Roberts Robi Chapel Hill NC

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Despite a name that makes us cringe just to print it, Roberts' Robi is rather a neat little device. It isn't the first iPod accessory that's both a radio and remote control, but it's the first we've seen that includes a DAB tuner alongside the FM receiver.

The Robi plugs into your iPod's Dock connector and you plug your earphones into its headphone jack. It switches on when you turn on your iPod and starts the most recently used mode.

In remote mode you play, pause, step forward and backward, and control the volume of your iPod's music. Pressing the Mode button on the side of the Robi activates DAB; press it again and the device becomes an FM tuner.

The first time you switch to DAB, hold the forward button for five seconds and Robi scans the frequencies to find radio stations. It displays their names and allows you to step through them.

When you find one you like, pressing and holding the button labelled with a heart symbol on top of the Robi stores it as a preset. Pressing the button once enables you to step through those stations that have been saved as presets.

Scanning FM frequencies is almost as easy, although you do need to keep holding the forward button while the Robi carries out its search. There are two separate favourites lists held in the device - one for FM and one for DAB.

We like the Robi a lot. It's a great way of listening to DAB radio when out and about; and that it doubles as an iPod remote is very useful. We also like the fact that when you turn it off by holding the Play/Pause button, your iPod switches off too. However, we couldn't get it to switch back on again without disconnecting it and reconnecting it, which is a flaw.

AT £50, the Robi is a little expensive. But then it's one of a kind and if you really want to listen to DAB on your iPod, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Author: Kenny Hemphill

MacUser Online

Computer Services of Carolina Inc

(919) 489-5252
4125 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham, NC