Tivoli Audio iPAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio, Silver/White
The iPAL is the perfect complement to the iPod. Functionally the same as Tivoli Audio's other PAL radios, it matches the sleek, modern, white and chrome appearance of the popular iPod MP3 player. Use the auxiliary input to connect an iPod, CD Player or other device, and prepare to be amazed at the expansive sound, which must be heard to be believed. iPod can also be connected wirelessly using the iTrip FM Transmitter (sold separately). The environmentally friendly NiMH battery, which fully charges in about 3 hours, provides many hours of cordless playback. The clever little green LED serves as both a power and battery status indicator. The iPAL also features the world's most acclaimed AM/FM tuner, with Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) to lock on to the center of the station for best reception and lowest distortion.
New electronics that resemble old electronics are all the rage these days. With a case that looks like it belongs in a mad scientist's laboratory, the Tivoli iPal is on the vanguard of retro style. In fact, the "Pal" stands for Portable Audio Laboratory--a cheeky reference to the unit's obvious Geiger counter-inspired design. Fortunately, the iPal does more than just look cool. When paired with an MP3 player such as the iPod or with a laptop, the iPal is a versatile companion that musters much better sound than we expected from a single-speaker unit. Tivoli is known for engineering small components with surprisingly good sound, such as the Henry Kloss Model One radio. The iPal proved to be no exception. 
Its compact size makes the iPal an excellent MP3 player companion. |
Design
While the iPal is functionally identical to Tivoli's multicolored line of Pal-powered speakers (offered on Amazon.com in Electric Blue, Pearl White, Sunset Red, Basic Black, Neon Yellow and Spring Green), its white and silver casing is designed to complement the iPod MP3 player. At 6.25 inches high and just under 4 inches wide and deep, the 3.5-pound unit is small enough to slip into a backpack, but it's a little hefty for a briefcase. The iPal's single rotary dial handles tuning for both AM and FM stations. Testers didn't expect to have much to say about something as mundane as a radio tuning dial, but the iPal's is truly unique. The dial is designed to move between stations at a speed that's a bit slower than the speed at which the user turns the knob. We found that this ratio dialing technique makes it far easier to tune stations accurately and quickly. Little touches like this really set Tivoli products apart. 
The iPal's radio tuning ratio dial is smooth and accurate. |
The tuner band selection and volume dials are easy to control, although their conical shape could make them a little pesky to operate for those with larger hands. A small LED power indicator blinks when the battery is running low. Meanwhile, the iPal's single, 2.5-inch magnetically shielded driver is protected by a handsome metal speaker cover. The back of the unit sports a telescoping antenna that has the solid, metal construction reminiscent of older transistor radio antennae. A standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack is provided here, as is a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary line-in port for plugging in your iPod or other music device. A port for AC/DC power and battery charging is also present. All the ports feature handy, attached rubber plugs that keep out the elements when they're not in use. The base of the iPal houses a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery pack that, when fully charged, delivered a respectable four hours of listening at moderate volume levels. The iPal's rechargeable batteries give it a leg up on many other portable speaker solutions; gone are the days of hauling around an armada of disposables. Tivoli claims that the battery pack does not suffer from the dreaded memory effects that afflict other types of rechargeable batteries. The batteries are environmentally friendly, too. Listening Pleasure
At first, we were skeptical about the performance of a small, one-speaker unit that offers only monaural sound. The reality is that most small, portable two-speaker systems don't allow you to place the speakers very far apart anyway, and the iPal's rich, resonant sound more than made up for its lack of true stereo separation. Plus, the iPal is an elegant box with no cumbersome speaker cords to fuss with when you're entertaining on the go. We plugged the iPal into the kinds of audio devices folks tend to use these days--an iPod, a laptop, and a portable CD player. We came away impressed with the iPal's performance with all three. Highs were crisp and clean, while mids and lows were accurate, with a fullness that surprised us. "Could this kind of sound really be coming from this little box?" we asked. When we really pumped up the volume, there was noticeable distortion, but at normal to high volume levels, the iPal excelled. For casual listening, indoors or out, the iPal is a great way to let others hear that iPod library you've been slaving away to build. We were also pleased by the iPal's tuning accuracy. Tivoli says this is the result of the unit's automatic frequency control (AFC) technology. Whatever witchcraft is behind this tuner, we were impressed. Tivoli adds that the iPal can be used as a component tuner via the headphone-out port--not a bad idea given its quality and accuracy. --Joshua Gunn Pros
- Small and portable with great rechargeable batteries
- Simple, elegant design
- Great sound
Cons
- One of the more expensive portable speaker solutions
- Cone-shaped tuner and volume dials might be challenging for larger hands
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Tivoli Audio iPAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio, Silver/White Reviews
The battery power lasts forever, usually outlasts my ipod at any rate. This little box packs a big punch, sounds great and is extremely portable. every home should have onewe now have three. the new black casing is very nice too, with a slight non-slip grip on the sides. I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't be satisfied with this item.
It's a very cool, handy thing, but maybe not that cool. It's held up really well in 3 years. I wanted to get one for my sis, but they used to be $125 and offered more colorsnow sadly they're nearly $200-. Glad I bought it when I did. I love the easy portability of this radio. I find myself carrying it from room to room when I'm doing different things around the house. Two different friends had them and I really admired the super sound quality for such a compact speaker.
My only other operational complaint is that there is no "AUX' input switch on the front panel. This is an expensive radio, and I just think it should have lasted longer than it did. I think this is due to moisture getting into the case. But the serious problem is something I've just noticed recently.
Even just a damp rag makes the rubber case sticky now, leaving marks in it and not getting the dirt off. I've seen other rubber things break down this way- usually it's the little rubber feet on older components, or certain cables. The rubber case material has gotten almost sticky and can't be cleaned. And while the Tivoli still works now, it's kind of gross looking and worse is kind of strange to touch because of the permanent stickiness. I've had one of these for probably 5 years now (the original PAL, not the iPal). So you're left with this device that's totally absorbing all the dirt that comes in contact with it, and can't be cleaned.
We keep the Pal on a shelf in the bathroom, and I suspect the steam from the shower did this. The rubbery material the case is made out of has started to deteriorate. And if you make the mistake of trying to clean it with Windex, the material almost melts. you have to plug and unplug the jack from the back, which makes switching from radio to Ipod a hassle. While the device is supposed to be weather resistant, I found that after about 18 months the tuning knob became very "dirty" and staticy when tuning.
Better bye two. Short and sweet. The best radio I have ever owned. Buy it.
The reception is okay but don't expect miracles. I've had mine for about 4 years and use it at least once or twice a week. On the reception - it is good but not as good as some of the other reviewers have reported in my experience. I'm not kidding about the title.
I would strongly recommend the optional carrying bag if you plan to use it as I do. And it was no better than any other radio at picking up the ball game at work. You can get any color you like and get your own cable for the ipod. Dropped it off a ladder, left it out in the rain for a bit, tossed it into the car and around work. On the sound - yes it's mono but here's the thing. Have had no issues whatsoever.
If my house burned to the ground this would be one of the first items I would replace. you cannot get stereo imaging out of a radio this small. Tivoli figured wisely that one good speaker is better than two so-so speakers that only give the visual appearance of stereo imaging. The sound has suprising depth and warmth for such a small package that never fatigues the ear. The rechargeable battery is still going strong. The long strap makes it a grab-and-go item.
It has pockets specifically designed for the ipod and it does a good job of protecting your gear as you toss it around (it's a thick, soft canvas material). I spend a lot of time working around the house and garden and this radio is an indispensable companion. I buy a lot of gadgets and this is my favorite simply because of the countless hours of hassle-free entertainment I've gotten out of it. Sturdy construction and a pleasing feel to the controls. The carry bag is tough as well.
I have had occasional trouble with interference as I've walked past the radio even outdoors. Mostly I listen to NPR but also hook up my ipod from time to time. Unlike other electronic items I've owned the attached rubber protective caps for the inputs on the back are still intact after much use. And Tivoli sells a replacement battery if necessary. And I have put mine through the paces. On the portability - yes it is a brick. I can easily get a whole day out of it.
One final note - the iPAL is no different than any of the other PALs that come in different colors by Tivoli. On the quality - the iPAL has a quality feel to it. The volume is limited to about a 50ft listening radius. The PAL predates the ipod and Tivoli just made a white one, included a white 3.5 cable and added the "i" to the name to cash in on the ipod craze.
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