iHome iDM5 iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Speaker Review

iHome iDM5 iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Speaker Review

 
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iHome iDM5 iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Speaker Review

Price & Model

Price:
$149.99
Manufacturer:
iHome
Model:
iDM5

System Features

Remote:
Not Remote Capable
Radio:
None
Made For:
  • iPod
  • iPhone
  • iPad

Power

Batteries:
None

Alarm Clock Features

Dual Alarms:
No
Adjustable Dimmer:
No
Weekend Alarm Schedule:
None

Ever since the iPad was released, people have been wanting stands and docking stations that are functional and easy to use. Now, with the iDM5, iHome has come up with an all-in-one solution. Type on your iDevices using the Bluetooth keyboard or play music wirelessly, It’s all possible with the iDM5.

iHome iDM5 Highlights:

  • Bluetooth Keyboard
  • Wireless Speakers
  • iPad Stand
  • USB Charging

Description:

Get the most out of your iPad by turning it into a laptop. The iDM5 stands your iPad and with the Bluetooth keyboard you can type like you are any desktop computer. With its small compact design you can pack it up and take it to your nearest coffee shop to work.

Bluetooth means that it is wireless. Control music and play it wirelessly through the iDM5’s speakers. Video conferencing has never been so easy. Simply prop up the iPad and all it takes is a few taps and you are ready to go.

Great For:

  • Typing on the iPad
  • Wireless music playing
  • Small compact size

What’s in the Box?

  • Speaker system
  • Remote control
  • Power adapter

Editor review

(Updated: July 05, 2012)
Overall rating 
 
8.7
Value 
 
9.0
Sound Quality 
 
8.0
Style & Design 
 
9.0

Excellent way to add a keyboard and speakers to your iPad

Ever since the iPad was released people have been anxious to get their hands on it. Lots of people thought, "if only it had a better keyboard, I would get it". This device is for those people. While the iPad does have some inherent differences with netbooks and desktops. The iDM5 was designed to help those who want to bridge the gap. Here is what we found discovered about the iDM5.

Bluetooth

This device connects to the iPad (iPhone, iPod, and Android phones too) for all of it's operation. The connection is solid. Especially if you have the iPad resting on the stand. There are no cords (Though the iDM5 has auxiliary input for other tablets or mp3 players) which keeps things clean between the iDM5 and iPad.

Sound

Sounds is pretty good for the size and construction of the iDM5. It's not as good as speaker systems that are designed more for higher sound quality, but while browsing the internet or answering emails, we was thought it was very satisfactory.

Design

The iDM5 is great because it works so well with the iPad. Using Bluetooth to connect means they did not have to use the 30 pin dock connector to get the iPad working with it.

The keyboard is designed to have a similar layout to Apple's keyboards.The keys are made out of a material that is light and sometimes feels fragile. Typing on the keyboard is quick and responsive. One button we found ourselves wanting over and over again on the keyboard was a Home Button. Anytime you want to go to another app you have to raise your hand off of the keyboard to switch apps, then you can resume typing. This may be a minor inconvenience for most people considering you have to do this with the iPad regardless. We just thought it would have been nice to have.

When it comes to the portability of the iDM5, we think it does a great job. It's lightweight, sounds good, and gives you access to a keyboard anywhere. It's perfect for taking to a coffee shop to set up for a couple hours. On this same note, we thought it was really odd that they decided not to include a rechargeable battery with it. This would make this portable office, ULTRA portable. Right now the iDM5 requires a power source. Maybe it's for the best because power would run out to fast with a battery. Still we would have liked to have been able to use it on the plane or car during a trip for example.

Value

Think of the iDM5 as a miniature office. You can type quicker, listen to music, and have a stand for you to easily watch videos and read information. It costs $150 but we have seen deals on Amazon for as low as $115. We have links to those deals above so check them out.

Conclusion

The iDM5 is essential an office for the iPad. It stays true to the lightweight and portable spirit of the iPad but adds functionality that enables users to easily type and increase the productivity of the iPad. As we pointed out, there are a few things like a keyboard home button and internal rechargeable battery that we would have liked to see, but other than that this device is pretty freakin' cool. It's a lot of fun and really can help you take advantage of the iPad's features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
Improves typing with iPad
Good quality sound
Great stand for watching videos or using FaceTime
Portable design
Cons:
Home button is not located anywhere on keyboard
No internal battery
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