Recently I succumbed to the demands of my Wife and picked up an Apple iPod.  I am firmly convinced there are better MP3 players on the market but there is no denying that the iPod has the best aftermarket support.  Today I will be taking a look at mStation's latest iPod accessory, the 2.1 Stereo Orb.  This funky round toy functions as both a stand alone player and a docking station.  Lets take a look.

I must admit that I was not familiar with the mStation name prior to this review but a quick look at their website; www.mstation.com shows they are devoted to making accessories for all your iPod flavors.

The Orb comes in a stylish black and white box that shows off the product on the sides.  The focus of the packaging is on three major areas:  Connect explains how the orb can use the included stereo mini jack to listen to audio from any source with an output port.  Control talks about the ability to control your iPod directly from the Orb or using the included remote control.  Communicate describes how the Orb is compatible with iTunes and can be connected to your PC using the included USB cable.

The Orb is about the same size as a regulation volleyball and can't weigh too much more than about 4 pounds.  The surface is plastic with a matching fabric cover over the speakers.

As you can see, the Orb comes in seven different colors designed to match your iPod or simply to match your mood.  Today we are looking at the Orb in white.

Features:

• • 2.1 Stereo with Dedicated Subwoofer

• 30 Watts of Peak Power

• Docking Station-Syncs w/iTunes

• 10 Key IR Remote

• Onboard controls  for Standby/Mute (mode), Volume, Next Song, Previous Song and Pause Play

• 6 Cosmetic Docking Cradles for all iPod models

• Cables Include: USB, Stereo Mini

Specifications:

• Drivers
  Stereo:  2 - 2" 8 Ω Shielded
  Subwoofer:  1 - 4 Ω Shielded

• Amplifier Output Power (RMS)
  Peak Power:  50W
  RMS Power: 30W
  Stereo: 15W
  Subwoofer:  15W

• Amplifier Input Sensitivity
  Stereo:  400mV +/- 50mV
  Subwoofer:  320mV +/- 20mV

• Frequency Response
  Stereo:  250Hz ~ 20k +/- 5dB
  Subwoofer: 50Hz ~ 250Hz +/- 5dB

• S/N ratio (A Weight): >70dB

• THD (1kHz, 1W): <0.5%

• Supply Voltage (region specific): 100V - 240V AC

• Power Consumption:  30W

• Inputs:
  iPod Connector
  USB Mini B
  3.5mm Stereo
  FireWire Connector

• Weight
  Net:  4 lbs. (1.8 kg)
  Gross:  5 lbs. (2.27 kg)

• Dimensions:
  Width:  7.8 inches (200 mm)
  Height:  7.4 inches (188 mm)

The included accessories are shown her in matching white.  The power is handled by an external brick to help keep the size down.

The included remote shares the basic functionality of the onboard controls and adds the ability to adjust the Bass and Treble.  The remote is about 2.25 x 4.5 inches and just over .25 inches thick.  I found the range to be no issue as long as the line of sight is clear in both my office and the much larger family room.

The back of the orb contains the subwoofer port and a recessed panel for each of the included cables.  from left to right:  The headphone jack, a USB port, a FireWire port, and the power adaptor.

The top of the Orb shows the docking port covered by a blank adaptor or dust cover.  Beneath the port from left to right:  The power indicator light, the power button, Volume up and down buttons, skip forward and back, and a play/pause button.  The black circle is the infrared port for the remote.