Tivoli Audio iSongBook Portable Music System for iPod | 
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| Brand: Tivoli Audio
Category: CE
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $149.45
You Save: $150.54 (50%)
New (7) Used (1) from $149.45
Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 15818
Color: White
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: No
Battery: AA type
Clothing Size: One Size
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 11 x 2 x 6
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: iSBWS
Model: iSBWS
UPC: 831623001132
EAN: 0831623001132
ASIN: B000BFGB6G
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Fits all past and future iPods, including the Nano, with the industry's first integrated Apple Universal Dock | | • | High Fidelity Stereo Sound with Detachable Speaker for Six Feet of Separation | | • | Recharges iPod and Recharges NiMH/NiCAD Batteries for Portable Use | | • | Remote Control of iPod with Play List Management, Wake to iPod/AM/FM/Beep Tone | | • | Exceptional AM/FM Tuner for Precise Reception in North America and World Wide use |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Got an iPod? Here's a way for getting more play both indoors and outdoors. Tivoli Audio iSongBook is a distinctly portable traveling entertainmentdevice designed to turn an iPod into a full-bodied music system, unlike any other product around. Built around Tivoli's popular portable digital radio, the iSongBook introduces a number of firsts in a dedicated ?Made for iPod? product: The first with a concealed, flipdown docking station. The first with a detachable second speaker, with integrated audio cable management, for expansive, stereo sound. The first with a sleep timer and alarm, with the option to wake to the iPod. The first with a remote to control the iPod's Album and Playlist features. The first with a built-in charger for NiMH or NiCAD batteries for increased portability.The white with silver faceplate design makes the iSongBook a perfect match for the iPod. It also features an ?on demand? blue backlit LCD display that shows the station tuning as well as the digital clock, whose functions include alarm and 20-minute sleep timer that can be set to wake to an iPod as well as radio. Auxiliary input and stereo headphone output are positioned in the rear, complete with rubber coversto protect them from the elements, dust and dirt when not in use. It comes with a detachable matching secondary speaker for stereo sound, a 6' audio cable for proper room positioning. The iSongBook operates on standard AA alkaline batteries or NiMH/NiCad rechargeable batteries with the unit's built-in charger; or by an AC adaptor or 12V power source. Stereo Input and Headphone Output Weather Resistant Design (when used as a portable) On-Demand Blue Blacklight Credit Card Size Remote Dimensions - 6.2? High x 11? Wide x 2.2? Deep
Amazon.com Review
Building on the success of their micro radios and bookshelf systems, Tivoli Audio has broken new ground in a crowded field of iPod accessories with the iSongBook. At just 2.81 pounds, and with an included right channel speaker, the iSongbook packs a serious portable punch. If you have an iPod with a docking port connector, this little unit deserves a serious look. 
The iSongBook's iPod dock swings down when you're ready to make the connection. | Design
The iSongBook's design takes many design queues from the Tivoli iPal, another iPod audio accessory from Tivoli Audio. That means that the iSongBook looks great alongside your iPod, which is exactly where the iPod is designed to go. A cradle cleverly swings down from the left side of the unit revealing a standard iPod docking port that also provides a charge for the iPod when the iSongBook is plugged into AC power. Tivoli also includes seven adapter "cups" that provide a snug fit for various iterations of the 3G, 4G, iPod Color, Video iPod, mini and even Nano. While the hideaway dock is a smart move, it can prove a bit kludgy when you have the iSongBook on an uneven surface, as the dock is only secured by a single hinge. It's a minor quibble, though. The iSongBook's front panel is typical Tivoli fare-- a nice mix of retro style and Jetsons coolness. As with all Tivoli Audio products, controls are reassuringly simple and sturdy. Tivoli's philosophy seems to be that there should be a button devoted to each function of a given device. It's a refreshing choice in an age of ever-increasing complexity in electronics. Meanwhile, the unit's LCD display is large and bright, and there's a button for turning the backlight on and off for increased battery savings. Switching the function selector lets you choose from AM, FM, or iPod modes. iPod mode can double as an "Aux" mode, as there is a 3.5 mm auxiliary input on the back of the iSongBook. A straightforward alarm clock system is easy to set and control and allows the user to fall asleep and wake to their fave iPod tunes. 
Bring your own iPod. Tivoli takes care of the rest. | Many would argue that offering two speakers in a small, portable audio device is futile exercise, as not enough stereo separation is possible. Indeed, Tivoli's Model One delivers some of the best "small" sound in the industry -- from a single speaker. To really experience stereo sound, some distance between the right and left channels is needed, and that's why the iSongBook sports a cleverly-implemented, detachable right speaker. The speaker is a breeze to connect and disconnect, and the cable is easily retractable via an internal coil that keeps the mess to a minimum. An added benefit of the detachable speaker is that it can be left behind when you want to keep the weight and bulk down. Another hallmark of Tivoli's portable audio devices is that they offer flexible power options. The iSongBook is no exception. In addition to AC power, the unit can run on, and recharge, six rechargeable "AA"-size cells. Additionally, these batteries can be replaced with non-rechargeable "AA" alkaline cells when you're away from AC power for longer periods. When the unit is plugged in, the iSongBook provides a charge to both the rechargeable cells and your iPod. Pretty nifty. 
Cord management is cleverly designed into the right channel speaker. The AC power and line-in ports are covered to keep out dust and moisture. | Listening Pleasure
The iSongBook's manual makes it clear that "Bass frequencies place a heavy strain on speakers and amplifiers. The iSongBook was engineered to produce the maximum amount of low frequencies for its size and power." Honesty is certainly the best policy and indeed, the iSongBook isn't cut out for delivering room-thumping bass. But it does deliver stunning crispness that will leave you wondering how Tivoli has managed to pack so much into such a small package. While lows are certainly not thundering, the crispness of notes across the full spectrum, high to low, is pretty hard to beat in a device this size. Tivoli's superior, audiophile-class electronics really do make a difference. Having an additional right channel that can be separated from the left is a big bonus. The monaural sound is good, but it lacks the fullness you'll hear with the right channel attached. Integration with an iPod is painless, just pop it in the dock and the tunes begin. Meanwhile, AM/FM reception is good, and the digital tuner is surprisingly accurate and fast. The tuner's seek mode is as good as anything you'll find in a full-size component tuner. Tivoli never scrimps on anything, so there's also an included infrared remote. It's slim, easy-to-use, and highly functional, allowing you to control playlists and make album selections on your iPod. The iSongBook's headphone jack is a nice touch, too, even though it is redundant with the iPod's headphone jack-- unless you're listening to the iSongBook's radio. What's in the Box
iSongBook unit with detachable right speaker, external power supply, remote control, 7 iPod adapter cups, and warranty registration card. Pros
- Now-legendary Tivoli design and electronics
- Simple operation
- Excellent sound (if you can do without thumping bass)
Cons
- Prepare to pay a premium price for quality this high
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 Just an expensive regular radio January 27, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Just like everyone before me that has reviewed this item, I have to agree that the device, if you look at it its just a very expensive regular radio. Yes it plays your ipod, but there are other radios in the market for a fraction of the cost that will play your ipod too and do a real good job at it! The sound is just ok, the control does not turn the device off or on and sometimes works stopping lowering and switching track on the ipod, put not always. The only advantage that I see to this radio its portability in an emergency maybe (that I have not tried, cause I haven't had an emergency yet); and even then there are smaller, cheaper radios you can use for that. So unless you just want a radio, an expensive one, you'd be very disappointed with this purchase. Maybe the YiYi is better integrated (reason why I bought this radio was to play it with my ipod, in my room).
 Its great if its meets the 10 January 12, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The systems Tivoli Audio comes out with is generally amazing.
This is a perfect iPod speaker system if the below is what you are looking for:
1)Does more than just pump out heavy bass but gives great clarity for mid and high tones...its from Tivoli Audio
2)Has pretty good FM reception (has only 5 presets though) and AM.
3)Is portabale and light and doesnt compromise too much on audio quality with its size
4)Offers STEREO sound and SEPERATION of left and right SPEAKERS
The seperation of the speakers is really key.
5)Has alarm functionality..nothing like waking up to the right tunes
6)Looks good and has some great design elements
7)Doesnt need bulky batteries or a seperate external charger(This baby can charge NiMH/NiCad batters by itself!)
8)You dont intend to use if for an outside party..its great is average sized rooms and for a BBQ
9)Has more than a dumb remote but something that you can use for basic iPod control, radio, volume etc..
10)Has a nifty way of docking the iPod and a universal doc
There are obviously some things that could be better..but overall its a winner if what you are looking for are those 10 above
 Only advantage of this product is its portability December 23, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
With its optional case, this is the only easily portable, decent sounding iPod sound dock I know of ... and that's it, the only reason to buy this product is its portability.
The sound is acceptable, no more: a listenable, accurate midrange; a decent high end; no bass to speak of; barely adequate sound levels and; limited dynamic range.
If portability isn't an issue, for the same price get the Bose sound dock for much much better sound. If price isn't an issue, get the B&W Zeppelin ($[...]).
Unit distorts easily; manual tells you to turn off equalization. Remote has few options, can't hop between playlists, artists. FM reception is average. AM reception is weak. Optional case fits badly, very hard to put on. With the case on, it's ridiculously difficult to get the iPod platform out. Not practical as an alarm clock: too large, hard to read the time. Detachable speaker doesn't attach securely, wobbles.
Overall impression: overpriced mediocrity.
 Sounds great, a little ugly, a few other gripes. July 15, 2007
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Yes, the sound of this unit is impressive, it's probably the decent speakers and electronics that makes this pricey. My Nano doesn't seem to fix snugly with the docking adapter. Also, I'm a little surprised there's not more comments on the aesthetics, it's a little ugly, but it may grow on me. More presets would have been nice. I like the battery charging feature, but really, for the price, why didn't they include rechargeables?
I chose it because it's exactly what I wanted: A portable FM/AM Ipod player, that isn't a bedroom clock or big and bulky, for the kitchen and the deck.
All in all, it's a nice sounding unit, works well with the ipod, but I'm not convinced it's worth the price. Then again, maybe I'm just used to Target and Wal-Mart selling cheap electronics from China that ARE crap, but they're still trying to get $100 out of you.
Not worth the price May 27, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Sound quality not on par with price. Lacks bass. Certainly not the same sound that made the original Tivoli radio famous.
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