Overview:
This time the item up for review is the AudioBUG by Aerielle. Like the
device I reviewed previously, this is an FM transmitter designed to
be connected to ANY device that supports headphones and the
transmit the audio to an FM radio (Since I reviewed another FM
device I will do a comparison at the end of this review). The
AudioBUG is, in a word, SMALL. (as in a little over an inch long and
shaped like a little mouse either computer or real LOL). Including
the tail (the headphone cord and plug) it has few controls, it has a
power button (in place of one of the 'eyes') a small switch on the
side to set the frequency to one of 4 choices (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, and
88.7 ) and finally a battery cover (taking one CR2 Lithium 3 Volt
battery).
Like my testing with the Anydrive
MP3, I used a variety of audio devices to test with (an MP3 CDS
player, my Minidisc player, and my laptop computer this time and
TV). Since the AudioBUG is battery powered, I can use it ANYWHERE, so I
have been testing (and having fun mind you) this BUG
everywhere.
Like tonight, I was watching TV, and my wife and I started making
dinner, we couldn't hear the
TV from the kitchen so I plugged the AudioBUG into the TV headphone
jack, set the radio in the kitchen to the proper station, and long
and behold, we had the TV audio in the kitchen (very clear too). The
main limitation of the BUG is it only has a 15 foot range and another
limitation is it only has the 4 frequencies it can transmit on, but
it seems to have a slightly more powerful transmitter than the
Anydrive product, so it stays clear longer.
All in all I have been having a blast
with the AudioBUG, it will get a lot of use, both in the car and in
the home as well (I almost forgot to mention, in the car it is
awesome, no long wires all over the place. I just placed the audio
device on the dashboard, along with the AudioBUG hooked up (I have a
sticky pad on my dashboard) and I can listen in peace, without the
birds nest of wires around)
 |
| Audiobug from top. Looks more
like a mouse than a bug. |
 |
| Switch on side to choose FM
Channel |
Good Points:
Flexible, can be used with ANY audio device.
Runs on a Battery, and can last up to 40+ hours (I'm still on the
original battery and I have been using it a few days now)
Very tiny size, easy to take anywhere
Clear audio, in Stereo
Bad Points:
The CR2 battery it uses is on the expensive side (I checked
around, finding them for about $6.45 or so at Wal-Mart). Limited
frequency range, could have been better to have ability to tune
across the whole frequency range.
Conclusion:
In conclusion I really like the AudioBUG, in my opinion, it's a
nicer, more convenient device than the Anydrive I tested previously.
It is more flexible, even though it won't take memory plugged in so
you could play MP3's, it still is easier to use anyplace you want to
have audio playing from any source, through your stereo.
Comparison between the Anydrive
MP3 and the AudioBUG:
Size, the AudioBUG wins hands down (see
photos)
Ease of use, again the AudioBUG by a slight margin, because of the
battery use, as opposed to just using a power cord
Flexibility, well, depends on your uses, if you happen to have a 'thumbdrive'
and want the option to play MP3's in your car from the thumbdrive,
then the Anydrive is for you, if however you want to use the device
ANYWHERE, even places without a power source, then the AudioBUG is
for you
Portability, the AudioBUG wins again, it fits into ANY pocket,
whereas the Anydrive MP3 will fit into a big pocket
Frequency range, The Anydrive wins here, it has 14 choices for
frequency use, where the AudioBUG only has 4, more limited, but I
haven't run into a problem yet.
 |
| Anydrive versus Audiobug |
Specification:
| Signal Format: |
Standard FM Stereo,
38 KHz subcarrier |
| Audio Range: |
15 Hz - 15 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise
Ratio: |
>60dB |
| Total Harmonic
Distortion: |
0.3%, Max. |
| Channel
Separation: |
40 dB Typical |
| Channel
Balance: |
+/- 2 dB |
 |
| Audiobug runs on a battery. |
|
