expecting it to sound so good but it really blew me away. I play mine almost constantly and the batteries last for ages. I use it around the house, at work, outside in the yard, take it to the beach and I love that it protects my iphone too.
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Poor Quality
by gmckie on April 10, 2009
Pros: Great sound for its size.
Cons: Information provided below in Bottom-line summary:
Summary: - power switch is flimsy; really can't tell if it is in the on or alarm position
- audio input cable can easily get pinched when zipping the unit ...Summary: - power switch is flimsy; really can't tell if it is in the on or alarm position
- audio input cable can easily get pinched when zipping the unit up
- wish there was a way to power on and off w/o having to open the unit every time
Bottom-line summary:
If you're looking for something that will protect your ipod and get an external speaker to boot and find one that has passed some sort of quality control then it will be a good purchase. -
Blew Me Away
by rocker0963 on June 9, 2008
Pros: Portable, Holds iPod, iPhone, Zoon
Cons: Can't find anything wrong for the price
Summary: The system blew me away. I have never herd such great sound come out of a small speaker. Holds iPhone, iPod, and wife's Zune.
Summary: The system blew me away. I have never herd such great sound come out of a small speaker. Holds iPhone, iPod, and wife's Zune.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc.
- Part number: 08BWB02
- Description: PRODUCT FEATURES: Ultra-portable stereo and protective case Custom fits all iPods, iPhone and Zune using easy-fit iMainGo foam system Play, control and view your MarCo 2 without opening your iMainGo 2 Can be used as a premium external stereo speaker system for most cell phones, laptops, portable gaming systems, electric guitars, etc. Premium titanium high output stereo speakers State of the art ultra efficient digital musk amplifier Tuned porting for amazing bass reproduction Battery life up to 30 hours of playtime Wake up alarm feature (on alarm equipped Pods only) Works on 4AM barteries (included) Removable carry strap included
General
- Product Type Portable speakers with digital player case
- Width 3.8 in
- Depth 2.4 in
- Height 5.7 in
- Weight 9 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
Speaker Features
- Speaker Type Active
- Output Features Bass Reflex
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
Speaker Details
- Driver Details Portable speaker : 2 x Full-range driver - Titanium
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- MP3 Player Compatibility iPod touch,
iPod - Included Accessories Carrying strap
Power
- Run Time (Up To) 30 hour(s)
Battery
- Type Standard battery - AAA type
- Required Qty 4
- Included Qty 4
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Manufacturer: Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc.
Specs: Portable speakers with digital player case,
Wired,
Black,
Active
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc.
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