Filed under: Reviews | I4U Gadget Reviews
XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock Review
Tiny dock turns your iPhone into the alarm clock
Oct 6 2010, 1:25pm CDT | by Shane McGlaun
Today I am checking out the XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock. This tiny little dock charges your iPhone and has a speaker built in to allow you to listen to your tunes as well. If you want an iPhone dock that is small, doesn’t take up much space on the desk, and can be an alarm clock too, the XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock may be perfect. Read on for all of the details.
Specifications
The XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock has a dual neodymium driver for big sound and has a single large button that works for snooze, pause/play, and volume controls. A 3.5mm input on the back is used for non-dockable players. To use the alarm function you need a free app that goes with the dock and when the alarm is on a LED around the snooze button glows. The XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock also has a carry case and can be purchased now for $59.99.
In Use
I don’t know about you, but my bedside table has a lot of stuff on it. My wife has these bulky lamps that take up most of the space the small nightstand offers. That means that my normal sized alarm clock dock takes up a lot of space on the table. If you are looking for a more compact dock that will charge your iPhone and let you listen to your music, the XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock may be perfect.
The dock has inserts that you have to use to fit various iPods and the iPhone 3G/3GS phone. The little dock is about 3" x 4" and only about an inch thick. It's much less bulky than my current alarm clock. One of the ways that the XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock is able to keep the size down is by using a smaller speaker than some docks do and by making the clock display be your iPhone.
As soon as I docked my iPhone 3GS I received a message telling me I needed an app to go with the dock. Pressing yes on the message about the app sends you over to the app store to get the free app. The app turns your iPhone into the alarm clock and you can set all sorts of alarms to wake you. You can wake to your own play list as well.
The little dock is all black with the only writing on the single control on the front reading Snooze and having the play and pause symbols. I actually looked at the thing for a few minutes looking for the volume controls before I realized the volume up and down are on opposite sides of the single button. The icons are black and they are hard to see. Once you figure it out though it's not a big deal.
The little dock ships with soft fabric carry case for you to take the dock with you on trips. As far as sound goes, you can't expect much in the way of bass from the small speaker. The bass is weak but the little dock has plenty of volume to allow you to hear it across the room and it should be able to wake all but the heaviest of sleepers. The sound is definitely more focused on mid and high range sounds and is good for the size of the device.
Verdict
Pros
- Very small and compact
- Alarm app is free
Cons
- Lacks bass
- Volume icons are hard to see
Conclusion
The XtremeMac 3 in 1 Microdock may be perfect for the user who doesn't need lots of bass and wants a very small and compact speaker dock to wake to.
where to buy
Don't miss ...
Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His
extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer
electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.
blog comments powered by Disqus
Latest stories
Airbags could go off unexpectedly in some models
- Visit our Homepage for the Latest Rumors, News and Shopping Tips
Featured hubs
Best Ads & Deals features the best deals from Weekly Ads and Online Sources. Check out the best deals available today in-stores and online on Best Ads & Deals.