Both the Slick Grip Tablet Case and Slick Rok Phone Amplifier are from Vibe Audio’s new range of silicone products. Historically the company has focused on in-car and marine audio so this is a move into the family market.
How do the products compare and, crucially, what are they? The tablet case is best described as a silicone ‘envelope’ that wraps around the iPad 2, 3 and 4. As with most similar products, the camera lens, home button and charging point etc remain fully accessible.
The idea is to provide a protective case so that children can play their favourite games or watch films and reduce the risk of damage. I didn’t feel brave enough to drop my iPad from a great height but the silicone definitely seems hard wearing and having been in use for a week it has protected my iPad from seven days worth of the usual family-induced bumps and bashes.
One of the cleverest features, however, is the way this product has been designed to amplify the volume. Without any cables or the need for other devices, the volume can be amplified four times. This is done simply through the design and shaping of the silicone. I have no idea how Vibe has done this but it is effective.
Would I recommend the product? If you are in a busy, loud household such as mine then I can see the benefits to the Slik Rok Tablet Case as the amplification works well. It certainly seems hard wearing and my eldest daughter has managed to use the iPad perfectly while in the case so yes, I think this would be a product worth considering.
As for the Slick Rok Phone Amplifier, I didn’t know what to make of it when I saw it. It is nothing more than a lump of silicone with rectangular hole for inserting your mobile phone and a horn shaped hole through which the amplified sound escapes. It’s small, I can just about wrap my hand around it.
I didn’t believe for one second this could be effective but I was proved very wrong! It amplifies the sound very well.
I can imagine it would be very useful if you simply wished to play some lullabies to a baby or some other simple use. The one comment I would make is that it does get a little tinny the louder you turn up the volume. Â
Would I recommend it? For a simple amplification device that requires no power it’s great. Just be advised it has its limitations. For enteraining a baby it would be great, but if you’re entertaining a room full of kids having a birthday party you’re going to need something with considerably more power.
There are a range of other products in the Slik Rok range including a tablet workstation and mobile phone amplifier. The entire range is available at Staples and products cost between £9.99 and £29.99.
