Review: ZLive NS108B Speaker ssytem with Dock for Zune

[dsharp75]

Zlive's first speaker, the NS108B is really a Zune version of the iLive IS208B ipod/touch speaker dock tailored, of course for Zune devices. I bought this from Amazon.com for $59.99, presumably retail, seeing as it's not available anywhere, not even on Amazon for 1-2 months or on the Zlive website. The ipod version maxes out at $51.99 (average $40).
Un: Nice package, all the standards. Just plugging it in lights up the clock display.
What's included: Clips for different Zune sizes, the remote (with button battery already installed), warranty and manual.
Operation: Pretty simple, plug it in, clip in your clip for your Zune device and slide in your Zune to start playing.
Sound quality: Given its size, the Zlive NS108B gets very good volume considering it's size. It's not a full sound and sounds kind of confined, or rather restrained in the bass section and even a bit in the highs; but it's not meant to be a boombox (we're waiting on Zlive's 2nd entry for that). It has an EQ but it's not documented what the settings are - use your own ear for the best setting. Even at what I deemed the flat setting, which is how it starts, the sound is clear and never distorts even at max volume - which is pretty nice. It seems as though the mid range gets the most boost.
Treble - ok and clear; mid-range - good, clear;bass - present, not powerful.
The dock also has an aux in for other devices, an aux out and a video out (assuming your device can send video out) - pretty standard; the video out worked without a hitch.
Also, it's worth noting the remote is just great. Not only is there a back button (finally), but also a Menu button, which jumps straight to the menu - neat. You can do everything from the remote you would be able to on the device/speaker dock except fast-forward/rewind songs. Cool.
Pros: Even though the ipod version is cheaper by $20 on average, it's still the next to cheapest Zune speaker dock on the market, (iHome's first Zune dock has that honor @ $49.99 retail) and the least expensive 2 speaker stereo portable dock with a clock. Great remote control.
Cons: Although there is a clock, it isn't an alarm clock - not really a con. It's small, but constrained to AC power; there's a panel for 2 AAA batteries, but it's really for backup and not for real playing. Strangely enough, as I'm writing this review the sound in the right speaker goes out. I'll have to return it - dang! This could just be a bad unit - it happens sometimes.
Ratings:
Price - 4.0/5.0 (Could be $50, which would still be $10 more than the ipod version, but still be a good value)
Quality (hardware) - 3.0/5.0 (I reduced my score from a 4.5 because my right speaker just went dead 20 minutes into steady use - what the hey?)
Quality (sound) - 4.0/5.0 - Not high end sound, but you should expect that from a small form portable dock like this. It could be better, because the mid-range is so nice.
Others - 4.5/5.0 - Excellent remote, intuitive design, ease to use
Overall 4/5 - Recommended