CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 02/05/2007
The Banshee isn't unattractive, per se, but the futuristic design may not appeal to all users. The unit is encased in glossy black plastic, with silver buttons and trim. It's slightly more than a foot long and stands four inches high and about three deep at the base. The oblong unit isn't overly bulky and won't take up too much space on your desk or counter. Five bulbous, eyeball-like speakers--protected by a metal grate--protrude from the front of the Banshee, and three circular buttons sit along the top edge: a power key and volume toggles. Unfortunately, playback must be controlled on whatever MP3 player you're using, and no remote is included.
It's a simple and fairly functional design--no complaints there. However, the detached cradle unit that comes with the Banshee leaves much to be desired. It's a plastic, cuplike piece with a slot made for your iPod (it can also fit a variety of other players, though notably not the Zune). You then use the included 1/8-inch-to-1/8-inch audio cable to connect the player to the speaker. A hole going all the way through the bottom ensures that you can plug in a Nano, and a slot running along the back edge purports to offer some cable management. Unfortunately, the slot doesn't hold the cord in place, and the cradle itself is prone to being knocked over when there's a player "docked."
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