The Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox doesn't require much of an introduction--quite simply, it gives you access to Internet radio stations by connecting a USB device to your Windows-based computer. But why in the world would you want to pay $30 for free Internet radio?
I can actually think of a few reasons, though none apply to me: For corporate users with locked down machines, the Internet Radio Jukebox offers a workaround for your IT department's employee-proof locks. Another target audience, those so obsessed with Internet security that they haven't downloaded so much as a bug fix in years, will embrace this all-in-one solution that requires no downloaded applications.
If that's you, feel free to read on; but if you'd rather get your free Internet radio for no charge, Apple's iTunes (a free application) offers Internet radio as well. There is a catch, though--iTunes requires a download and administrator access for installation to your PC or Mac.
If you do decide to pay for your 13,000-plus free Internet radio stations, Aluratek adds insult to injury by throwing in a bonus to help drum up interest for their other products: Not only do you need to hand over 30 big ones, you also have to deal with non-stop banner ads at the bottom of the application. Sure, the ads are there just to suggest other Aluratek products, but are they really necessary?
The application works as described (when it does work), launching when you attach the thumb drive-size device to a computer running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. Radio stations are sorted by region and genre, and favorites and other settings remain on the Internet Radio Jukebox when moving it to other computers.
I tested the Internet Radio Jukebox on five PCs running Windows XP and Vista. I had no issues using the device with my personal workstation, a desktop running Windows XP. Connecting the device launched the Add New Hardware wizard, and the Internet Radio Jukebox was recognized as an optical disk. I was slightly confused, but clicking on the application icon launched the program without issue.
I began encountering issues when using the device with other machines, however. The second computer, running Windows XP, wouldn't recognize the device at all; the third, running Vista, returned a confusing error message; the fourth, running XP, recognized the Internet Radio Jukebox without issue; and the final machine, running Vista, crashed while trying to launch the application, and required a restart (my apologies to PJ, our digital imaging analyst).
Considering these issues, I'd suggest staying away from the Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox unless you have no choice but to run an application from external hardware. You'll be much happier using Apple iTunes, or any of the dozens of other free Internet radio applications out there.
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October 21, 2008 12:42 AM
It's obvious you do not understand the product and all of the features and benefits. Check out the reviews from actual endusers at amazon, buy.com, and even Newegg the toughest critics of computer products anyone can find.