The DHL man just dropped off the Audiowrapz, a new speaker and case combo for the iPod Nano. The $20 kit comprises a speaker unit (actually three tiny passive speakers) into which you slide a 3G iPod Nano, a silicone case and a stick-on screen protector.
As you can see from the picture, I don't own a 3G Nano, but for testing purposes my 2G model fits perfectly well onto the jack plug. There is also a 3.5mm jack socket underneath, and plugging in a pair of headphones immediately mutes the speakers and lets you listen in private, a nice touch which means you can leave the whole package wrapped up for multiple uses.
So, how does it sound? Well, the back of the pack makes this boast:
And, you know, that's absolutely right. Just like my headphones, in fact. When I plugged my cans into the passthrough port, the sound was actually louder than the Audiowrapz speakers, and that's when they were sat on the desk. Granted, the headphones are a fairly decent set from Panasonic, but if you're looking for something to rock a party (or even be audible over a normal conversation), the Audiowrapz ain't it.
The case, though, is fine, and the inclusion of a screen protector a nice addition. In the pictures below you can see the extra rubber on the corners, and the case itself is good and thick. An iPod tucked inside should take a few hard knocks without feeling a thing. Worrying, though, are those rubber nodules, which lend the case a kind of "ribbed-for-her-pleasure" look.
It Audiowrapz will be on sale from this Friday in Walmart.
Product page [ifrogz]
