iJet iPhone/iPod RF Remote Control Review
October 21st, 2009 3:37 PM | by Christen da Costa | 5 Comments
I love my iPhone. It seems like it can do it all. Plug in your computer to your home’s stereo or a set of powered speakers and you can even control your music right from the ‘remote’ app. But what is one to do if your iPhone is the source of music. Enter the iJet, an RF infused remote that works through walls at up to 150 feet.
Setting up and using the iJet is a no brainer process. Just plug the dongle portion into the iPhone’s (or iPod’s) serial port and you’re good to go. You’ll be able to control the iPhone’s headphone volume, skip/rewind (and scan) tracks and play/pause your music all from the palm sized remote. The dongle even has a pass through serial port so you can charge your iPhone while using the iJet and not concern yourself with battery life.
The remote also features an LED indicator light, belt clip with holster and a keychain/string pass through. Word is that the remote is water resistant, but my gut tells me you shouldn’t jump in the pool or bath tub with it, although I’m sure it would be fine for heavy perspiration during a run or jog. And because they know you’re going to be using your iPhone or iPod directly with a stereo they’ve include an RCA to headphone jack cord to make setup all the easier.
Like so many of Apple’s products, the iJet does have its shortcomings. There’s no instruction on how to replace the remote’s battery when it dies, though it’s supposedly good for up to 5 years of use. Also I didn’t like how my iPhone’s screen illuminated every time I inputted a command from the iJet remote, but that’s probably more iPhone than iJet – it’s worth noting if you’re overly concerned about your phone’s battery life, though.
Update: You can replace the battery yourself, here’s how: At the lower left corner of the remote, you will see a slot to place a coin. Using a quarter, insert the edge into the slot and turn the coin in either direction until you see the two sections unsnap. Be careful not to let the quarter press down on the circuit board. Once the face is removed you will see a small Phillips screw near the middle of the circuit board. Using the correct sized driver (screw head can become mis-shaped if incorrect driver is used) CAREFULLY turn the screw counterclockwise. There are several small components on the board, so please be careful not to damage any components. Once the screw is removed CAREFULLY remove the circuit board. You will see two small coin sized 3 Volt Lithium batteries (Model # CR2025). Replace each battery making sure that the top battery is facing positive side up (+), and the bottom battery is facing negative (-) side up. Once batteries are replaced, follow steps in reverse to close unit.
The dongle portion of the iJet system does draw power from the iPod or iPhone to operate. While battery life should be rather moot in this particular instance, you can rest peacefully knowing that after 20 minutes of inactivity (remote or music) the dongle goes into ‘low power mode’ to conserve juice.
At the end of the day I found the iJet to be very useful. The most applicable of scenarios for me was the car. The last thing I need is to get a ticket for switching a song on my iPhone while driving, which could easily be mistaken for texting or talking on the device, both of which are illegal in California. The device does include a lifetime warranty, so hopefully that covers battery replacement. The remote’s operation isn’t as responsive as controlling the music or volume directly from the iPhone, but that should be expected as it is sending a wireless command. The small size of both the dongle and remote are of some concern since they could easily be misplaced, but I’d rather that then an over sized and bulky accessory. What the iJet lacks in overall pizazz is made up in ease of use, affordability and functionality.
Pros:
- Super simple setup and use
- Lifetime warranty
- RF, so works through walls
Cons:
- Remote battery isn’t replaceable
- No car kit for steering wheel
Tags: ijet, iPhone, iPod, Music, Remote
I love this product. The thing about it is that it has a slim dock (base) instead of a fat one like the old remote docks used to have. When I upgraded to a new Nano 5th Gen I couldn’t use my old remote because the dock covered up the audio-out jack. I bought this iJet NAV and it solved my problems. I could both keep on my ipod case and connect the audio out with the remote dock on.
I am a massage therapist and take my iPod all country to use it during massage. I can easily hook up my massage either to my portable speakers or to any sound system and control it during the massage.
I also travel by bike or motorcycle quite a bit and was thrilled that it works with my iPhone. I secure my iPhone in my backpack and control the music on it that is sent to my headphones. BRAVO!!
I thought this review was very helpful. I like the fact that they included the Pro’s and Con’s.
Phew…finally – I was wondering when someone would come out with a remote that has a dock that is slim enough to work with my new Nano. All of the other remote dock’s I have tried cover up the audio. Easy to insert, works like a charm…..slim is in it seems :) I was also pleased to find out that I could navigate out side of my current playlist – makes it easy to use when I have sweaty hands on the track
LOVE it – I am not sure why it only got 3 stars – I got mine in the mail last Thursday and have been using it non-stop. I am the head of entertainment on a cruise line and have used it to control the music in the gym (our head trainer loves it) and taken it with me backpacking and on a bike at our last excursion. I keep my iPod secured in my backpack and the remote attached my wrist – solves all the problems I had before with getting my iPod wet and I love the fact I can also use it with my iPhone. I just got a new Homedics Stereo dock for my room and always wished it had a remote control for its iPod/iPhone dock….well, problem solved. I dock the remote on the stereo and can control it from the other room…wow! Thanks for reviewing this!!
Wow, 3 stars only? This is the best bang for the buck of any iPod accessory I have purchased. I received instructions on how to exchange the battery when I bought mine so not sure why that is even mentioned here. I am now able to be the “DJ” at my on house parties with this remote. Hook it up to my stereo and entertain my 200+ guests from a completely different room. Then I take it to the gym and use it there too…my wife has grabbed it twice and I have had to beg for it back. It is so easy to use…and I can use my iPod Nano (just got the 5th gen) AND my iPhone…there isn’t another product out there like this for the price……I am VERY impressed….again…3 stars?? 5 stars in my book and all my friends agree!!!! This iPod Remote (yes, and iPhone too..who knew??) is a GREAT PRODUCT!!!