Since the iPhone’s introduction in 2007 surprisingly few speaker docks have been launched enabling the iPhone to be viewed in either portrait or landscape mode. This is a rather serious omission as no-one wants to hold the device in their hand for several hours whilst they watch a movie, and given the slippery design of the iPhone it is virtually impossible to prop it up in the right viewing position.
Thankfully, a few years down the line and the accessory manufacturers are catching up. Even as recently as a year ago there were very slim pickings on offer as far as rotating docking station speakers were concerned, but now there are a few more around enabling consumers to make a choice. These docking stations are an excellent investment to have by the bedside, doubling as alarms, allowing you to fall asleep to movies or music and charging your device simultaneously. Prices start from around £45 ($70).
The docking station speaker with a built-in clock:
The iHome IP41 has an innovative design which enables you to turn the whole docking station on its side to watch an iPhone or iPod in landscape mode. The nifty feature of this L-shaped glossy space-saving design is the clock, which also rotates to the correct orientation whether the unit is upright or on its side.
The clock boasts an alarm function with auto reset so that when you turn it off it will reset automatically for the next day. It also allows you to go to sleep or wake to an iPhone or iPod. The speaker gives a more than adequate sound for such a compact unit and the Universal dock charges your iPhone or iPod both while it is playing or resting. There is a line-in jack to connect other audio devices and it also comes with a remote control. The ideal bedside table dock.
Docking stations speakers for those on the move:
The latest docking station from Logic3 is the i-Station featuring a rotating dock mechanism. Once inserted into the cradle for charging, any Iphone or iPod can be turned sideways to watch videos or tv. The four speaker drivers deliver good audio quality and built-in video output allows connection to a TV to display video or photo content, whilst a stereo line-in permits the connection of other audio devices, such as a CD player. This system, as well as being mains operated is perfect for those on the move as it also functions with 4 x AA (LR6) batteries. It also comes with a remote control and carry case for safe travel and storage.
The Philips SBD7000 'rock 'n' roll docking station speaker is round in appearance with the iPhone or iPod sitting in the middle of its round speaker. In order to view in landscape mode the docking station is simply rolled to the required angle, giving rise to its ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ moniker. The dock is supported at the back by a flip stand which works either horizontally or vertically. The unit has a Dynamic Bass Boost (DBB) enabling better quality sound reproduction, especially at lower volume levels. It is both mains or battery operated with 4 x AA (LR6) batteries and is suitable, therefore, for those on the move.
One-touch rotating docking station speakers:
The Sharper Image EC-A115 has a sleek one touch button which gently glides the iPhone or iPod into the required viewing position. It features illuminated controls and an input cable to connect other audio devices. Its two speakers deliver surprisingly good sound and, of course, charges your device as it plays.
Rotating docking station speaker with FM radio:
The Technika SP112 IPH not only allows both vertical and horizontal viewing of your iPhone or iPod but also has 20 pre-set DAB and FM radio stations for you to choose. The digital radio has sleep and dual alarm function or you can wake up to your iPhone or iPod. Download an app from iTunes to unlock extra features.
Other rotating docking station speakers worth a mention:
The Yubz Rotating Speaker is a unique doughnut-shaped device, available in either gloss black or gloss white. It features Yubz' Sound Space 2.0 (TM) technology to ensure excellent audio quality.
The Jensen Sliding/Rotating Speaker System's speaker slides apart to accommodate an iPhone or iPod horizontally or vertically. It operates on 4 x AA (LP6) batteries as well as through the mains.
Whilst rotating docking station speakers would not generally be powerful enough to have as a stand-alone audio system they are perfect where space is at a premium. For bedside tables, kitchens or a teen bedroom they are the ideal solution.
Amanda Duffy - Amanda Duffy believes there is no substitute for getting her hands dirty, both literally and metaphorically – a trait instilled in ...
Join the Conversation