iLuv Creative Technology's (http://www.i-luv.com) Mo’Beats Wireless Stereo Speaker Stand (iSP245) is an US$99.99 wireless speaker/stand that fits perfectly with the iPad (both in design and aesthetics) and has respectable audio quality.
It's built to allow you to enjoy music, movies and TV shows on the go. And it does that, though the volume isn't substantial or the sound pristine. Then again it's a relatively small, wireless speaker, so no one should buy the Mo'Beats expecting Bose speaker output.
The two drivers fire outwards from the speaker/stand's sides, which is a bit problematic, but at least the speakers are stereo separated, so the left and right channel sound is pushed out of the "proper" side. The Mo'Beats has no bass hardware (there's no room), so the overall audio lacks oomph and lack of detail.
When you unpack the iLuv speaker, you'll have to connect it to your Mac via a miniUSB-to-USB cable for charging. The charging indicator light will turn off when it's all powered up. You'll also have to "pair" it with your iPad once it's ready to go by using the Bluetooth pairing component of the Apple tablet's Settings app (there's a Bluetooth on/off switch).
The cradle design of the Mo’Beats allows for either landscape or portrait viewing of any device while accommodating most cases. For example, it works with both the Apple Smart Cover and Smart Case, though, with some of the thicker cases, you'll have to remove your iPad to connect it with the Mo'Beats. (It also offers a 3.5 mm jack connection for any mobile device not Bluetooth enabled.)
The Mo'Beats design is sleek, clean and simple enough that Apple could have designed it. Available only in silver, your iPad sits against a 1.75-inch tube,with a depth of 2.6 inches.
One of the Mo'Beats' strong points is that it can stream tunes from an Apple tablet at more than 60 feet, according to the folks at iLuv. I found the distance more like 50 feet -- but that's still impressive. That said, however, the Mo'Beats design begs for the iPad to recline in it.
The Mo'Beats packs Bluetooth connected speakers on each side. If you listen to a lot of tunes or watch a lot of videos on your iPad, the speaker/stand improves the sound quality over the tablet's built-in speakers. It's great for students or road warriors as iLuv has thoughtfully included a soft carrying case.
Rating: 7 out of 10
