Monster’s Clarity HD Model One had me thinking back to party night at church camp in my younger years, and the sound system that was required to fill an outdoor pavilion with the music of Styx, Duran Duran or Tommy James and the Shondells, depending upon the era. Those speakers were towers, and there were stacks of LPs or CDs in milk crates surrounding them. Not fun to lug around.

The relatively tiny Clarity HD Model One may have been able to out-power those rigs, and all from a tiny little iPod.

The Clarity HD Model One’s strongest feature is the fact its “voiced for high resolution playback of digital audiofiles,” as the website states. Monster says this allows the system to reproduce all genres of music with amazing fidelity. They aren’t lying. No matter what style of music I put through these—whether listening to classical in my office or the Talking Heads while moving into and setting up our new location—the speakers sounded great and filled the room(s) well. Crossover is handled entirely in the digital domain, so there’s no signal degradation as music passes from low to high volume and from deep bass to high trebles.

This is important, because you know the Clarity HD Model One is going to sound good when you want it to fill the room. But when you need it turned down (and you will—way down—because it doesn’t take much for these to get too loud), your audio is as clear as it is when allowed to work towards full power. The twin 6.5″ woofers and 1″ silk dome tweeters have active crossovers and are bi-amplified with digital amps, offering great balance no matter what the volume. But if you’re finding the highs to be too bright, you can adjust that with the high frequency level dial (+2db to natural to -2db).

The Clarity HD has some other great features, too. First, it’s easily transported. Each 16 x 9 x 6.25 inch speaker includes a handle at the top, making it simple to carry the system around. Once you’ve got them where you want them, connect the two speakers with the included 8-pin DIN passover cable, plug them in, turn them on and you’re set.

You can mount an iPod or iPhone at the top of the active (right) speaker, which can be controlled via the iDevice’s controls or with the included remote control (as expected, it charges the device when plugged in). You can also connect other external devices via 1/8″ mini jack input, RCA composite audio input, or left/right TRS 1/4″ balanced input. There’s even a port for an AAC and apt-x compliant Bluetooth adapter for wireless streaming to the monitor, although the adapter is not included, and I don’t even see that it’s available yet.

The last thing to discuss is the finish. The design is a bit sparse, but we’ll call it modern. Available only in glossy red or yellow, the monitors draw attention to themselves; something to consider if you plan to use them in your home or office. They’re also quite tall, but their triangular design really doesn’t have as much of a footprint as you’d think. I’ve seen much smaller speakers take up more shelf space simply because of their design.

And then, there’s the price. At $750, you’re paying a premium for the Monster name. It’s a premium the company has earned, so it’s not unjustified, but if that’s pushing your budget, you can likely find similar performance for $100 to $200 less if you take the time to shop around.

I just wish I could take these back in time to those party night dances at Camp Piedmont. It would’ve been nice to have a system this powerful and clear that didn’t require its own pickup truck to haul around.

Appletell Rating:

Buy the Monster Clarity HD Model One

Aaron: ōlloclip iPhone Lens by ōlloclip

Launched as a KickStarter project last year, ōlloclip has been burning up the iDevice accessory world lately. The ōlloclip is a combination fisheye, macro, and wide angle lens that snaps effortlessly on the iPhone body and self-aligns with the camera.

The ōlloclip takes full advantage of the iPhone 4S’ excellent camera for both still shots and video, opening a new world of artistic effects for the point-and-shoot camera most people carry around every day. With precision ground optical elements and a machined aluminum lens barrel, the ōlloclip is a great option for professional photo results when a bulky DSLR just is not an option.

David: Crestron Mobile Pro G by Crestron

With all due respect to all of the fantastic apps at MacWorld | iWorld 2012 I am going to give Crestron my nod for Best of Show.

The Crestron control system allows you to connect to and control almost anything that runs on electricity from your iDevice wherever you are. The ability to set up preferences, touch a couple of buttons and have your home set your shades, start your coffee, turn on the morning news, set the thermostat, turn on some background music, open the garage door, etc., all before your feet hit the floor when the alarm goes off is a significant time saver.

In the workplace it can help manage light harvesting and environment control, which can mean significant energy savings. Since I have a penchant for the really handy, Crestron gets the “best of show” for this Expo.

Kirk: Pretty much any speaker system by Gavio

There were plenty of products by familiar companies I was happy to finally check out at Macworld | iWorld this year: iStop Motion for iPad from Boinx, the Spark Digital condenser mic from Blue, and Monster Wars from Liv Games, for example. But my “best in show” goes to a company that’s new to me and to Macworld Expo: Gavio.

Gavio showed off a lot of products for iDevices, but it was their line of portable speakers that won me over. Specifically, the Wrenz, Alchemey, Toast and GooGoo models. These are all gorgeously designed systems that are at once charming and unique, and all of them pack more punch than you’d expect (especially the Alchemy, despite being housed in a single aluminum cylinder).

Wrenz

Whether via Bluetooth or the docking port, they provide solid sound from your iDevices, and complement them quite well. The Wrenz are available now, with Alchemy, Toast and GooGoo available for pre-order.

Also see Appletell’s Surprising Finds.

Apple offers numerous ways to shoot video from your iPhone or iPod touch directly to your TV or monitor…provided you have the right models. If not, the Aire Monitor with Docking Station from AOC may be what you need. The 23-inch Full High Definition monitor features a built-in universal docking station for iPhone and iPod that allows immediate video, audio and photo playback from the mobile device through AOC’s patented plug-and-play technology.

The elegant and energy efficient Aire Monitor with Docking Station features a sleek design with a black bezel and white back that complements Apple’s stylish products. The 12.9 mm-thin monitor’s modern design is complemented by impressive image quality with Full HD 1080p resolution, a 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 5 ms response time. The monitor’s Dynamic Contrast Boost feature creates five different color enhancement settings and allows for color adjustment in highlighted areas. The Aire Monitor with Docking Station also offers a user-friendly graphical OSD menu that can be accessed directly through the mouse and bonus features like embedded Screen+ software that allows the user to divide the screen into four self-contained work areas.

Along with being EPEAT Silver Certified for its green packaging and production, the monitor is also equipped with multiple power-saving features for reduced environmental impact, while the LED backlight is completely Mercury free. An Off Timer allows users to set an alarm clock to turn of the monitor automatically, and the eSaver feature has preset power conservation modes for the display when the PC is not in use.

And to make sure you’re ready to go with movies and music, the base of the monitor includes built-in speakers with high quality SRS Premium Sound.

Specifications:

• Ultra-slim (12.9 mm) monitor with built-in universal iPhone/iPod docking station
• 23″ viewable image size, diagonal
• 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• Displays 16.7 million colors
• 5ms response time
• 16:9 Aspect ratio
• 250 cd/m² typical brightness
• 1920×1080@60Hz resolution
• HDMI digital input
• Built-in speakers: 10 Watts
• Windows 7 compatible

The 23-inch AOC Aire Monitor with Docking Station will be available for $279.99 in March 2012. If you’ll be at CES 2012 in Las Vegas next week, you’ll be able to check it out at the Bellagio, Monet 3 Ballroom.

From the press release:

• iW4 AirPlay Wireless 20 Watts Bedside Speaker System for iPad/iPhone/iPod
  Making its alarm clock speaker system debut, AirPlay utilizes the home WiFi network to deliver more flexibility than ever before. Easily stream your entire iTunes library over the network to listen, sleep or wake to your favorite tunes. The iW4 is expected to retail for $269.99.
• iP18 LED Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock Speaker System for iPhone and iPod
  A little bit of color goes a long way with this ultra-modern and stylish alarm clock speaker solution. Now with a smaller footprint and new cube design, this app-friendly Glowtunes offering has big features including four color-changing modes, Reson8 speaker chamber technology, one-touch clock sync and more. The iP18 is expected to retail for $69.99.
• iD50 App-Enhanced Bluetooth Alarm Clock Radio Speakerphone for iPad/iPhone/iPod with AM/FM Presets
  The alarm clock you’d expect to see on James Bond’s nightstand, but with a price tag that makes it realistic for non secret agents to own. The iD50 is strong in the features department and has a smooth finish that will stir you to wake rather than shake you. The iD50 is expected to retail for $169.99.

iHome is showcasing the new devices at CES 2012 in the North Hall, booth #N245. The App-enhanced dsystems, as well as the iD38 and iD95, will be available later this year.

The 3.3 ounce BT Portable Speaker is armed with Satechi’s signature Bass Expansion System which extends the speakers to amplify dynamic audio range without compromising acoustic integrity. The BT Portable Speaker features a vacuum chamber that opens up like an accordion to mimic the acoustic properties of subwoofers resulting in enhanced bass output.

Equipped with long-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the small but mighty portable speaker ensures up to 6 hours of playback time. The BT Portable Speaker also has integrated buttons to control next track, volume, play/pause and answer/end calls. Additional features include an LED status indicator, USB cable to connect the device to any USB charger or port and 3.5mm jack compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Features:

• Portable Bluetooth wireless speaker with compact vacuum bass design streams music and hands-free calls
• Bluetooth Ver. 2.1: AVRCP, A2DP, automatic connection, only one time pairing
• Easy charging with integrated Li-Ion-battery (USB chargeable) for max 6 hours playtime
• Multifunctional three buttons allow Power on/off, Play/Pause, Next track
• Compatible with Apple iPhone 4/3GS/3G/iPod touch G4/iPad/Mackbook/Mackbook Pro/Motorola Atrix/Droid X/Droid 2/Droid/Milestone

The BT Portable Speaker is available now for $44.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com.

Product [Satechi BT Portable Speaker]

Specifically, you can get s free $15 Target GiftCard with purchase of an 8GB iPod nano or a free $40 Target GiftCard with the purchase of a 8GB iPod touch. GiftCards are also available for various iDevice related gadgets and accessories, such as the beats by dr. dre Studio headphones, the Canon ELPH 300 and Sony W560 digital camera or Sony Bloggie MP4 video camera .

They’re also offering some good sales on iDevice accessories:

• Soundfreaq Sund Step compact speaker: $109.99 (save $20) plus a $10 Target GiftCard
• RCA 300-watt music system: $152 (save $40) plus a $10 Target GiftCard

To take advantage of these deals, head out to your local Target this weekend.

I’m not entirely sure how one goes about reviewing the chicBuds Fauvette Speakers. They’re seeking a niche audience, of which I’m not a member. Although I’m not above the charm of these little birds, and I can certainly appreciate the convenience they offer, speakers are all about sound in my world, and we’re not reaching my cut-off level for under $40.00.

We are, however, reaching a nice fashion point. chicBuds knows quite a bit about this, as it’s pretty much their modus operandi. Their products don’t just complement your fashion sense, they can become your fashion sense. The Fauvette is no exception. The bird—which measures about 3-3/4 inches long from beak to tail and just shy of 2 inches high—is easy to drop into a purse or bag, and to then place on a desk or even hold in your hand when listening. They come in blue and pink for the smooth models, as well as black, pink and gold/white for the platinum edition models.

chicBuds provided us a Platinum Edition Gold/White Crystal model for review purposes, which also came in a nice tin, perfect for gift giving. Considering the device’s portability, however, I think I’d prefer some sort of cloth or velvet travel bag.

Connecting the Fauvette is simple. A USB cable is provided for charging (you get about four hours of play on a single charge), while an 1/8″ stereo mini cable is provided for connection to your music device. You simply plug one end into your iPod, iPhone, etc.’s headphone port, and the other end under the Fauvette’s tail. Volume is handled at the source; the only control on the Fauvette itself is the on/off switch under the bird’s belly (power is indicated by a blue light in the bird’s beak).

The Fauvette is designed to rest on a surface when playing, but there are two drawbacks here. First, there’s no padding on the bottom, so some scratching is possible, depending upon your surface. Second, the Fauvette is so light that it’s easy for it to be spun around or upset if the cable is bumped or isn’t resting properly.

Now, regarding sound…this is just a little bird; it’s not a hawk or an eagle. My music was free of distortion when played at maximum volume from my iPhone, but I pretty much needed maximum volume in order to get a solid audio level. That’ll depend upon your music and your setting, of course, but don’t expect the Fauvette’s audio to fill a room. It’s a single, 2-watt amplified speaker, so you need to adjust your expectations around that.

If you’ve done so, the Fauvette is a cute accessory that should appeal to many iDevice owners (especially those who have been content with Apple’s earbuds). You’re not going to want it to be your permanent speaker solution, but for travel or fun, it’s charming enough to be worth the investment.

Appletell Rating:

Buy the Fauvette Speakers

Specifically:

• Receive a free $75 Target GiftCard with purchase of any iPad2 with 3G+Wi-Fi OR a free $40 Target GiftCard with purchase of any iPad2 with Wi-Fi.
• Grab a free $15 Target GiftCard with purchase of a 8GB iPod nano or a free $40 Target GiftCard with the purchase of a 32GB iPod touch.
• AT&T customers can save $25 off the purchase of an iPhone 4S, on sale for $174.99 (only at stores with Target Mobile, and in areas with AT&T service).

If you’re looking for some deals on iDevice accessories, the Sony iPod Docking Micro Music System is on sale for $94.99, Skullcandy’s Pipe iPod Speaker Dock is $32 off at only $50.99, and you can save $50 on Bose’s SoundDock II Digital Music System, now only $294, 99.

There’s also Target’s Electronics Trade-In service to consider. Used iPhones, iPads, iPods, Nintendo DS units, cellphones, video games, calculators and DVDs can be traded in for credit good for most Target purchases. Guests can receive additional savings and 5 percent off nearly all Target purchases when they use their Target REDCard.

The iKurv by Speakal is another option for a desktop speaker/charger for your hand held iDevices. Getting down to specifics, let’s start with the physical aspects.

The unit comes with several tray adapters to fit iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and iPod Nano models. There are three buttons on the base for power on/off, volume up and volume down. There is a remote control unit (we’ll get to that later) and a stripe across the middle of the sound chamber with some blue LED’s for “ambient lighting.” The light strip can be set to four different levels or off (maybe you don’t like blue?). The speakers are 2″ diameter and are positioned at the ends of the iKurv’s curve. The curved sound chamber also has a bass port in the back to help produce a fuller sound than you might expect from a pair of 2″ drivers. When selecting your tray insert for your particular iDevice, check the connection carefully. If your device doesn’t seat completely on the port, the remote may not work properly and your iDevice or connector may get damaged.

Now let’s talk about the remote. The remote is a svelte 1-3/8″ x 3-5/8″ x 1/4″ and has all the functions needed to scroll through your music menus, toggle the shuffle function, play/pause, skip track and adjust volume, plus a special green button for mute. The range and reception are pretty good as long as your device is seated properly. The battery port is easy enough to use, so when the remote dies the hardest part of the battery replacement will be getting through the checkout.

The iKurv also comes with the obligatory power cord that converts your household current into a 9V DC supply for the base unit. There is also a 20″ cord with 1/8″ male jacks at both ends for use with the MP3 in port also on the back of the base unit. The third and final port on the back of the base is an RCA video out connection. This will allow you to hook up the base unit and watch videos from your iDevice on your monitor.

Now for the audio stuff. The sound produced by the iKurv is bigger than you might think by looking at it. It is not exactly miniature home theater sound like some other small units I could name, but it isn’t tinny and can be loud enough to be heard in the next room without clipping. I guess my biggest issue is at the other end of the volume control: if you want to listen to your tunes very quietly, there is not a lot of control at the bottom. From muted to the first touch of the volume up button there is a bigger difference than I would like, especially from a desktop unit that isn’t trying to be a large sound system. The actual volume (in dB or SPL) will vary based on the signal strength of the file you are listening too—the higher the record level, the louder it will be even on the lowest base unit setting. There is some bass from the port, but it isn’t quite room filling. The frequency response is broad enough to be okay, but it isn’t fine audio reproduction.

For the geeks, here are some of the numbers: The unit is 13-1/4″ w x 5″ d x 3-3/4″ h, weighs 1.18 lbs; converts 120V AC to 9V DC at 1.2A,runs 2 speakers at 4W each with a frequency response of 90Hz to 20kHz, and it touts equal to or less than 0.7% distortion.

The upsides of the iKurv are that it is a fairly stylish place to charge your iDevice and listen to your tunes while you charge up; the sound is descent and the blue light lends an interesting accent (except for you blue haters…). The remote is very handy and functions well, and the iKurv doesn’t take up a lot of space. The down sides are that the audio is clean but only okay, the volume control could use some more finesse when you turn it down, and you need to be sure you have the correct adapter tray or you may have trouble with the connection.

Appletell Rating:

Buy the iKurv

We’ve seen a few leaks this week on Apple’s annual one-day-only Black Friday sales event. The savings on Apple products were accurately slight, but as in years past, Apple is offering significant savings on compatible third-party products. Save over $100 on Bowers & Wilkins speaker docks and various laptop bags, and you can get fun accessories like the Parrot AR.Drone for under $250.00.

The biggest savings from Apple come from their biggest products: Saving $101 on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac. The iPad 2 starts at $458 on Black Friday only, with the lower end iPod touch coming in at $178 and iPad nano at $118. In addition, the Magic Trackpad, Apple Magic Mouse, AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n and Apple Wireless Keyboard are all $11.00 off the regular price.

The savings get better on third-party products, which Apple has split the sale into various categories. Some of the highlights follow:

Surround them in sound:

• Bowers & Wilkins C5 In-Ear Headphones – $128.00 (save $51.95)
• M-Audio KeyStudio 49 USB MIDI Controller – $68.00 (save $31.95)
• Palo Alto Audio Design Cubik Digital Hi-Fi Multimedia Speakers – $148.00 (save $51.95)
• Philips DC390 Dual Dock Clock Radio with Remote – $98.00 (save $51.95)

Keep their stuff safe, secure, and stylish:

• kate spade new york Janine Notebook Carrying Case – $398.00 (save $101.95)
• Cole Haan 15″ Leather Messenger Bag for MacBook Pro – $298.00 (save $101.95)
• Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for iPhone 4S – $58.00 (save $21.95)
• Incase Terra Campus Backpack for MacBook Pro – $78.00 (save $21.95)

Show them new ways to play:

• Scosche myTREK Wireless Pulse Monitor – $98.00 (save $31.95)
• Silverlit Interactive Bluetooth Remote Control Enzo Ferrari Car – $58.00 (save $21.95)

Help them work wonders:

• G-Technology 750GB G-DRIVE mobile Portable Hard Drive – $98.00 (save $71.95)
• Mobee Magic Charger for Apple Magic Mouse – $38.00 (save $11.95)

Read [One-Day Apple Shopping Event 2011]