The first time around we really didn't have a lot of info on these
ViewDock thingamajigs from
ViewSonic, but we didn't have a hard time imagining some standard functionality for an iPod dock with an LCD slapped on. For instance, such a device seems like it'd be a real natural at mirroring the iPod display -- be it video or menus -- which is even demonstrated in their
original press photo of the unit. Turns out we couldn't have been more wrong. ViewSonic's new VX1945wm and VX2245wm LCDs mainly excel at eliminating a teensy bit of desk clutter, since if you want to watch the videos that are on your iPod, you'll need to play 'em in iTunes just like everybody else -- there's no direct video integration between the iPod and LCD. It does appear that the display's built-in speakers will pump your iPod's tunes directly, but our confidence is shaken even in that. Otherwise, the LCDs seem pretty nice, with 5ms response times each, a 1,440 x 900 resolution in the 19-incher, and a 1,680 x 1,050 res on the 22-inch model. Both displays appear to be available now, for $329 and $449 respectively. Keep reading for a closeup.
posted Oct 12th 2006 11:59AM
Read the text again. It doesn't even do that. It's just a monitor with an iPod dock attached.
By the way the iPod can now do 640x480 video, so even if it could play teh video direct from ipod to screen it would look somewhat better then it used to.
For everyone who is downing the iPod as some sheepish consumer product, I don't know where you are getting that from. Everyone I've seen who owns an iPod tends to be of the smarter more tech savy variety. They buy one because they are good products. Many don't buy into every iPod product on the market. But it's nice they are there anyway.
I suspect that I lot of people who talk crap about the iPod are teenagers who have some kind of poser complex. These are the same people who will buy some wacky off brand just so they can claim they aren't like everyone else. Grow up.
I've had this monitor since it came out, yeah the ipod dock is nice, but to have a hub, multiple card reader slots AND a dock. Awesome.
I love the crisp clear display (I'm a graphic artist) and use two 22" monitors in parallel. I would recommend this monitor to anyone, viewsonic is the best, and the added features on this one makes it more valuable for the money.
Bottom line, great monitor, cool, handy features make your life easier...and let you charge your ipod!
Super.
The worst part is that these schmucks are gonna buy 'em.
No doubt they will sell like crazy. Of course, don't try and tell anyone that you can get a similar LCD, or better, for much cheaper that essentially does the same thing. Why would I want something else when I can get something made just for my ipod?
I'll give credit to Viewsonic though, ipod sheeple's wallets are easily opened, so good for them in making a few extra bucks off of the technologically gullible. Slap "made for ipod" on the box and people will gobble it up, regardless of the product specs.
As long as we're slapping iPod docks on anything and everything, does anyone want to buy a "Made for iPod" Cat?
Features Include:
- Built-in iPod dock on cat's side (iPod sticks straight out so everyone can see it!)
- Meows when transfer is complete (hisses when iPod's capacity is reached)
- Incredibly portable: it comes to you when you call it (when it's not busy sleeping)
- No feeding necessary, just plug it's USB 2.0 cable (conveniently built into the tail) into your PC to recharge
like iPods arent already overpriced...?
Worst....product....ever.
I hope they sell exactly none of these.
The argument wasn't that people who buy an ipod are sheep, it's the people who buy this garbage who are sheep. Brand anything "Made for ipod" and those who don't know much about tech will buy it, when those who do understand what is actually being marketed are laughing at it.
I do respect wha the ipod offers, but I decide not to purchase one for various reasons. One of the main ones being that apple refuse to release tech specs on the sound output. Can I get a THD measurement please? I thought not. Maybe OGG support? No, not that either. A microphone and FM tuner? Nope, don't have those. And I will say that its "sleek looks" aren't enough to make up for those omissions, at least for me. But for many people (not all), looks are indeed important. Come ride the subway in New York...I would guarantee the majority of people you see using an iPod don't have a clue about the technology involved in an mp3 player.
@Michael
I wouldn't consider the Zen Vision:M a 'wacky off brand'. 60% of why iPods are so popular is because they're a fashion item.
@Patrick
That's a good reason not to buy one. I respect someone who has a valid reason. But for someone to just basically say they're crap just because they're popular is silly.
@ The S
I don't know if that's true of not. At least not in my circle that's for sure. Nobody I know blows $300 on something just becasue it's fashionable. But I know there are people who do so I'm not saying you're wrong. Just not sure about your number.
I bought 5G 30gig because I liked the click wheel navigation, I liked the screen, the video support, build quality and the price. Plus I was already an iTunes user. The Zen vision is a nice player but it is bulky and I didn't like the feel of the build quality. That's why I didn't buy it.
When I went looking for an MP3 player I really didn't find much at my local Best Buy, Target, Circuit City and CompUSA stores. I don't like to buy stuff like this online because I'm impatient and want to return it and get a replacement right away if something is wrong. Most of what I found was either small flash based players (256, 512MB) that navigated like junk, or there was the iPod and at some stores the Zen Vision. Out of everything stocked the iPod was the best overall value.
We see alot of players come through Engadget but it seems like very few of those players really hit the major US stores like I mentioned above. Maybe that's why the iPod is so popular. I really doubt it's based on looks alone.
Love the filthy, spot-laden photos. How about dusting off the products a bit before snapping pictures?
But I DO love the LCD.
This product brings a whole new dimension to the iPod. It creates a new niche for monitors. It's no longer a secondary accessory, it's now a central piece of the desktop. Where the media center PC failed, the iPod can succeed thanks to this monitor.
Amy Larson is a Media Planner at NYCA, a full-service marketing agency that grows businesses with inspired ideas. To find out how NYCA can grow your business, log on to www.nyca.com.
A portion of the original premise for this blog was that the ipod dock on this monitor couldn't play the stored movies directly to the monitor. The only thing Viewsonic promises is that you will be able to listen to your tunes while you do other stuff and that you can down load mp3 content directly to your ipod. The reason I'm aware of this monitor is because a friend asked for a few suggestions on 19" LCD for his son and they wanted built-in speakers. I wouldn't buy a monitor with built-in speakers but that's what they are looking for an this was one of the few that matched the criteria.
I considered buying this monitor to use to sync up my iPod, not to play the iPod. Why would you even need the iPod if the computer is full of music? After considering it for 10 mins, I decided not to get the product. When I sync my iPod, I use the usb cable, because I don't have to remove the protective case. I don't see opening the case every time I want to sync it when I can easily attach the cable.
I am not sure what the people commenting have in their heads. This is an outstanding LCD monitor with extra bells and whistles that can be useful. I just looked at this at Staples against many other monitors and it appears to blow them away. If the company Viewsonic can deliver quality, offer a three year warrnaty and a competitive price i dont see anything in them being creative on the marketing side and offering the ipod dock. To make it sound like that is a stupid idea is stupid. Also, for the person commenting on the fact that most people using mp3 players/ipods have no clue about the technology - he is right. I would say that he probably does not understand much about it either other than reading about it. It takes a lot to design a product, manufacture and market. Technology is only the enabler. So wake up Mr. Einstein and just enjoy what these technology giants like Apple, Viewsonic etc offer rather than complain about it.
Just to add to my previous comment it is on sale at Staples this week for $279 with a mail-in rebate of $50. Anyone who has not tried mail-in rebates at Staples should try it - it is all online and the easist thing to do. I am heading ot buy this monitor in a little bit. I also own a Sony 17inch Xbrite which is very good but this Viewsonic will replace my 17 in sony crt in the office.