With the port cover removed you can see the docking mechanism.  This port is common across all iPods out at the moment making the Orb universally compatible with all iPod styles.

Changing out the dock adapter to match your specific model is simple.

Each adapter is labeled on the back with the specific model supported.  In the example above I have chosen the adapter for the iPod Nano.

Just push the chosen dock into the docking port and you are set.  Each dock adapter positions the iPod correctly over the plug.

And here you see the iPod Nano sitting in the dock.

In reality the dock adaptor has little to do with how the iPod sits as the actual plug supports the weight of even the larger iPods like the iPod Video shown here.  I found that choosing the largest common denominator kept me from having to switch the plate between the two different iPods during testing.

Testing:

I tested the Orb with both of the iPods pictured above.  I was able to setup each iPod and sync using the latest build of iTunes on my test PC.  I played some of my wife's favorites including the latest from Enrique Iglesias and The Blue Man Group.  On the video I also fired up a converted version of The Simpsons Movie just for fun.

Over all I found the default settings to be a bit base heavy at lower volumes right out of the box.  At normal listening volumes the sound quality was surprisingly rich and filled the room much better than I would have ever expected from such a small unit.  For some of the more complex music tracks and the video, I found some slight adjustments from the remote were all that was needed to get a even sound level.  As you would expect from any small amplified source, the sound does wash out at high volume levels introducing a slight hiss.  but if you want to play it that loud, you should probably be looking at something a little bigger anyway!

Conclusion:

The mStation Orb has a nice clean look to it that easily won my wife over making this Orb something she already refers to as "her iPod thing."  That's not easy to do with most gadgets we see here at the Club!  I was afraid the Orb would be hard to get used to as far as looks but the small size ended up leaving me with a feeling of understated style.  I guess its sort of a love it or hate it design. 

The ease of use and surprisingly full sound impressed me for such a small device.  Despite what BOSE tells you there is no substitute for full size quality speakers when it comes to sound quality but the Orb was more than able to handle the type of listening you might do in a bedroom or office.  But lets face it a good stereo isn't what the Orb is meant to replace; its all about packing full featured iPod support into an attractive small package.

With a price tag of just over $100 you may have to do some tough decision making when it comes to the mStation Orb.  I do have to admit that the cheaper iPod docks we have used show you get what you pay for in the end.  Over all if you are in the market for an iPod dock and speaker setup I would recommend you take a closer look at the mStation Orb.

Note: Club Overclocker is now using a new rating system based on a score of 1 to 5.
Please go to our rating system page for more information.

Performance:	3 out of 5
Innovation:	4 out of 5
Quality:	5 out of 5
Stability:	N/A
Aesthetics:	4 out of 5
Software/Drivers Pack:	N/A
Overclocking:	N/A
Value:	3 out of 5
Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult)	1 out of 5