So, a few months ago, I did something tremendously stupid.

I wanted to play my mp3 music, which is stored on my home PC, over my home stereo. My home stereo is located in my living room and my PC is located in my home office around the corner from the living room, about 25 feet away from my home stereo.

Since my home has speakers in the living room and the kitchen, I wanted a way to enjoy my PC based mp3 music while cooking or hanging out with guests. Here comes the stupid part. I attempted to connect my PC to my stereo via hardwire. Clutter, Spaghetti, whatever you want to call it: I hate seeing wires.

I read about the Irock Music Adapter in the July 2002 issue of Yahoo Internet Life Magazine.

I checked out the referring website and found they they sell this little device at Radio Shack of all places. They also sell at Best Buy, CompUSA, and other big gadget stores and online.
I skeptically purchased it, but figured that it was only $30 and I could always return it if I wasn't satisfied.

I opened the Irock when I got home, only to find that there were no printed directions that came with it. Initially, I was scared. After a minute,I realized that the item was so intuitive to use that I didn't need directions to guide me. It is, literally, plug 'n play.

I first tried the Irock out on my PC and was a little upset at the length of the cord. Since my PC Tower is under my desk, I had to do a little crawling and exploring to find my 'audio out' connection. Quick fix. I bought an cord extension, along with a Y-adapter that allows me to keep my computer's sound system and the Irock connected at the same time. Once connected, you'll have to tune the Irock to one of four frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7) I tested them all and, in my case, 88.5 and 88.7 worked the best for me, but I think the frequency which is most suitable for you will depend on the type of radio waves bouncing around your area.

It worked like a charm!! I now have my computer's mp3 archive pumping through my home. Sweeeeeeet!!!

For those interested in portable CD/MP3 Devices, I own a TDK Mojo CD/MP3 player which I've used in the car with a cassette adapter. The Irock was incredible in the car as a replacement to the cassette adapter. Now, I was thankful that the Irock came with a short cord.

I've used the Irock for a stretch of 3 1/2 - 4 straight hrs on a pair of rechargable AAA batteries. I'm satisfied.

I'll put it to the test when I drive cross country next year!!

For range, the Irock would probably be great for small apartments and small homes. The maximum range listed in the article was 30 feet. I've tested it to a maximum of about 45 feet.

A few times, I inadvertantly clicked on the power button, which displays a red light on the front. It's a little too easy to turn on for my taste.

All in all, this is a great gadget for any mp3 music lover who wants portability, functionality, simplicity as well as an interesting conversation piece.

Go buy it and enjoy!!!




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