Review: Digital Group Audio Livespeakr

The Digital Group Audio Livespeakr is a portable speaker system for your iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, iPod Touch 2G and iPod Classic. This device boasts a unique "super cradle" that locks in and protects your device, then can rotate to work both portrait and landscape modes.

Portability

You can't carry this in your pocket, but it does come with its own little bag. And, it's small enough to throw in a tote and head down to the beach with. The Livespeakr's dimensions are 160mm long, 22mm high and 60mm wide.

- 17/20

User Friendliness

The Livespeaker is simple to figure out. You just slide your iPhone or iPod into the cradle and plug in the attached auxiliary cable and turn it on. If you pull the speakers out-ward, the cradle will spin sideways (landscape) which is great for movies. It is also equipped with a strong fold-out stand.

- 20/20

Durability

The Livespeaker is made mostly of a hard plastic and the fold-out stand is made of metal. It looks and feels like it could survive a drop on concrete from a few feet. The cradle could potentially break on the sides if enough pressure were applied. The speaker enclosures feel very durable. I don't think you would have to worry about them cracking or breaking. And the stand is made of metal.

- 18/20

Reliability

The Livespeakr comes equipped with an internal re-chargeable lithium ion battery with an average lifespan of 14-16 hours as well as an AC Adaptor. I've been using it on and off for the past few days and have only had to charge it once. According to Digital Group Audio's press release and labeling on the box for the Livespeakr, the speakers are guarded against any RF interference, making this product perfect for even the iPhone. Sadly, I've never come across a set of speakers (besides car speakers) that could do this. And these don't either. While plugged into the Livespeakr, the iPhone will generate static and popping noises when a call comes in or goes out. This can last up to 12 seconds. While searching for emails or surfing the web, you will hear the annoying static as well, but for a longer period.

- 16/20

Overall Experience

For such a small size, the Livespeakr delivers great sound quality at 15 Watts peek-to-peek. This is an excellent speaker to have in your bedroom, office, cubicle, kitchen or anywhere else that is somewhat intimate. If you were to use it somewhere more open, like the beach, you won't have to worry about annoying the people around you.

- 18/20

Conclusion

As a portable speaker, the Livespeakr is excellent. Just don't freak out if you hear some crazy static from time to time. The Livespeakr delivers great sound to its immediate area, so you don't have to worry about people complaining. At $85, you can pick up the Digital Group Audio Livespeakr from their website - www.livespeakr.com - or from Amazon.

Final Score - 89/100