If you’ve ever used your iPhone
in conjunction with something that includes speakers (e.g. car stereo, home stereo, alarm clock, powered speakers hooked up to the dock) then you know how annoying the sound of the GSM signal interfering with the music can be (yes, that’s what that is). Thanks to Altec Lansing’s T612 you can now enjoy your iPhone’s music as it was meant to be without all that darn interference.
What is the Altec Lansing T612?
Essentially, it’s a compact desktop stereo with an iPhone/iPod dock built-in to it. What’s special about the T612 is that Altec Lansing has included special shielding to prevent the iPhone’s GSM signal from invading the system’s audio. No more turning on Airplane mode and missing those ever so important text messages or calls. Oh ya, the T612 will stop the music when there’s an incoming call and slightly lower the volume for incoming texts insuring you don’t miss a beat when rocking out.
Can the T612 work without the iPhone or iPod?
Yes, but it’s primarily designed to be used with one of the two. Included on the rear of the device (see picture) is an AUX/HEADPHONE in. Altec also included a 6″ AUX cord for plugging in headphone-to-headphone.
How’s the sound quality?
Unfortunately, the sound quality is just mediocre at best. If you listen to country and soft rock you’ll be some what satisfied, but the T612 can’t handle low bass so hip-hop and rap are probably out. Furthermore, the T612 tends to distort when approaching max volume - usually an indicator of not enough ampage. Whilst listening to ‘classical’ at max volume there were noticeable audio vibrations. At low volume, though, the T612 performed satisfactorily and was a nice addition to my small kitchen - it’s not ideal for large rooms. Fortunately, you can manipulate the bass and treble settings, but I found it tough to find a setting to satisfy all music genres. The T612 includes four speakers: two tweeters for highs, and two drivers for mids and bass. The T612’s sound quality is probably on par with some of iHome’s larger alarm clocks, although it lacks the associated functionality. It should be interesting to see how the T612 stacks up against the yet to be released iHome iP99BR iPhone Alarm clock/stereo.
Any design flaws?
Actually, it’s quite well put together. It’s not too heavy - could be lugged from room-to-room - and since the only cord necessary is the power pack (the power pack is located mid cord making it compatible with older sockets and heavily populated power strips), it’s a pretty mobile device. Altec Lansing outfitted the back of the device with a rubber finish, which makes it easy to grab and less fragile when transporting. Volume, bass, and treble levels are indicated by 5 blue LEDs located behind its mesh face. The volume has 50 levels (5 increments per LED), while the bass and treble have 10 each (2 increments per LED). The LEDs illuminate for a few seconds after volume, bass, or treble have been adjusted.
Is there a remote?
Absolutely. You can skip songs ahead and back, adjust volume, pause music, and power on/off. The remote’s footprint is equal to that of a pack of gum, and no thicker then two sticks of gum. In other words, it’s small, takes one of those over sized watch-like batteries, and may be easy to lose if you’re of the forgetful type. A mount or dock for the remote would’ve been a welcome addition.
Anything else?
One more thing. The T612 is wall mountable as evidenced by the three holes on its back. Unfortunately, I can’t find (online) the necessary bracket(s) to do so, and it doesn’t appear to be included in the package.
Would you recommend buying it?
For me, it doesn’t meet my sound quality or versatility needs (I would want an alarm clock and radio for the price). But if you can’t wait for the iHome iP99BR, which may or may not sound better, and can’t stand switching to airplane mode then hop aboard the Altec Lansing T612.
Available here for $200.
April 25th, 2008
Wake up and smell the bandwagon. With more and more people and companies going “green” to help preserve our wonderful planet, it’s a logical step for consumer electronics and accessories to adhere to sustainable practices. This iPhone case by Agent 18 is probably one of the first of many to go this route.
Features:
- Simple two-piece slide on/off design
- Form-fitting and sleek
- Full-access to bottom connectors, microphone, and touch screen
- Docks with universal dock
- Eco-friendly material with minimum carbon impact
- Packaging made from recycled materials
Upon first notice, the case doesn’t add much extra dimension to the iPhone and conforms to the shape quite nicely. It also provides a little more traction to the slippery feel of the iPhone but not nearly as much as the heavy rubber INCASE covers. This can be good or bad depending on the tightness of your jeans, and I’m not sure if the Agent 18 plastic is all that shock absorbent in comparison. The only thing to be conscious of would be sitting in a car and being subject to loose change syndrome, as we all loathe that for sure. All in all, the Agent 18 feels nice in your hand and you’ve done your planet a favor. Just don’t drop it, and take it out of your pants pocket before you get in a car, especially if you are a thug with baggy ass pants. Eco friendly thugs…look for em’.
Purchase the Agent 18 Eco-Shield.
April 24th, 2008
According to MacRumors, well, more like according to iPodObserver the new 3G iPhone will sports an all black glossy back finish. As Macrumos points out, it’s unlikely that these are accurate, which is further reaffirmed by iPodObserver’s recent misquoting of a Gartner analyst. In any case, it’s not totally unlikely that Apple will change up the look slightly to attract new peeps. I do have to question how scratch free an all black back could remain. If it were up to me, I’d get rid of the stupid metal rim lining the outerface of the iPhone. I think the iPod Touch has a much sleeker finish.
April 4th, 2008
For the vane and opulent only, the iShield Mirror case turns the
iPhone’s screen into a reflective surface when its screen isn’t illuminated. According to iLounge, it’ll turn the iPhone’s screen into a ‘wavy, fingerprint-attracting’ surface, though. Not bad looking if you wanna seperate yourself from other iPhone losers (just kidding, I have an iPhone). Available for the
iPod Touch, too.
More shots here.
April 1st, 2008
When will the rumors and predictions stop? Probably when
Apple produces a 3G iPhone. Bank Of America analyst Scott Craig thinks Apple will produce a small number of 3G iPhones (3 million) come Q2 2008 and launch a big production build (8 million) in Q3 when demand has risen. Apple stock jumped 2.8% to $144.20 because of the report.
More info here.
March 28th, 2008
According to
Appleinsider, Adobe has began production on a Flash player designed for the
iPhone. The news was announced during a conference call in which Adobe’s president stated that with the release of the SDK they finally have the tools necessary to begin production. Is Steve going to try to stop them as well?
March 19th, 2008
Why depend on the analog when you can have digital. Probably the adage photographer Ben Long follows. He managed to hack his
iPhone (i.e. Jailbreak) and install an app called iLevel to take balanced and even photographs. This was his alternative solution to running to the store to purchase an analog version.
iLevel info available here.
[Gearfuse]
March 19th, 2008
By now we’ve all seen a million cases for the
iPhone. The Incase Slider is particularly attractive because it includes a hard case that protects the back and outer rim of the iPhone, and includes a removable bottom panel to expose the dock connector. It’s lined with rubber to prevent scuffing during insertion, and comes in glossy black or white.
Cost you $35 here.
A few more pics after the ‘leap’
[iLounge]
March 10th, 2008
