Originally debuted by iLuv long ago and supposedly delayed due to packaging changes, the ArtStation Pro ($170, aka iMM514) is a large speaker system with a rotating dock for iPads, iPhones, and iPods. While the dock is on what appears to be a flexible, adjustable arm, it actually only turns 90 degrees to accommodate portrait or landscape orientations, while the substantially plastic enclosure below it holds two tweeters and two mid-range drivers.
A wall power adapter and Infrared remote control are included in the package, along with supports for iPads and smaller devices.
Updated April 17, 2012: While we were enthusiastic about the ArtStation Pro immediately following its announcement, that enthusiasm dimmed as the speaker took forever to actually show up, and actual testing revealed that it’s really nothing special—relatively large given the flat and not particularly impressive sound that comes from its speakers, with a mounting arm that turns out to be less versatile and useful in practice than it appears from photos. Not designed to be compatible with encased iOS devices, the included mounting brackets do a fine job with bare units, but are inconvenient if you need to keep a case on, say, your iPhone 4/4S.
We’ve opted not to rate this unit due to its age, but it suffices to say that it’s only a passable speaker for its $170 MSRP, and could benefit from significant rethinking both in its mounting arm and audio driver tuning.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: iLuv (a unit of jWIN)
Website: www.i-Luv.com
Model: ArtStation Pro
Price: $170
Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPod nanos and iPod touches
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