Review: This docking station has some major spunk ...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 20, 2012
The MatchStick, once called the Grace firedock, was specifically engineered to accommodate the Kindle Fire. This docking station has some major spunk and is very versatile. This docking station will also designed to work with other audio devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy 3, etc. There is a back panel that one can access to plug in these additional devices.The only drawback at this time is that for some is that an optional lithium-ion battery is not yet available. This will come on the market at some time in August at a guesstimated cost of between $30 - $40. It should be noted that the Kindle Fire will not charge using the battery pack. It will charge the Fire for approximately six hours.IN THE BOX:* The MatchStick* AC power adapter (100-240v / 12V 2A), UL approved* Remote control (approximately 3 1/4" L x 1 1/2" W x 1/4" D), includes batteryConnections and Buttons* Tri-connector for the Kindle fire: connects the USB, headset jack, and power button extender* Top mounted panel buttons: Standby, Volume -/+, input selection* Remote control buttons: Standby, Volume -/+, Input selection, Bass +/-, Treble +/-, Mute, Default EQ* Rear panel connections: DC power in and aux in (for optional secondary music source)* Aux in cable* A clear, concise, comprehensive user manual (visuals included)Note: There is a one year warranty on the MatchStick. The user manual has a section that clearly outlines the company expectations for use and what is covered. Much of the information below comes from the company website.SPECS:Speaker/Amplifier (bass-ported)+ Two front speakers located on either side of the cradle (full-range)+ Built-in 16 watts class D digital amplifier+ Frequency response: 60Hz - 18KHz +/-3dB+ Power: 16 watts RMS (8W x2)+ Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 89dB+ Channels: 2 (stereo)+ Speaker drivers: 3" full range x 2+ Dimensions: 13" x 3.8" x 4.3"There are LED lights on the top right of the device that indicate battery and power status. The cradle for the Kindle Fire can be rotated vertically or horizontally (it can be tilted from 30 to 50 degrees), a nice feature for preferential viewing.DIMENSIONS+ 13" x 4.3" x 3.75"CONNECTIONS AND BUTTONS+ Tri-connector for the Kindle fire: connects the USB, headset jack, and power button extender+ Top panel buttons: Standby, Volume -/+, input selection+ Remote control buttons: Standby, Volume -/+, Input selection, Bass +/-, Treble +/-, Mute, Default EQ (the remote is wafer-slim)+ Rear panel connections: DC power in and aux in (for optional secondary music source)Although this docking system was specifically created for the Kindle Fire, I do love the versatility in that other devices can be charged through it. On one level, the MatchStick is like one-stop shopping. It's a solid, well-made system and even the user manual answers questions many will be interested in. For example, there is a color coded chart that has an LED Status Indicator. I like what I see and have no complaints about either the mechanism of the MatchStick or its functionality. Highly recommended!This unit courtesy of the manufacturer.