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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/898
REVIEW | VIDEO
108 MacDirectory
Accessories for the iPod are amazing in
their number and variety, but of these
hundreds of products few in the class
merit a double-take from passers by. One
of these is the MYVU personal media
viewer, an eyeglasses-style accessory for
enjoying big screen iPod video while
making a fashion statement that simply
screams
Fifth Element.
Designed for use with recent video iPods
and 3rd generation Nanos, the $199.95
MYVU Solo Plus enables users to see and
hear their favorite movies, shows and
podcasts in complete privacy and in
complete daylight. It also provides the
equivalent of viewing a large-screen
television from across the room. It has a
pair of earbud phones built in to the sides
of the device, and it includes a clip-on
pendant for controlling your iPod as well
as a USB cable for charging the unit for up
to four hours of viewing.
It includes a set of adjustable, swappable
and inconspicuous nose pads for assuring
a perfect fit. It also includes swappable
in-ear noise-reducing earbud inserts in
various sizes for sharing the viewer
among friends. Eyeglass wearers are
included in the fun, thanks to optional
clip-on lenses that can be ordered from
the manufacturer.
The MYVU Solo Plus personal media
viewer is compatible with the iPod touch,
iPod Nano, iPod classic and the 5th
generation video iPod and third
generation Nano.
Hands On
The MYVU Solo Plus is easy to use. Just
give the bendable nose pad insert a slight
tweak, chose the right diameter of earbud
inserts, charge the unit and you are ready
to go. The device is lightweight and
comfortable. It is also an attention-getter.
As for video and sound, the resolution is
much better than one would assume for
its slim profile. While you can view video in
daylight, this is not to say that they are the
thing to wear in the glare of an August at
White Sands, but the image is quite
acceptable in most lighting conditions.
The audio is quite good as well. One
should mention that, as with other in-the-
ear-canal phones, you either love them or
hate them. An option for in-ear phones
would increase the appeal of the device,
but most users will find the provided
phones to be just right.
While one might anticipate more than a
few bruised foreheads from walking into
concealed lampposts, the miniature video
display is both see-through and see-
around, making it safe in many non-
driving situations (except when crossing a
street while watching
I Am Legend).
While the Solo Plus is ideal for a range of
iPods, its iPod-specific connector rules out
the iPhone. Those who use portable video
solutions other than iPod can find
salvation in a $199.95 "universal" sister
product from MYVU that is compatible
with video cameras, MP4 players and DVD
players. Another product, the clearance
priced $249.95 "fully loaded" version with
a combination battery pack/iPod sleeve is
also available, but only for 5th generation
30, 60 and 80 GB video iPods.
Conclusion
The MYVU PMV is very appealing, offering
the combination of a handy and highly
portable video display with a sleek, slim,
and sexy fashion statement. If you are in
need of an ultra-portable viewer for your
iPod and have the right hair, you cannot
fail to make an impression while enjoying
your favorite videos.
MYVU SOLO PLUS > NOW HERE'S AN ACCESSORY FOR YOUR IPOD
Product MYVU Solo Plus
Made by MYVU Corporation