iMainGo: X portable travel friendly speaker

Last week, we reviewed the iMainGo 2 portable speaker – and barely a week later, iMainGo has released a new speaker to their lineup that builds off the success of the previous one.

Like the iMainGo 2, the iMainGo: X provides full access to your device through a clear panel on the back – but adds an internal lithium-ion battery, a line-in jack and the ability to daisy-chain several speakers to create a larger sound experience. Included with the unit is a custom travel bag, a wrist strap and a carrying strap.

The new iMainGo: X is on sale today through Amazon and Target and retails for $69.95. To celebrate its launch, Target is currently offering a $10 instant discount, bringing the price down to a very reasonable $59.95.

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Review – iMainGo 2 portable travel speaker for iPhone, iPod and Zune

With the weekend quickly approaching (how on earth did that happen so quickly this week?), the time has come to relax, turn on some of your favorite tunes, and enjoy a cold beverage. Unless you live in the midwest, where the temperatures are already dropping to the point where hot chocolate is justified.

To enjoy your music on the go, the iMainGo 2 could very easily become your best friend. The iMainGo 2 is a combination speaker case and protection case. Unlike some other portable speakers, once your iPhone, iPod or other player is inside the unit, you can still control it through a clear panel on the rear.

The iMainGo 2 is powered off four (included) AAA batteries, and features two different power modes -on and alarm. When in alarm mode, it conserves power by turning off its amplifier until your iPod turns on – which means you can set an alarm, and wake up to soothing tunes from its speakers.

Installing your player is simple – you plug it into the headphone jack, then slot it behind a piece of padding and lock it in place with a Velcro strap. Once inside the iMainGo 2, your player is well protected.

You can access all the buttons – as long as they are on the front. This means you won’t have access to power buttons that are on the top of a device, or volume controls on the side. In addition to this, you won’t be able to make any calls on your phone when it is in the case.

Audio is crisp, loud and clear. In fact, my volume was originally far too loud, and because my iPod was in Angry Birds, I had to exit it to adjust the volume inside the music app. The front mounted speakers are amazing – they sound good at low volumes, and they sound just as good turned up to max.

The only minor downsides to the iMainGo are a tricky battery compartment and the fact that it can’t charge your iPod when connected – but the price more than makes up for that – just $39.99.

I like the iMainGo 2 – it is compact, sounds good and is well priced. Still not convinced? How about the chance to win one? Check back next week for a contest and you’ll have a chance to win your own iMainGo 2 portable sound system.

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Daily deal – Koss mini MP3 player speaker – free + $4 shipping

My daily deal for today is for the Koss SA-10 portable speaker dock.

This AA powered mini speaker plugs directly into the headphone jack of your iPod, or any other MP3 player with a regular headphone jack.

The 2 AA batteries keep the speakers powered for up to 10 hours of continuous playback.

The Koss SA-10 is on sale at 1 Sale A Day, and is being sold for $0. Of course, the catch is that you need to pay $3.99 for shipping. Even after the fairly high shipping charge, these speakers are a fantastic deal, and perfect for bringing along on your next trip if you want some music in your hotel room.

Daily deal – JBL Onstage II portable iPod speaker dock

My daily deal for today is a great product for travelers who’d like to bring their music on the road. The JBL Onstage II is a portable stereo speaker dock with inserts for most iPod models (the iPod Touch and iPhone are not compatible).

With your iPod inserted in the Onstage II, you can even use the included remote control to change the volume and skip tracks.

The JBL Onstage II can only be powered off AC, so it is not the best option for taking on a camping trip. Included in the box is the speaker itself, an AC adapter with international power compatibility and the RF remote control. If you are looking for a battery operated speaker, check out my review of the Altec Lansing Orbit speaker.

This speaker dock usually retails for around $70, but you can pick one up today for just $29.99. Shipping is through UPS ground and is just $6. Stootsi is another “one deal a day” site, so please do keep in mind that this item will be gone soon.