It seems that you can’t shake a stick nowadays without hitting someone listening to an iPod. And getting just as popular as iPods nowadays are iPod accessories. Today we are going to take a look at one of the latest iPod accessories by Lenntek, called The Hookup.
I can tell you that when the iPod video first came out, I had to have one. I already had a 20 MB iPod, but the color ones were just oh-so-cool. Add to that the ability to play videos, movies, TV shows, and more and I just couldn't get my hands on one fast enough.
So now I have a 30 GB iPod video and decide that I want to use it everywhere. But then it dawns on me that I can't. First of all, being a full-sized iPod, it's kind of bulky. Second of all, it's hard drive based, so it is prone to issues when it is shocked and jostled.
So what could I do? Well, one option would be to go out and buy a smaller iPod, like an iPod Nano or Shuffle. Yeah, they have a much smaller capacity, but they are also flash-based players, which means no moving parts. So if you want to run on a treadmill or jump on a trampoline, you can do so without damaging your player, or causing your music to skip at the very least.
But who needs two iPods? Two devices to keep in sync with your music library? Which iPod is that song on?
Enter the Hookup. This device basically has two pieces, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter hooks to the bottom of your full-size iPod using the dock connector, and wirelessly transmits your music to the receiver via a Bluetooth connection. The receiver is a very small and lightweight device, which not only acts as a receiver to the transmitter, but also incorporates a remote control that controls volume and tracks on your iPod.
But that's not all. In addition to being a remote interface to your iPod, the Hookup can also connect to your Bluetooth enabled phone, and switch from music to answer the phone, and then back to the music again.
Sound familiar? Yes, we've reviewed Bluetooth headsets in the past which offered similar functionality. One of the main differences with this unit is how the receiver allows you to use the headphones of your choice, plugged into the receiver. No bulky Bluetooth headsets to wear.
So now, you can hook the receiver to your iPod and put it inside your backpack for safe keeping. Then hop on your bike and go for that long ride, wearing the lightweight remote and your favorite headphones. When the phone rings, the push of a button pauses your music and answers the phone. No more stopping your music, removing the headphones, and holding the phone to your ear.
Sound good in theory? It sure does to me. Let's take a look at the published features for The Hookup.
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