The iD9 is an unobtrusive, almost elegant speaker dock for the iPod/iPhone/iPad. Its speakers are on the sides, allowing for a lower profile and for front-facing controls. This also helps with sound separation, an important consideration with small tabletop units. The sound quality of the iD9 is surprisingly good, especially considering that this unit can run equally well on its built-in rechargeable battery. Its small, almost cylindrical design makes it easy to stuff in a backpack or a dufflebag, and it runs for hours on a single charge.

Docking is a cinch provided you are using an unencumbered iPhone/iPod/ iPad and iPad 2; just slide your device onto the spring-loaded docking connector and you’re off and running. While it is a simple thing to dock any of the above-listed devices with the iD9, docking an iPad 2 or any iPhone/iPad in a protective case, requires a great deal of effort and luck as the dock connector is angled too far to the rear of the unit for these things to fit easily. If you can manage it, however, I can verify that it works as expected with these units as well.

The iD9 Speaker Dock is a great sounding, well made product, marred only by the angle of its dock connector. The integration of iHome’s apps greatly increase its value and functionality, and its portability means you can enjoy your music anywhere. Be warned, however, that attempting to dock an iPad 2 with the iD9 may scratch the back of your iDevice, and attempting to dock an iPhone/iPod in a bulky case will be difficult, at best.