Review: iSkin Cerulean TX/RX peripheral

iSkin’s Cerulean TX/RX provides a simple method of listening to iPod music via Bluetooth wireless connection.

The package has two parts - the TX is a little Bluetooth transmitter that connects either to an iPod or to a computer, while the RX is a receiver that plugs into iPod speakers.

There’s no software to install - the TX and RX automatically pair to each other to send and receive music. This took longer than the 20 seconds claimed in the manual and we were already flicking through for help before the paired connection set itself up properly. Apart from that minor glitch it worked perfectly.

The TX transmitter plugs into the dock connector on the base of the iPod or the included adaptor can connect it to a USB port on your Mac or PC. However, it will only work with fourth or fifth generation iPod models - essentially, any iPod that has a colour screen.

The RX receiver needs to plug into the docking port on a set of iPod speakers, so the device can only be used with speakers that were specifically designed for iPods. It won’t work with an ordinary set of speakers or a hi-fi system (alternatives such as Logitech’s even more expensive Wireless DJ can do this).

If you have the right iPod and speakers the Cerulean TX/RX works very well. Audio quality is very good with no obvious degradation from being sent over the wireless connection. Being able to control both music and speakers from the comfort of the sofa is rather nice too, but whether it's worth the price might depend on how lazy you are.

Vista compatible: Yes