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iPad Speaker Amplification Accessory Review

MarximusMG

MarximusMG

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 21, 2009
699
4
Denver
It attaches to the speaker side of the iPad and amplifies the sound. Sounds like it would produce the same result that cupping your hand behind the speaker would, but would be nice to be able to hold the iPad comfortably and get more power from the speakers. What do you guys think?*
 
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I don't think it will do well if it works the way I think it does.

Will it be sticking out from the iPad? I can't imagine anybody would be willing to deal with that for better sound.
 
Yeah, I know what you're saying, but it's pretty small and doesn't add any bulk to the iPad.
 
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I've also been tinkering

I've wanted some kind of a reflector horn (?) that is fairly flat with channels. I'm so pissed about the iPad 2 speaker and the way the data cord works. Huge step backwards if you ask me. I've also tried covering the speaker with tape to use the iPad as the speaker. The tape trick sounded a lot better on iPad 1. I wouldn't mind a channel thingy with mini suction cups. I did a family FaceTime with my iPad and had to hold my hand the whole time, cupping it on the speaker. The coolest, best multimedia player / creator of all time with the worst speaker of all time. Really Apple? Seriously, this is my last iPad ever if the speaker isn't improved on #3. And I'm not being dramatic. And if I hear 1 more person tell me to get an external speaker, their getting punched.
Sorry so ranty.
 
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Hey everyone-

So I received the accessory today in the mail. My review is below:

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Impressions

Obviously, as an owner of Apple products, the appearance of my devices is very important to me. I can confirm that, while it obviously does add a little bit to the side of the iPad, it is pretty slim and doesn't distract extensively from the gorgeous design of the iPad.

On a similar note, when the iPad is being held in portrait mode, the SoundJaw doesn't feel uncomfortable if your hand is covering it. And in landscape mode, the accessory isn't in the way at all.

Additionally, I was actually surprised at how well it fit on the iPad. There is no "click" or "snap" when the device is put on the iPad, but rather it just slides onto the edge. I was also curious as to how well it would stay on, but I can say that there would be no issues with it falling off. It grips the iPad quite nicely.

It works just like I expected it to. As the sound exits the rear of the iPad, it reflects off of the SoundJaw and towards the user. While I was expecting this to happen, I was pretty surprised with how much louder it really made the volume. I had to actually turn down the volume of the music that was playing when I first put it on.

Conclusion

It does what it says it will. I've often found myself cupping my hand around the speaker when I'm watching YouTube or movies, and while that isn't necessarily the end of the world, this device completely eliminates the need to do that. I can see it being even more useful in situations where the iPad is being used with a stand, in which case you wouldn't want to have to hold your cupped hand around the back.

If you have an iPad and also frequently find yourself straining to hear things you're watching or listening to, I'd say it'd be a good buy for you too.


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If you guys have any specific questions that I didn't answer in this review, let me know and I'll try to do my best to describe more of it to you.
 
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I just saw that since I've reviewed the SoundJaw, there have been several articles that have been written about it as well. Thought I'd post them here to give you guys a better idea of just what it's like. (I'm not a professional reviewer, so I'm not sure how well I represented the device).

Cult of Mac

Gizmodo

Wired

ModMyi
 
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I supported this development and I'm anxiously awaiting my SoundJaw in white. It is relatively inexpensive and I'm sure, based on simple acoustic principles, it will be of benefit. No worries about detracting from the beauty of the iPad 2. It's an accessory that can be removed and thrown in your bag/briefcase.

I'm in!
 
I just received my soundjaw. Does it work? Absolutely. The sound is noticeably amplified. No more cupping the hand around the speaker for me.

As mentioned in a previous post, the fit is perfect - it slides right on to the ipad. As you would expect, having it on the ipad will cause issues with those that have tight fitting back cases. I have a TPU back case and while I can jam the soundjaw over the case, it looked awkward - it did work even in that awkward position tho. I don't think anyone would want to keep it on that way. I elected to stretch my case over the soundjaw. Again, not ideal but it looks better and this way I can keep it on the ipad.

Recommended.
 
For those of you that have one... How flexible/durable is the piece itself?

I think this is a great idea, simple and effective.
 
redzapper said:
...
As mentioned in a previous post, the fit is perfect - it slides right on to the ipad. As you would expect, having it on the ipad will cause issues with those that have tight fitting back cases. I have a TPU back case and while I can jam the soundjaw over the case, it looked awkward - it did work even in that awkward position tho. I don't think anyone would want to keep it on that way. I elected to stretch my case over the soundjaw. Again, not ideal but it looks better and this way I can keep it on the ipad.

Recommended.
Click to expand...

Wondering about fitting it with a polycarbonate back case. I doubt it will fit under the (Speck) back protector. Would it fit over it?
 
I was just going to order this, then I saw several similar products. Same thing I guess, just different look to them. and there is the Soundjaw plus or something shipping in August. Any suggestions on which one I should get?
 
I just went ahead and ordered the original Soundjaw since I didn't want o wait of the newer one. After just trying to increase the volume with my hand, it makes such a big difference I had to try this.
 
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