JBL On Stage IIIP

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CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
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Product summary

The good: The JBL On Stage IIIP works with all iPods and the iPhone, and it can be used with other MP3 players as well. It has a small footprint and can be run off of wall power or batteries. Delivers clear audio.

The bad The bad: The JBL On Stage IIIP doesn't offer much bass, and there's no pass-through syncing option; volume controls are testy.

The bottom line: The JBL On Stage IIIP is a solid portable- and desktop-speaker option for iPhone users who want a compact unit that will work with a wide variety of audio devices.

Price range: $133.99 - $169.99

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Jasmine France
Reviewed on: 10/08/2008
Released on: 05/15/2008

Though they are portable devices, the iPod and the iPhone can make a wonderful source for headphone-free music when connected to a speaker. If you have a player full of great music and personalized playlists, you might as well play it out loud every once in a while. Unfortunately, several of the made-for-iPod systems that have come out in the past few years don't work well with the iPhone, presenting a problem for those with multiple devices. The upshot is that manufacturers have started to address this issue with iPhone-friendly speaker systems, which are shielded against cell phone interference and thus let you use one audio solution with all of your devices. One such gadget is the JBL On Stage IIIP, a $150 portable-speaker unit designed to put the music phone on display. It's not the boomiest of the bunch, but its small footprint and understated design could make it an appealing option for some.

As its name suggests, the On Stage IIIP is shaped like a small, circular stage, measuring about 7.2 inches in diameter and roughly 2 inches tall at its tallest point in the back. The center stage, which features an iPod dock, is surrounded by a black, metal speaker grille that matches the glossy, black body of the unit. JBL includes five clear-plastic dock adapters for achieving a secure fit with every iPod since the first-generation Nano. An auxiliary-line input on the back of the speaker makes it compatible with the Shuffle and non-iPod MP3 players, as well; a 3.5mm stereo patch cable is included for such purposes. The backside of the unit also features a power button and DC input for the included power cable. Two other ports, which are covered by rubber stoppers, appear to have been designed with the intent to offer pass-through syncing, but don't actually have any connections built in.

See more CNET content tagged:: JBL,; remote,; Harman Kardon,; Apple iPhone,; Apple iPod

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0.5 stars

"DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT! Not even worthy of a HALF STAR"

by jgbayarea on October 20, 2008

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JBL On Stage IIIP

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