For some time I wanted to have a iPod speakerdock so I could listen to my iPod in the kitchen and bedroom. For the speakerdock I had some requirements in mind:

Needed requirements:

• FM radio (I like to listen to the radio sometimes)
• Compact size (I do not want to carry a heavy device with big speakers around)
• Work with the iPod Nano 3rd generation (mine) and the iPod nano 5 using the 30-pin connector
• Priced less than 100 Euro

Optional requirements:

• Run on batteries
• Charges iPod if docked

iPod nano 3rd gen docked in the JVC RA-P50

The first requirement was not a problem, there are plenty of iPod speakerdocks around having a radio although the type of radio differ. Some have only a tuning wheel while others do have FM preset memory and tune digitally. Compact size wasn’t a problem either although some were really too small to give a decent sound.

The third requirement was the hardest. Some older speakerdocks did not work (at least they did not claim to work according the manual) with the 5th generation iPod Nano. Of course any mp3 player would work with the speakerdock if you use the 3.5mm jack cable but I wanted to use the 30-pin dock so I could contol the iPod with the speakerdock buttons.

There some speakerdocks around which can be used for both generations iPod Nanos but these were prices over 150 Euros which way over my budget since this speakerdock will only be used as a portable dock and not as our primarily audio device.

The solution: the JVC RA-P50

I did find a speakerdock which was exactly what I needed: The JVC RA-P50 which was priced 99,99 Eur at bol.com. First impression is a solid and decent iPod speakerdock.

Advantages

• Good sound for these small speakers
• FM radio has good reception even with antenna folded
• Compact design
• iPod charges even if device is turned off
• Can be used as an alarm clock (if you want to)

Drawbacks

• Searching FM channels takes ages
• Saving FM presets can be hard, and does not work intuitive
• Buttons on device only support forward and backward, not e.g. album skip

Pics or it didn’t happen!

Gadgets dock, gadget, ipod, review, speakerdock, speakers