Gearfuse

Well folks, our contest has come to an end and its time to announce the winners. I’d like to thank all of you for entering and sharing your favorite ’80s bands with us. Some people liked awful bands whilst others simply had great taste. Here’s the two winners we chose:

Kate really knows how to start a party:

• Hall & Oates
• Tears for Fears
• The Cure
• Genesis
• Journey

Rob plays power chords whilst reading bible verses:

• Metallica
• Def Leppard
• Quiet Riot
• Motley Crue
• STRYPER!

Now that’s rock and roll. Again, thanks for entering and keep an eye out for our next contest!

JBL has always been a purveyor of fine audio, which makes total sense considering its parent company is Harmon Kardon. A few years back, I reviewed some Reference 220 earbud headphones, which were affordable and sounded great on the iPod. This time around, JBL has teamed up with Quiksilver’s surfin’ sister company Roxy on a line of headphones that are catered towards young women. Do they stand the test of time? Perhaps.

(more…)

Just a reminder to our dear readers that our ongoing JBL-sponsored contest is over June 20th. For the official rules and entry page, head on over to here. We’re giving away not one, but TWO JBL On Stage Micro iPod docks. Can’t beat that, right?

Hey! You! Love the 1980s? Did you grow up with Duran Duran on repeat? Fantastic. Let us know your five favorite bands from the ’80s and we’ll hook you up with a JBL On Stage Micro. The official rules and entry can be found right here.

Millions (OK, not really) of Gearfuse readers are flocking to our official contest page. Know why? Because they realize the true value of listing their favorite 1980s bands. That value in question is one of two JBL On Stage Micro iPod docks. You know you want one, so click the link above to read the official rules and entry method. The deadline is approaching quickly!

Just a quick reminder to our loyal readers that we’re currently running a contest. We have not one but TWO JBL On Stage Micro iPod docks to give away. For the full details on the contest and to enter, visit this page.

UPDATE: Contest is over. Thanks to all who entered!

Hey! Do you like music? Not good enough. We’re looking for readers who LOVE music and tunes. Know why? Because, simply put, we have two JBL On Stage Micros to give away. It’s a small iPod dock that looks fantastic and packs a lot of power. Have you been looking for a smaller dock for your apartment? Perhaps for the bathroom so you can blast Van Halen whilst you shower? This is exactly what you’re looking for and we’ve got two of them to give away. To learn more about the device, head on over to the official JBL website.

Now: hit the jump to find out how to enter our lovely contest.
(more…)

Several weeks ago, I received a JBL On Time 400 iHD iPod Dock (whew!) to review. In the past, I’ve really enjoyed JBL’s products. They make fair-priced, great-sounding iPod docks with rich bass and decent treble and mids. I unpacked the On Time, plugged it in and shoved my iPod Touch on top to start streaming music to the speakers. Unfortunately, the iPhone 3G doesn’t work with the On Time. This is a huge issue considering that a lot of iPod users have migrated to an iPhone, myself included since losing my iPod Touch in a drunken stupor.

But enough about drunken stupors. How easy is the On Time 400 iHD to use? It’s decent, but JBL hasn’t really upgraded its docking menu for years now. It’s still a two-color display reminiscent of an Apple II from the 1980s. It doesn’t give off a feeling of prestige and is really an eyesore to behold. Luckily, a remote is included with basic functionality, allowing you to avoid using the menu. Setting the clock and alarm is a breeze, ensuring you can replace your shitty alarm clock with the On Time.

Unfortunately, the sound on the On Time is less than desirable. I spent two hours playing various rock songs and dance music. Specifically, I threw on Metro Area’s Fabric 43 mix CD for an hour to get an overall feel for the system. Bass is muddy and distorted at high volumes. There is no “oomph” so to speak but instead a flat, dull pop from the kick drums. Highs were OK while mids seemed washed out. Listening to FM radio is easier on the ears considering how low-quality the audio is. But as I said, this is not a serious dock for listening to music. While it can do HD radio, the speakers the On Time is equipped with are merely lackluster at best.

The JBL On Time 400 iHD dock retails between $190 and $250. At that price, you are better off checking out some of JBL’s other products that have gotten better reviews or a Bose SoundDock. Better yet, pick up a small stereo system from Best Buy with iPod connectivity and you’re set. While the On Time is a great idea in concept, the product execution leaves much to be desired.

Product Page

Check out this dream device. Inspired by way too many bathroom breaks interrupting time with the MacBook Air, meet the Air Poo. The toilet for the true Apple fanboy. Complete with a docking station for the Air, an iPod dock, multi-touch flushing, integrated surround sound, and a heated seat to protect your tender tushy, the Air Poo is a fake concept which will never see the light of day. (more…)

These are beautiful. That isn’t the only complement you will read about these amazing headphones, so get ready. First, the looks. They are designed so well and they seem to attract eyeballs no matter what. The curves all over the place seem like they might be too much, but in the end it all just fits. These are the Reference Series of headphones from JBL and they range in prices from $79.95 to $299.95. So maybe these aren’t the headphones you wear on the subway or at school, but they definitely are the ones that you wear while sitting on your couch or at home. The wireless R610 Bluetooth model is amazing (and pictured above).

Wireless headphones are the way to go if you are in the market for headphones. Whether high or low end, wireless defeats the problem of getting your headphones ripped off your head as someone walks past you and gets tangled up. Back to the R610s. They have integrated controls on the earpiece to adjust volume, select tracks, and play/pause whatever you happen to be listening to at the time. They also come with rechargeable batteries and a universal battery charger, no need to worry about buying new batteries that will just run out in a few weeks. While the R610s might not be able to fold up and become super compact as other products in the Reference series can, they are the only headphones with Bluetooth built in, they are the ones you really want.

(more…)