IPod Mics

From Acorn

Comparison of Belkin TuneTalk with XtremeMac MicroMemo

This review was made in summer 2006. In Dec. 2006 Griffin came out with their iPod mic for the new video iPods.

Features

Directional

Micromemo-no, 360 degrees

Belkin-yes, about 180 degrees, but best at 90-100 degrees.

Built-in speaker

Micromemo-yes, but need to test how adequate it is. Note, it proved to be very low volume.

Belkin-no

Recording battery life (for 30 GB iPod, recording at high quality)

Micromemo-137 minutes (average of 4 tests)

Belkin-109 minutes (average of 3 tests)

(Note, Belkin claims, for 30GB Low Quality: 2 hours, 55 minutes. This means both mics could record for a lot longer at lower quality. This is 22.05 KHz, as opposed to 44.1 KHz, and would be good enough for most purposes.)

Can charge while recording?

Micromemo-no

Belkin-yes, with a USB to mini-USB cable that is provided.

Separate mic?

Micromemo-yes, plugs in

Belkin-no, integral

Can be used with a case?

Micromemo-probably not with most cases

Belkin-probably can be used with most cases, has a removable spacer that lengthens the connector.

Can control recording volume?

Micromemo-no

Belkin-yes, but only high-low

Line-level input?

Micromemo-yes

Belkin-yes