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Sonic Impact Video 55The Sonic Impact Video 55 makes it easy to watch your iPod videos on a larger display, but it's not so easy on your wallet. Price: $200
By Anthony Losanno 
Sure your iPod can play TV shows and movies, but do you really want to stare at a 2.5-inch screen for hours on end? If you're planning on catching a flick on your next flight, save yourself from squinting and pick up Sonic Impact's Video 55. This video dock adds a seven-inch display and external speakers to your iPod, but it's going to cost you. The Video 55 runs a hefty $299, which is $50 more than a 30GB iPod.
The Video 55 measures 8.7 x 6.5 x 1.7 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds, so you'll hardly notice it in your carry-on. Flip open the Video 55 to reveal its seven-inch display, a pop-up slot for your iPod, and its touch-sensitive controls. Once your iPod is docked, it folds down flush into the unit. The shiny, black interior matches the iPod perfectly, but it's also prone to fingerprints. Your iPod's controls play, pause, fast-forward, and rewind; the Video 55 includes a menu function with up and down arrows, and it allows you to adjust the volume, power the iPod on and off, and change video settings like brightness and contrast. A spring-loaded slot on the front stores a tiny remote with menu controls and play, pause, volume, fast-forward, and rewind functions. Video playback was clear and smooth on the Video 55. However, color saturation was a little lacking, and our test episode of Survivor looked like it was stretched to accommodate the larger screen. Movies were a bit clearer and fit the wide aspect ratio better. Sound quality through the ported audio tube was good. The Video 55 could easily double as a set of portable iPod speakers if you want to disconnect your headphones in a hotel room or office. Battery life is rated at four hours; that's decent, but it's too short for the newest 80GB iPods, which offer up to 6.5 hours of playback. The Video 55 includes AC and car chargers, RCA cables, and a travel pouch. If you can get past the price tag-and don't mind the inevitable smudges-the Video 55 is a good choice for supersizing your iPod's videos on the go. Sonic Impact Video 55 Specifications
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