Do You Need an iPod to Use an i-Dog?

What is an i-Dog?

• The i-Dog is a toy dog that responds when a music player is plugged up to it or when music is being played close to it. When music is played around the i-Dog, it will respond by dancing, flashing the lights on its head and flapping its ears. It will also respond to you if you touch it or flick its tail.

i-Dog/iPod relationship

• The i-Dog was originally created by Sega Toys and was supposed to be an accessory to the popular music player, the iPod. You can easily see the similarities in design between the two. Now, Hasbro makes the i-Dog and it is marketed as being compatible with any music player.

i-Dog and other music players

• The i-Dog has a 3.5" headphone jack and can interact with any music device with a 3.5" jack. If you are not sure if you have a 3.5" headphone jack, there is an easy way to tell. For the most part, MP3 players have a 3.5" headphone jack and if it will accept standard headphones, then you know you have a 3.5" jack. The only time you usually find a jack that is not 3.5" is on some cell phones.

i-Dog Pros

• Hasbro's i-Dog is said to be a quality accessory for your iPod or other MP3 player of choice. One feature many critics seemed to like is the "moods" feature. The i-Dog changes its moods based on the music you put into it. Another feature consumers will like is the i-Dog's capability to respond without a music player connected. The robotic dog will respond to ambient sounds and music around it.

i-Dog Cons

• If you are looking for a basic, simple accessory for your MP3 player, the i-Dog will be fine. However if you are looking for a good set of speakers for your MP3 player, you might look at something other than the i-Dog. Reviews have said that the i-Dog has small audio output.