Review: IP-N111 speaker system cute, but lacks audio quality
The Macally IP-N111 is a battery-operated stereo speakers for the first generation iPod nano. And therein is part of the problem. It's only battery powered. There's no power adapter or adapter option. On the bright side, you can turn off the power, toss it in your backpack and you're ready to go. And the IP-N111 runs for over 10 hour on three AAA batteries.
It's also brain-dead simple to use. Just slide your nano into the IP-N111 and a headphone miniplug connects to your iPod nano's headphone jack. Your iPod's screen and the top of the nano are accessible at the top, and a circular opening offers access to the iPod's Click Wheel.
Though it has 500mW power output per channel and 0.8mW of speaker output wattage, the IP-N111 has mediocre sound quality. It sounds tinny with wimpy bass; think of the audio quality of the average alarm clock radio, and you have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
The IP-N111 also lacks an audio-in jack for connecting other devices. That seems like a drawback to me, but MacAlly's goal seems to be to offer the ultimate in small, wireless speaker systems. They've accomplished that.
If you're willing to trade in some sound quality for size, go for it. But if audio quality is important, skip the IP-N111.
Macsimum rating: 5 out of 10.