Tivoli Audio SongBook AM / FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, Blue
Tivoli Audio SongBook AM / FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, Blue
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Tivoli Audio has made waves in the audio field with the retro look of models such as the Model One Henry Kloss Table Radio and the iPod-inspired iPAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio. The SongBook AM/FM Radio breaks that mold slightly, opting for a simple, yet fun, look and feel. And like all Tivoli Audio products, the SongBook deserves accolades for the surprisingly rich sound it is able to produce despite its compact size.
The Tivoli Design
The first thing that called our attention was the SongBook's brilliant color and unique texture. This is a radio clearly designed to make you feel happy by just looking at it and holding it. With the options of several, bright elementary colors (Black, Blue, Red, Silver, White, Green, Yellow) that make you want to reach for your crayons, the SongBook truly makes a statement. It's a radio that you'll definitely want to take to the beach, and it's a radio that makes you long for summer days all year around.
But Tivoli Audio knows that good design involves far more than color. The radio is coated with a unique, rubberized texture, and the dials and displays are all sealed so that a sudden rain shower or a little sand won't interfere with performance. We're not suggesting that you surf the waves with your SongBook, or bury it in the walls of your sand castle, but a little of Mother Nature here and there won't bother this baby.
Weighing in at three-and-a-half pounds, and with dimensions slightly smaller than that of a hardcover book, the SongBook is designed with portability in mind. The minimalist front-face design -- a round, metal mesh covering the (surprisingly robust) 2.5-inch driver, and several rubberized button and knobs are the only elements in view -- harkens back to early portable radio designs. Five presets, two tuning buttons, a rotary volume control, a function knob (OFF/AM/FM/AUX), and buttons for the alarm, sleep, time set, and back light functions are all clearly and conveniently laid out. The radio's LCD (with an on-demand blue back light) sits directly above the speaker. Meanwhile, three standard 3.5-millimeter inputs are set on the radio's side -- an auxiliary line-in port for plugging in your iPod or other music device, a port for AC/DC power, and a headphone input. All the ports feature strong, attached rubber plugs that keep out the elements when they're not in use. A rear keyhole cut-out for wall hanging is set into the back, and a single telescopic metal antenna is set into its own groove on top of the radio.
Because the SongBook is designed for the elements, the battery compartment is tightly sealed and requires a coin or screwdriver to open. Once opened, you can easily access the two switches (alkaline/rechargeable and 9k/10k) that offer options for the battery source. You can also choose U.S. or international AM reception here. The only design element missing is a handle, but Tivoli offers an optional, color coordinated SongBook Carry Bag to make up for that.
Giving it a Listen
As with other Tivoli products we've reviewed, the sound of the SongBook is remarkably strong for such a small unit. Granted, you don't get stereo sound, but competing designs that offer stereo speakers in a small package don't offer that much stereo separation anyway. Reception came in loud and clear on all the area AM and FM stations, with both AC and DC power. The only glitch, which we were able to repeat in two separate locations, was occasional outside interference that broke up broadcasts with a brief screech. All in all, though, we were happy with the sound of every genre of music we listened to, as well as talk radio. The auxiliary input was great, too, for listening to MP3s from a portable music source.
In addition to good sound quality, we found the presets, time set, alarm, and tuning/search functions impeccable. Everything was so intuitive that we barely needed to consult the manual. Another bonus we liked: The SongBook comes with a handy internal recharger, so you have the option of using rechargeable batteries without the inconvenience of having to carry around a separate recharger.
Tivoli clearly decided early on not to reinvent the wheel with respect to portable radios. Instead, they put their energies into making an easy-to-use, rugged, yet playful, radio. Audiophiles, beach-goers, and general radio listeners of the world should unite in praise.
Pros
Rugged yet playful and colorful design
Simple, intuitive functionality
It's a radio with the price-tag of a much more advanced device
Lack of a handle somewhat limits its portability
Average customer rating: 
|
Tivoli Audio SongBook AM / FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, Blue
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  AM-FM
| Radios
| Portable Audio & Video
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
Radios
| Portable Audio & Video
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Audio & Video
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Similar Items:
Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B0006ZTETM |
Product Description
Tivoli Audio The SongBook incorporates a highly sensitive digital AM/FM tuner for clear and precise reception, as well as an adjustable, telescoping FM antenna and built-in AM antenna. Stations may be tuned manually or via five favorite station preset buttons; and for travelers who may not know what local stations are available, the radio also features a "seek" function to automatically search for signals in any country around the world. Its weather-resistant cabinet is perfect for outdoor use.Amazon.com Review
Tivoli Audio has made waves in the audio field with the retro look of models such as the Model One Henry Kloss Table Radio and the iPod-inspired iPAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio. The SongBook AM/FM Radio breaks that mold slightly, opting for a simple, yet fun, look and feel. And like all Tivoli Audio products, the SongBook deserves accolades for the surprisingly rich sound it is able to produce despite its compact size.
The Tivoli Design
The first thing that called our attention was the SongBook's brilliant color and unique texture. This is a radio clearly designed to make you feel happy by just looking at it and holding it. With the options of several, bright elementary colors (Black, Blue, Red, Silver, White, Green, Yellow) that make you want to reach for your crayons, the SongBook truly makes a statement. It's a radio that you'll definitely want to take to the beach, and it's a radio that makes you long for summer days all year around.
But Tivoli Audio knows that good design involves far more than color. The radio is coated with a unique, rubberized texture, and the dials and displays are all sealed so that a sudden rain shower or a little sand won't interfere with performance. We're not suggesting that you surf the waves with your SongBook, or bury it in the walls of your sand castle, but a little of Mother Nature here and there won't bother this baby.
Weighing in at three-and-a-half pounds, and with dimensions slightly smaller than that of a hardcover book, the SongBook is designed with portability in mind. The minimalist front-face design -- a round, metal mesh covering the (surprisingly robust) 2.5-inch driver, and several rubberized button and knobs are the only elements in view -- harkens back to early portable radio designs. Five presets, two tuning buttons, a rotary volume control, a function knob (OFF/AM/FM/AUX), and buttons for the alarm, sleep, time set, and back light functions are all clearly and conveniently laid out. The radio's LCD (with an on-demand blue back light) sits directly above the speaker. Meanwhile, three standard 3.5-millimeter inputs are set on the radio's side -- an auxiliary line-in port for plugging in your iPod or other music device, a port for AC/DC power, and a headphone input. All the ports feature strong, attached rubber plugs that keep out the elements when they're not in use. A rear keyhole cut-out for wall hanging is set into the back, and a single telescopic metal antenna is set into its own groove on top of the radio.
Because the SongBook is designed for the elements, the battery compartment is tightly sealed and requires a coin or screwdriver to open. Once opened, you can easily access the two switches (alkaline/rechargeable and 9k/10k) that offer options for the battery source. You can also choose U.S. or international AM reception here. The only design element missing is a handle, but Tivoli offers an optional, color coordinated SongBook Carry Bag to make up for that.
Giving it a Listen
As with other Tivoli products we've reviewed, the sound of the SongBook is remarkably strong for such a small unit. Granted, you don't get stereo sound, but competing designs that offer stereo speakers in a small package don't offer that much stereo separation anyway. Reception came in loud and clear on all the area AM and FM stations, with both AC and DC power. The only glitch, which we were able to repeat in two separate locations, was occasional outside interference that broke up broadcasts with a brief screech. All in all, though, we were happy with the sound of every genre of music we listened to, as well as talk radio. The auxiliary input was great, too, for listening to MP3s from a portable music source.
In addition to good sound quality, we found the presets, time set, alarm, and tuning/search functions impeccable. Everything was so intuitive that we barely needed to consult the manual. Another bonus we liked: The SongBook comes with a handy internal recharger, so you have the option of using rechargeable batteries without the inconvenience of having to carry around a separate recharger.
Tivoli clearly decided early on not to reinvent the wheel with respect to portable radios. Instead, they put their energies into making an easy-to-use, rugged, yet playful, radio. Audiophiles, beach-goers, and general radio listeners of the world should unite in praise.
Pros
Customer Reviews:
So far Tivoli gives great music!.......2007-05-31
nice way to listen to ipod.......2007-05-20
Top Quality .... But at a Price........2007-03-22
Almost Perfect.......2007-01-05
Travel radio? Not really........2006-12-02
Electronics:
Recommended Consumer Electronics:
SimpleTech STC-MBHD/60H 60GB Internal Notebook Drive Hard Di
Epson Stylus Color 880i Inkjet Printer
No. 81 Dye 3-Ink Multipack for HP Designjet 5000/5000PS/5500/5500PS, Light Cyan
ViewSonic E220 21'' CRT Monitor
Samsung X495/X497 Kit3: Car Charger, Letaher Case, & Handsfree
Quick Eagle 5840 Multiport Router ( 5840T-40 )