Capitalizing on the sudden need for iPhone 5 docking stations, Harman has released the JBL OnBeat Micro speaker dock that features the must-have Apple Lightning connector.
The $100 JBL OnBeat Micro is a redesigned version of its predecessor, the On Stage Micro. It still comes with an AC power adapter, which charges devices while they are docked, but the remote control was dropped.
The speaker dock is intended to be portable as well. It weighs less than a pound and is compact enough to fit in a purse or backpack. But its battery life offers only five hours of playback, which isn’t much. It’s probably better just to leave it plugged in.
The test unit that was sent to me for review did not include instructions, not that any were needed. It has only two buttons: power and volume. Pretty simple, right? You don’t have to synch, download or fiddle with anything.
I was able to dock my iPhone 5 without removing its case, but thicker cases might not fit, because the Lightning connector is nestled flush in the bottom of the recessed dock. The dock is too small to house the iPad, full or Mini, but a USB port and a 3.5mm audio input in the back can accommodate most devices.
For a small speaker, the JBL OnBeat Micro produces surprisingly good sound, which filled my living room, tiny as it is. Even at high volumes, I didn’t notice any distortion.
The JBL OnBeat Micro doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of its rivals. There is no Bluetooth capability, rechargeable battery, alarm clock, AM/FM radio or speakerphone. But it is one of the few on the market with a Lightning connector, which raises its profile considerably.
Gadgetwise Blog: In Speaker Dock, a Minimalist Home for the iPhone 5
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Gadgetwise Blog: In Speaker Dock, a Minimalist Home for the iPhone 5
