 |
Active Tunes Stroll-A-Tune iPod or MP3 Stereo Speaker System for Baby Stroller by Active Tunes
Digital product summary informationManufacturer: Active Tunes Brand: Active Tunes Edition: Electronics Publisher: Active Tunes Studio: Active Tunes Music Label: Active Tunes Product features: - Comes with Audio Player Pouch - Durable neoprene with a heavy duty zipper; Velcro strap on back of pouch attaches to stroller; holds most Digital Audio players (IPOD, MP3 player, etc.); Stroll-A-Tune Speaker folds to fit in pouch when not in use
- Powered by 3 AAA batteries
- Speaker Dimensions - Width - 5.75 fully opened, 3 when folded x Height - 2.75; Weight - 2.6 oz without batteries
- 2-inch Mounting Bracket is designed to fit most stroller handlebars - Diameter - 21.8mm - 32mm (standard handlebar sizes); Allows speaker to snap in and out instantly
Digital camera reviews of Active Tunes Stroll-A-Tune iPod or MP3 Stereo Speaker System for Baby StrollerDigital camera Review: Broke the first day - inherently unworkable design - Summary: 1 Stars
I ride almost every day on trails or roads where there are people, cars, or other bikers - and I wanted some way to listen to music without having to wear headphone so I could hear what was going on around me, and not get a ticket either. I thought the i-Ride Active Tunes Bicycle Stereo System would be the answer - I was totally wrong.
The speakers are decent, obviously cheap, but I am not looking for audiophile quality, just something to hear music, radio or audiobooks on my bike rides.
The problem is the plastic base that holds the speakers to the handlebars. It is the black piece that is directly under the speakers in the photo. The mount is flexible plastic and only about 1/16 inch thick. What happened with me is I followed the instructions - first, to stick these rubber pads on the handlebars where you want to mount the speakers so that the mount does not move around (it still does a little bit), then screwed the mount together around the handlebars (instructions warn you not to screw it too tight, which I did not). Then you "snap" the speaker fixture into this cheap plastic base and secure it with a special rubber band and you are off. The speakers performed reasonable well, and I got a lot of smiles as I rode by with tinny music playing.
After the bike ride to remove the speaker you have to pull back a plastic piece that releases the speaker, and the force you need is too much for the whole thin cheap plastic mount. Mine broke the first time I removed it.
At this point I like the speakers so I am going to end up making my own replacement mount, but this product should never have made it to market. They either did not test it, because any use of it I can imagine would break just like I did - or - they went ahead and sold it hoping to make back their money on a shoddy product that they know will break right out of the gate. They already have a new product out that costs much more and hangs in a bag from your handlebars.
Shame on i-Ride for taking what should be a great idea and going through all the trouble of designing and manufacturing this thing and selling a poor product that does not work.
With a minor design change or using some thicker plastic, and a more robust mounting system it would have been fine ... maybe putting the rubber pads inside the mounting system so you have some flexibility where to fasten it to your handlebars in case you need to move it at some point.
The speakers are passable, the mount is a total rip-off and whoever designed it should be forced to make personal restitution to those of us who bought this thing, or give us the new version for free in my opinion because releasing this to market was deliberate.
I was hoping to be able to write a glowing review about a company that saw a small market niche and creatively rushed to fill it. Too bad!
Summary of Active Tunes Stroll-A-Tune iPod or MP3 Stereo Speaker System for Baby StrollerLife takes on new meanings with your new baby. More than ever, music plays a more significant role in your lives. Stroll-A-Tune is a handy little necessity that adds a stereo speaker system to any stroller or baby carriage. You can connect an iPod or MP3 player via miniplug cord directly to the Stroll-A-Tune and enjoy the music as you stroll with your baby through streets and parks. It also works with portable satellite radios, CD players, and Walkman devices. Enjoy your tunes and open your new baby's mind to melodies and songs. It's a perfect accessory for new moms and dads (not to mention grandparents). The Stroll-A-Tune is a small and simple stereo speaker system that connects to any audio device with a standard headphone jack. Everything from an iPOD or other MP3 player to a Satellite radio receiver will work just fine--even your old cassette walkman. A sleeve to hold your audio device is also included and mounts to the stroller handle beside the speakers. So no loose wires will be flapping around while you jog that last mile, inspired by the theme from Rocky or "You're the Best" from The Karate Kid. You can also placate your children with The Wiggles or the High School Musical soundtrack; and if you're the sort that likes to jog to "Fruit Salad" and "Hot Potato" (they are catchy), then everyone's happy. The mounting bracket for the Stroll-A-Tune is very easy to use, and will work with any stroller handle between 0.85" and 1.25" in diameter; which is pretty much all of them. Foam inserts are included with the mounting bracket to prevent the Stroll-A-Tune from slipping and flipping. Note: The Stroll-A-Tune does NOT mount on the rectangular handles of Bugaboo Strollers or on the small handles of most umbrella strollers. Days are more enjoyable with Stroll-A-Tune!
|
 |
|
|
|