Transform your iPad into a Home Theater with Belkin’s Thunderstorm iPad 4 Speaker Case

Belkin has announced a new way to experience music, movies, and games on the iPad in the form of an integrated speaker case. This accessory, powered by Audifi technology, features front facing speakers and full bass response.

The Thunderstorm features a sound mode button which cycles through four different modes that optimize the output for gaming, music, movies, and conference calls. This means you can get the best sound in each situation with very little effort.

“Apple’s latest iPad with retina display provides the highest quality visual experience, and Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater delivers amplified audio to match for complete content engagement and shareable entertainment,” says Nate Kraft, director of product management at Belkin. “It is a truly portable speaker case that seamlessly integrates with the iPad 4 to create a unified experience whether you are at home or on the go.”

In addition to the hardware device, there is an included app and a free month of Hulu Plus. Combine this with a built-in stand and a 10-hour battery and you have an impressive media experience.

There are several downsides to this device and the first is that it only works with the iPad 4 and its lightening connector. Another downside is that the size and weight of the added hardware will make gaming and holding the iPad for long periods of time harder.

Belkin lists the following features:

• Powerful, immersive sound from full range, high efficiency, ported speaker system.
• Your iPad sits seamlessly in the enclosure.
• Free Thunder app provides extended control with three different soundscapes
• Normal – Perfect for music and web video
• Wide – Great for movies. Broader soundscape with simulated accentuated middle channel to lend clarity and presence to dialogue.
• Super Wide – Spreads the soundscape out to its fullest extent.Games will absolutely explode off the screen.
• USB connector provides full access for iPad power and audio.
• Comfortable and easy to hold. Lightweight, perfectly balanced enclosure with comfort grip surface.
• Multi-fold cover provides variety of viewing angles.
• The Thunderstorm is currently available for $199.99 on the Belkin website.

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The Image One was Klipsch’s attempt to bring their signature sound drivers to the can-lovers. Having an Apple-centric mic, and three-button remote for controlling music playback on iPods, iPads, and iPhones, it’s hard not to think that they’re woo-ing some fruit fans. What’s great for it being portable is that the ear cups can be folded flat. Price wise, you can tell that you’re getting a quality product when you’re paying $149.99 for a pair of cans.



Next would be the Image S5i Rugged which will be joining Klipsch’s famous Image Series IEM. The S5i will be receiving some Apple touch like the Image One, with the aforementioned three-button remote / mic as well as a ‘safety case’ that touts a built-in flashlight. Yours for a ‘mere’ $129.99, which you can start saving now for their November debut.



Tagging along the S5i would be an Image S3, which Klipsch specially made for those of you with a tight fist. Priced at just $49.99, it’s the company’s new low-end set, but still ships with a trio of oval ear tips, a carrying case, and even has four colors for you to choose from.

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