mStatin Orb
mStation�s Orb is a very interesting device that goes well in any room. The back ports are typical for an iPod speaker system: Aux Input for devices that do not have an iPod dock at the bottom, Power In, and USB for using as a docking station while syncing with iTunes on your computer, however there is no way of getting video out of your iPod and onto a TV using the Orb.
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The Orb won�t predict your future, but I had predicted that this system would be very promising, and it is, to an extent. The included Infared remote control has basic functions for the iPod on it as well as Bass and Treble adjustments. RF remotes require absouletely no aiming at all, but they are scarce on electronics today. As I mentioned, the remote on the Orb is Infared, but it is one of the best Infared remotes I have seen since I bought my 27� Zenith TV back in 1996. You can point the remote in your mouth, and the Orb will get the Signal just fine. In other words, the remote is well made and you don�t have to aim it dead-on. The buttons are also large and easy to press. I personally used the remote a lot for my Bass and Treble adjustments since the Orb will not remember how I had them set the next time I go to use it.
In front of the iPod dock on the top of the Orb are six buttons, Power, Previous and Next track and Volume Up/Down. Like most speakers made for iPod, Orb comes with a set of trays for different sized iPods. However, surprisingly, I did not find one for the 5th Generation 30GB iPod which happens to be the one I own. So, I was stuck using a larger tray made for the fourth generation iPod. On the top of the Orb is a set of six buttons and a light that changes color to indicate if the Orb is on or off. Personally, I just love how the design incorporates such high-performance technology.
If you want to change playlists or manually choose a song, you have to get up and do it yourself, unless you have an iJet Two-Way Remote. I happened to notice even at loud volumes, the Orb doesn�t distort all that much. But it does distort, like all speakers do with the exception of Bose. Also, you don�t have to be right in front of the Orb to hear the music. You can be off to the side and it will sound just fine. The sound quality is really impressive on this system. If I could change something, it would be the whirring sound that comes with changing tracks on the iPod and the morse-code-like sound that you hear when the system is left on and not playing any music for about 4 minutes.
These two problems are usually found in lower end iPod systems such as the Memorex iWake. I was surprised to see that the Orb had this problem. Although, it�s a somewhat small price to pay for such a great system.
