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With summer in full swing, hanging out in the backyard is more fun with your music.  For many, this means your iPod and stereo.  But how to control it without jumping back to the iPod to skip that Mariah Carey song you downloaded for your girl?

I’ve been comparing DLO’s Home Dock Music Remote and Keyspan’s Tuneview.  Both use a dock with audio out ports, both charge your iPod while sitting and both can be useful when watching video.  So what is the diff?

Remotes: both use RF and get excellent distances out of them (I walked down the street and could still control it).  The DLO uses a rechargeable battery (has its own home in the dock) and is very, very small.  Buttons are similar to controls on an iPod and the small screen is usable.  The DLO has buttons similar to that on an iPod for better and worse (buttons use changes each menu).  The Keyspan offering uses AA batteries, is bigger, and has a pretty color screen.  This remote has a dedicated play/pause button and a wizard button that can guide you on your options.  Two flaws on the Keyspan remote: the screen emitted a high pitched sound when on and the buttons felt flimsy/clunkity.  Result: nod to DLO.

Docks: both docks were black, the DLO version has a mini USB so the dock could be used to sync with iTunes - kinda handy.  The DLO also included a spot to recharge and keep track of that diminutive remote.  The Keyspan dock has an S-video out for a better picture when watching video.  The Keyspan version looked more high end.  Result: a wash.

Audio Function: both stopped and started my music; I was able to figure out their nuances rather easily.  Both mess with the order of songs on an album.  Scrolling through either unit’s list of songs was painful.  When first using the DLO, I wanted a pause button, as pausing in normal mode required two taps after it woke up.  As I used it more I got used to that, but never liked that functionality.  In my home office, I pause frequently to take calls and this became the DLO’s downfall.  Now, to wit, I could change the DLO to iPod mode (both units have this feature) and have one-touch pausing.  But this made me lose the artist and title info…  The Keyspan version however was flawless.  The remote did not need a wake up button hit, it paused and started with a bam.  Result: Keyspan by a large margin.

Video Function: Both units can be used to control the video remotely.  You can’t watch the movie on either screen, but the Keyspan remote gives you time into the movie and time left.  Both allowed pause and audio control.  DLO offers another product better suited for this. Result: a wash.

Price: The DLO unit sells for $129 and the Keyspan goes for $179.  Result: $50 is a big variant, DLO wins this…

Sum Up:  If they were priced evenly, it would be a lot easier to call this.  The DLO has a lot going for it: tiny pocket-able rechargable remote, simple menu and adding in iTunes syncing in the cradle is nice if your stereo is close to your computer or you use your computer speakers for sound.  The Keyspan is a bit more luxurious with big screen and function specific buttons on the remote. It took me less time to become comfortable with the Keyspan offering.

Result:For me, I want it all and the Keyspan offers it.  Instant play/pause is big for me, using this in an office environment.  Instant play/pause without giving up song/artist track is enough to make me kick in $50 more.

Product Page [DLO]

Product Page [Keyspan]