H2O Audio Amphibx Waterproof Armband for iPhone, iPod touch, Large MP3 Players and Phones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As of february 4, 2010, there are nine reviews on this Amphibx large Armband on Amazon, three out of those nine people damaged their iPod in this Armband, and H2O Audio replaced the iPod of only one out of those three people. Assuming these reviews representative,your probability of losing your expensive iPod or cell phone or MP3 payer to water damage in this Amphibx Armband are one in three and chances of H2O Audio replacing that one in nine. So, there is more than in one in five probability of your completely losing your iPod in this Amphibx Armband

According to the literature for this product, H2O Audio assures you that they will cover the loss of iPod to water damage. But here is what H2O Audio told me when I sent my water damaged classic iPod along with the Armband to the company:

"During the examination and testing the engineering team did notice some dispersed indentation on the seal (black door frame to the lid). This is indicative of some object(s) or debris being caught between the door and the seal. This type of obstruction can lead to leak as the water-tight seal is never actually formed between the lid and the bladder...So unfortunately, this is a situation where it appears that the door was not closed properly or that it was accidently opened during use."

Fortunate for H2O Audio because they got more than hundred bucks from you. Unfortunate for you because you just lost several hundred dollars!

My iPod Classic, inside this H2O Audio Amphibx Waterproof Armband for Large MP3 Players and Phones, while swimming, suddenly stopped playing! The arm band leaked and water damaged the iPod, which H2O Audio refused to replace.

For 14 years, I used Speedo FM radio, which has no screen and fits on the goggles. It worked well, the earphones rarely came out of the ear. But I wanted to listen to podcasts on my iPod while swimming.

I reviewed all the choices for listening to MP3 audio while swimming. If you look at the Amazon reviews, the most popular is FINIS SwiMP3 v2 Waterproof MP3 Player. There are 124 reviews on Amazon as of February 4, 2010 and I scanned 80 of those reviews and no one complains of water damage to the MP3 player. The newer 1 Gb version of version of FINIS SwiMP3.1G Waterproof MP3 Player has 16 reviews and again not a single reviewer complaining of water damage. Compared to one in 3 users of this Armband damaging their iPod.

But I wanted to use my iPod while swimming,especially listen to the podcasts and audiobooks on my iPod and belived H2O Audio when they said they stand behind their product and will replace the iPod if it gets water damaged inside their Amphibx Armband. After losing several hundred dollars I realized that they were not truthful. SwiMP3 is jus a basic MP3 player and lacks the sophistication of iPod.

After losing iPod in this large Amphibx Armaband, I did buy SwiMp3. Although it does not have the user interface of iPod, it truly is waterproof. Based on my and others experience, I believe thatSwiMP3 is really the only truly waterproof MP3 player - which is the most essential prerequisite for MP3 player to be used while swimming. As I learnt painfully, every thing else is irrelevant if the MP3 player is not waterproof.

But here are all the choices I found for listening to music or audiobooks or podcasts wile swimming:

1. Aquapac Waterproof Case Fits iPhone and Droid but is not very good quality and it is hard to water proof with headphones. Again there is potential of leak and water damage to your expensive MP3 player.

2. H2O Audio Amphibx Waterproof Armband for Large MP3 Players and Phones: Within 6 weeks it leaked and damaged my expensive iPod. Big loss. This Armband is also not easy to use. Not to say that H2O Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones constantly keep coming out of the ear, cause drag and have poor audio quality.

3 Then there are goggle based solutions like H2O Audio ISH4-5A1 Interval 3G Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen, Speedo LZR Aquabeat MP3 Player and Freestyle Audio 200SPT Soundwave Waterproof 2GB Blue MP3 Player Blue Bundle With Aquapac 916 Waterproof Headphones. But the reviews of all these products on Amazon are not very good.

4. SwimMan makes waterproof 2nd and 3rd generation iPod shuffles. But they do not have screens and do not last long. Lot of users have complained that iPod Shuffles get damaged after few uses.

5. FINIS SwiMP3.1G Waterproof MP3 Player is based on a completely different technology of listening through the bone. Everybody raves about the underwater sound quality of FINIS SwiMP3 v2 Waterproof MP3 Player. After damaging my iPod Classic in this Amphibx Arm Band I purchased SwiMP3 player. The audio quality is very good under water but outside the water you need ear plugs. Most important, there does not appear to be anything that can be damaged by the water. The player is small, low profile and does not cause drag. The main downside is that it has minimal controls with no screen. iTunes does not work with the SwiMP3 player but the free DoubleTwist software can make transfer playliststo SwiMP3 seamless like iTunes. Podcastshave to be transferred manually by drag and drop. For some podcasts, where the audio volume is not loud enough, you may have to use a free software called MP3 Gain to increase the volume. FINIS also makes a screen less unit with arm band FINIS SwiMP3 Surf.

We all know that iPod is the best MP3 player and we would like to use it while swimming but I do not think it is yet technically feasible to make iPod water proof, notwithstanding the claims of companies like H2O Audio. Although I miss the screen, I believe that FINIS SwiMP3.1G Waterproof MP3 Player really the only water proof MP3 player, just like my old Speedo FM radio, and the audio quality is good. Based on my personal experience that is what I would recommend to a swimmer who wants to listen to MP3 audio while swimming. And definitely do not waste your money on this Amphibx arm band - you will even lose your expensive MP3 player.

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Product Description:
H2O Audio's Amphibx Waterproof Armband is the ultimate hybrid of waterproof case and sports armband. It's unique shape and specialized materials comfortably grip your arm whether your swimming, surfing, or training for your next triathlon.Complete your waterproof music experience with H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones (sold separately).

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Standard Horizon STD-HX471SB Handheld VHF Marine Radio (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These radios were over $350.00...Now that newer models have arrived you can purchase for approx $100 less. Radio has several bands (Air, FMS, AM/FM etc.) in addition to marine radio.
Reception is very clear and the compact unit is solid quality. We have used for approx 3 years with no problems. Sound is very good at all volume levels except at full volume you get some distortion. However, you do not need full volume to clearly hear.
You won't go wrong with this feature packed radio.

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Product Description:
Keep on top of emergencies, stay in touch with other boaters, and even listen to your favorite AM and FM radio stations with the Standard Horizon STD-HX471SB handheld two-way VHF radio. Specifically designed for marine use, the HX471SB is factory programmed with all U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels, letting you communicate easily with other ocean-going vessels. At the same time, the radio receives a host of weather channels from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), so you can learn about approaching storms or hurricanes well before they hit. And should you want to call your friends or family on shore or sing along to your favorite station, the HX471SB can handle that, too. The radio's Family Radio Service (FRS) band accommodates your ship-to-shore communications, while the AM, FM, and aeronautical bands give you a ton of listening options. Simply put, the HX471SB lets you monitor a range of frequencies previously unavailable in any portable marine VHF radio.
As with any well-built marine radio, the HX471SB is rugged and fully waterproof, with a high-impact, non-corrosive, black die-cast chassis that can withstand a high degree of physical abuse while also standing up to submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Want a submersible radio to take hiking, skiing, hunting, or caravanning? Look no further. It's also a breeze to browse through the channels using the scan function either without priority (starting from lowest to highest) or while monitoring emergency channels. And should you want to scan between a VHF marine channel and a FRS channel, simply activate the Dual Watch function. Other operational details include an NOAA weather alert function that notifies you of impending severe weather, a Preset key that lets you store up to 10 channels for each band, and a high-intensity strobe light that emits the internally recognized S.O.S. signal during emergencies--a must for any boater. The S.O.S. beacon can be seen from up to 1 mile away.
Another nice feature is the NMEA charging cradle that lets you connect the radio to a GPS. Once connected, the radio stores your GPS location in its memory, and then notifies the Coast Guard or other emergency service should an accident occur. In the event of a distress, simply grab the HX471SB, lift the Distress cover, and depress the Distress key for three seconds. The radio will then transmit a distress call with your position while simultaneously activating the strobe light.
Packaged with a 1,300 mAh lithium-ion battery, HX471SB delivers 10 to 12 hours of operation on a single charge. Plus, the battery is guaranteed never to develop a "memory" that inhibits its ability to work for a full day. To charge, simply attach either the AC or 12-volt DC cable to the charging cradle and you're set (charging time is roughly three hours).
The radio, which also comes with a quick-draw belt clip, measures 2.36 by 3.78 by 1.12 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Handheld marine VHF radio, rechargeable battery, AC charger, 12-volt DC charger with cigarette lighter plug, charging cradle, user's manual.

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Icom IC-M72 Waterproof VHF Marine Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We now have 2 of these marine radios.They work very well and are easy to use and set up.We had to buy a separate "float" bag, however, because we were afraid the radio might fall out of our sailboat and sink.It does not float by itself--something you need to consider when using it.

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Product Description:
Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environment, the Icom IC-M72 handheld VHF radio is a must for safety-minded boaters. The radio is outfitted with a host of valuable features, including an easy-to-read LCD display with an extra-wide viewing angle, a backlit six-button keypad, and a rugged waterproof housing that's submersible in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. More significantly, the radio works with all 57 U.S., 61 Canadian, and 57 international channels, along with 10 weather channels from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). The VHF channels offer an ideal way to communicate with other boaters--whether exchanging information on a great fishing spot or sending out a distress signal--while the NOAA channels notify you when inclement weather is approaching.
The IC-M72 radio offers a bit more of everything than most marine handhelds, with more transmit power (6 watts) for carrying a conversation an extra-long way, more audio output (600 mW) for drowning out noisy engines and howling winds, more hours of use per charge (15 to 16 hours, as compared to the typical 8 to 10 hours), and more water resistance (the radio is certified to withstand an extra half meter of submersion). The one thing it offers less of, however, is antenna, with a 30-percent shorter antenna that still performs every bit as efficiently as other Icom models. Add in a compact, hourglass-body shape with cozy side grips and a high-intensity, backlit display and you have a comfortable, fun-to-use radio that excels at both daytime and nighttime operation.
The IC-M72 offers several scanning modes, including an auto scan function that starts scanning whenever no signal is detected, a traditional scan mode that searches through all the tag channels in sequence, a priority scan mode that does the same but also monitors the distress channel (number 16), and a weather alert option that immediately switches the radio to the appropriate weather channel when a storm warning comes through. Users will also dig the Dual Watch and Tri-Watch functions. The former lets you communicate on a channel of your choice while also keeping an eye on channel 16, while the latter monitors two channels--channel 16 and another channel--while receiving a third channel. The pair of "watch"modes guarantee that you won't miss an important emergency call from a distressed boater while your attention is otherwise engaged.
Other details include instant access to channels 16 and 9, an auto power save function, a four-step battery life indicator, and an AquaQuake draining function that clears water away from the speaker grill by emitting a vibrating sound. Bundled with such accessories as a belt clip, a hand strap, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a drop-in charger, the IC-M72 measures 2.06 by 4.91 by 1.19 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
IC-M72 radio, lithium-ion battery pack, drop-in charger, AC adapter, belt clip, antenna, hand strap, user's manual.

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Solara Compact Fixed Mount VHF 2-Way Marine Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great DSC VHF Marine Radio for the best price. I have a 27 foot sail boat that I use on average once a week and have had the radio now for 2 years without a problem. It has the Distress Call button which I registered with the Coast Guard and received a MSI number so if I ever have an emergency and have to push the automated distress button the Coast Guard will know who I am, size and description of my vessel and my home port. I have also wired it to my GPS so the Coast Guard will also know my GPS location at the time of the distress call. I would highly recommend this radio for it's features, reliability and price.SOLARA DSC WHITE VHF RADIO

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Product Description:
UNIDENMINI 90 CH W/DSC

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Icom IC-M34 VHF Waterproof Marine Two-Way Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Excellent product!Icom makes superior products.

The battery has a shorter lifespan because it needs to be lighter in order for the unit to float.

Most people, myself included, would not even notice the difference.It still holds a couple days charge even if you use constantly.

If you need a hand held VHF, I would highly recommend this one.

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Product Description:
The Icom IC-M34 VHF Marine Transceiver is the industry's first floating marine VHF hand-held radio. Compact and lightweight, this unit is incredibly powerful, with plenty of smart features that make it the perfect companion for any marine outing, whether it is just a few hours of fishing, or a week-long expedition.
The IC-M34 utilizes an easy-to-read LCD screen with a large 2-digit channel indicator that also displays the volume and SQL levels, and features both screen and key backlighting for easy night time use. This marine transceiver is also easy to use, with nine large buttons on the front panel that provide simple intuitive operation, and an easy-to-hold rounded body that fits securely and comfortably in your hand. The IC-M34 offers quick access to your favorite channels with a favorite channel function that lets you tag your most-used frequencies, as well as providing instant access to channel 16 and channel 9 in case of emergencies. What's more, this unit offers dual- and tri-watch functions, so it can constantly scan channel 16 as well as one or two user-selected channels so you never miss anything important. As an added convenience, the IC-M34 features an auto scan function, a two-step power saver, and weather channel reception with alerts for approaching dangerous weather.
Built tough, the Icom IC-M34 is constructed to not only IPX7 waterproofing standards, which means it can be fully submersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, but has been designed to float in both fresh and salt water, so if you drop it you can quickly and easily retrieve it again. This unit also features an AquaQuake draining function which emits a vibrating sound that clears water away from the speaker grill. The IC-M34 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to nine hours of operating time, while a four-step battery indicator lets you know how long you have to go. This unit is completely portable, weighing only 10.8 ounces with the battery in, and measuring 2.44 x 5.56 x 1.69 inches (W x H x D).
What's in the Box
Icom IC-M34 marine radio, hand strap, antenna, battery pack, battery charger, AC adapter, belt clip, user's manual and warranty information.

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