The ZiiSound DSx is a complimentary wireless sub-woofer for the excellent D5x speakers.

With a width and height of 22cm, a depth of 29cm and a weight of over 4.6 kg it’s not overly huge but, at the same time, will certainly remain noticeable.

In matt black with cloth speaker covers it’s understated. There are 2 circular cloths on the sides – these are the “pressure drivers” – and one square cloth covering the whole of the front (the “master driver”). There are few connections and controls on the back – a power connector (the power supply is inline), bass level control knob and a link button. The latter is for linking the DSx to other speakers (with up to 30 metres of range) and working wonderfully easily. Behind the main front cloth is a white LED that shows pairing and power status.

The DSx will power down automatically (there isn’t a power button) when the master speaker looses connection or is switched off. This means you can place it in the corner of a room and forget about it.

I had this connected to my D5x and it sounded amazing – the bass (which I only had at the default half-way setting) was superb and really added to the already excellent sound from the D5x’s. To achieve this Creative have introduced a technology that they call SLAM™…

Featuring Creative SLAM™ (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic Module) technology, the compact subwoofer delivers a thunderous output. This portless design is extensively tuned and utilizes a master driver and dual pressure drivers housed in a highly compact inert enclosure. The end result? Quick transient response of a small driver together and high-output capability and deep bass extension of larger drivers.

As always with Creative the packaging is excellent with a thick paper manual accompanying it.

Summary of Creative ZiiSound DSx

Just when I thought the ZiiSound D5x speakers couldn’t sound any better, they introduce the DSx subwoofer. Wireless, attractive and compact they are a brilliant accompaniment.

Reviewed by David Artiss on 24th September 2011.

The high street these days is full of pound shops (or 99p shops in some cases) and many of them sell computer and general “tech” accessories. But how good are these going to be for £1? Indeed, when you see that these include USB hubs and Bluetooth dongles, surely these aren’t even going to work – how can you do this for so little money?  Okay, so you can items for little cost on eBay but these sellers will have less overheads.

So, over the coming weeks (and maybe months) I will be plunging the depths of the pound shops to find the best and worst that they have to offer for the tech connoisseur.

Is there a hidden gem under your nose for just a pound?

After the horror of the last dock that I bought for my Samsung I was reluctant to try another. However, after seeing a Zenis on a colleagues desk I was suitably impressed. So impressed that I bought 2 (one for home, one for work).

Available in either glossy black or white, this is a simple but well built desk dock. The only connector is a Micro USB port and there are 4 soft feet on the underside giving it a really good stability.

It also, and this is crucial, comes with a grey rubber insert that goes into the slot where the phone docks. Normally this would be needed. However, if you have a case on your phone remove this insert and you’ll find it fits without the need to take your case off. It’s not spectacularly snug like this (it wobbles a bit, but that may be due to the slim case I’m using) but it’s good enough.

The case comes in a clear plastic case with non-English details on it (not that you need any).

I got mine for about £8.50 from eBay¹. Despatched from Korea, I still received it within a matter of days.

Summary of Zenis DNA Dock

Good quality, a reasonable price and works even if you’re using a case – the only case for the Samsung Galaxy S2 that I’d recommend

Reviewed by David Artiss on 13th September 2011.

1. Note: It doesn’t come with a USB cable [↩]