Behold the i-Dog -- undeniable proof that the whole iPod thing has officially gone too far.
We don't know about you, but we didn't think there'd be much call for portable speakers shaped like small animals. Yet here's the i-Dog, a small speaker that's not only shaped liked a puppy, but can also display Furby-like moods and personalities.
Despite the i-prefix and its predominantly white colour, don't be fooled into thinking the i-Dog is meant purely for Apple's ubiquitous iPod. Toy maker Hasbro obviously wants to capitalise on the iPod zeitgeist, but its strange little product can be attached to any portable music player -- or more accurately, anything that has a 3.5mm headphone jack. All you need to do is hook up the i-Dog's included cable into the headphone jack, turn on the music, and the tunes will start coming out of the product's mono speaker.
And with only a mono speaker, sound fidelity obviously isn't something you'd want to buy the i-Dog for. Any music you play will sound rather tinny and harsh, with the top volume quite moderate. Sound definitely isn't this puppy's forte, but personality is.
The i-Dog features clear plastic ears that wag, as well as a swiveling head that moves along to whatever music you're playing. The unit's "face" also lights up -- apparently the colour and light patterns tell you what the dog's mood is, and also whether it likes the music you're playing. The i-Dog's manual comes with a mood list describing what the lights mean, although we figure only those 13 and under (or otherwise just very lonely people) would memorise these patterns and know instantly what the i-Dog is feeling.
With only so-so sound but with interesting "mood" features, the i-Dog definitely falls under the classification "toy" rather than full-fledged music player accessory. One for the kids or those with serious iPod fetishes.
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jwdowney
17/11/2008, 06:25 AM
rating
10/10
This is the dogI love because it dances for you . This is whyIam going to get a Soft Speaker.
Pros: Its nice.
Cons: I wished it was soft.
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Anonymous
31/08/2008, 01:11 PM
rating
8/10
Cute and fun but could be better.
Pros: It can play music from your iPod or anything with a headphone jack, cute and colorful.
Cons: The batteries run out fast, volume isn't that loud, sound quality isn't the best, can't be plugged into a wall, doesn't charge iPod
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polarbearlover24
25/04/2008, 06:39 AM
rating
9/10
This dog is so cute and fun to play with. I love it
Pros: Its like taking care of a dog. You have to feed and play with him or he will get sick
Cons: When he runs low on batteries he goes wild
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Katchan19931
11/02/2008, 07:22 AM
rating
8/10
I like it a lot it's fun and instead of sitting around w/ headphones in my ears i can plug up my Idog.
Pros: It's so much more fun than sitting around listening to the radio where there are evil comercials ( I HATE RADIO COMMERCIALS!)
Cons: if you have it in a bag or something it can turn on with out realizing it therefore wasting battery
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condar_1
27/12/2007, 02:30 PM
rating
5/10
Cute dog. Kinda fun
Pros: Entertaining for a while
Cons: Uses too many batteries and will become a paper weight after the newness wares off.
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Sarah
25/12/2007, 02:40 PM
rating
7/10
I like the look of them and really want one. Do they work with iPod Minis?
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COWKING41
26/11/2007, 02:35 AM
rating
10/10
IT IS SO COOL I HAVE MINE PLAYING RIGHT NOW MY IDOG AND MY IDOG AMPED
Pros: THE LIGHTS AE COOL AND DANCES TO YOUR MUSIC.YOU CAN ALSO DRESS IT ALL UP
Cons: THE IDOG IS QUITER THAN THE I DOG AMPED BUT IT YOU TURN THE VOLUME ALL THE WAY UP ON YOUR IPOD OR MP3 IT DOES GET KINDA OF LOOUD
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moily
11/07/2007, 12:29 AM
rating
9/10
I luv idog!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is like the cutest thing ever.
Pros: It's is a toy that people of all ages will enjoy:) I for one think it rocks!
Cons: It's pretty much like every other toy.Becuase after a while it will just sit on your dresser and do nothing!
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luvinthesun282
06/06/2007, 01:35 PM
rating
9/10
this is such a good product instead of buying some plain old player for ur mp3 u can use the idog its cute and dances to the beat of ur music
Pros: cute, adorable, and plays any mp3 not just the ipod
Cons: i wish it would do more
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mark burnett
25/05/2007, 11:05 PM
rating
9/10
i luv him but i lost the book so i dont now if he likes my songs
Pros: hes great even my mom thinks its cute
Cons: i wish it had music like the icy moods
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