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Griffin Technology iBeam and Earjams |
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Contributed by Ronald
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Jan 05, 2005 at 12:00 AM |
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With the outstanding popularity of the iPod, I thought it would be appropriate to begin a set of reviews of the wide variety of accessories available for the iPod. We begin with two different kinds of accessories by Griffin Technology: the iBeam and the Earjams. These are two products which are purchased separately. The iBeam allows you to use your iPod as a mini flashlight as well as a laser pointer. The Earjams, on the other hand, attaches to the default iPod earbuds to provide bigger and better sound. |
Packaging/Contents
Both products came in the usual sealed plastic container neatly labeled on the front and back. The iBeam was a straightforward package with the two attachments: the LED light and the laser pointer. The Earjams had a package consisting of more parts. Inside, you will find two attachments intended to snap onto the default iPod earbuds. In addition, there are three sets of rubber attachments to determine which size fits best in your ear. It was unexpected, but you will feel satisfied that the product includes a nice small zippered carrying case to hold everything.
A Closer Look
When taking an overall look at Griffin Technology's accessories for the iPod, you can appreciate that they all have been designed to match and complement the colors and design of the iPod. For example, when looking at the LED light of the iBeam, it is completely white with the word 'iBeam' labelled on it. The LED has two parallel connectors to plug right into the top of the iPod. Since the LED light is composed of just a single white LED, it doesn't provide the light intensity of a typical flashlight. Instead, a typical application would be using it to find the keyhole to a door in the dark.
The other attachment included with the iBeam is the laser pointer. It plugs into the same place as the LED light. The laser pointer is about the same as what you'd expect from those $10-$20 ones that are sold in stores.
One might ask, "Why would I want a LED light or laser pointer for my iPod"? The iBeam product would be an ideal small gift to someone who already owns an iPod. Someone who is an enthusiast iPod user and wants to take advantage of what the iPod has to offer would consider the iBeam. Since a laser pointer is ideal for making presentations or even for teachers, this would also be a nice accessory for them if they own an iPod as well.
Things got even more interesting when taking a look at the EarJams. In order to use them, you just snap it onto the default iPod earbuds. The default iPod earbuds are just placed in the ear. Once you snap the EarJams in place, they are intended to go a bit further in the ear. They don't go as far as the ear canal as seen for Etymotic's earphones. When listening to some music, I was amazed at the extra 'thump' that it adds to the base. When looking closer at the EarJams, I noticed that there are no electronics whatsoever inside. It is just a simple design that just seems to place a mini funnel of space in-between the default headphones and EarJams. When comparing the default iPod earphones with the EarJams, I did notice the slight decrease in treble which made the overall tone of the music lower than before.
I have to admit that some of the music I have on my iPod are of low quality and just don't sound too good. For instance, there are times in the song where the low quality makes the bass sound harsh and unclear. When using the EarJams, i noticed that it made the harsh bass sounds much easier to hear.
Because the rubber part of the EarJams are very soft, it is very comfortable to the ear. Within wearing them for a few minutes, I got used to them immediately. As mentioned before, the rubber part can be easily replaced with a different set just in case they don't fit your ear.
Conclusion
Griffin Technology's iBeam and EarJams are overall high quality products that fit well with the iPod. The only question that you will need to ask is how much of use it will be to you. The iBeam retails for $19.99. To some, this product might be useful, but it may not be for those who own an iPod. The EarJams offer a more immediately benefit at the retail price of $14.99. Many rap and hip-hop lovers will definitely appreciate the extra bass this product has to offer which brings more depth to the music. The EarJams are a complete set for anyone looking for that extra boost in sound as well.
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Last Updated ( Apr 22, 2007 at 06:07 PM )
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