Ease into playtime

LONG stints in front of the computer often result in a sore back. That’s where the iCush from Homedics comes into play – it lines your computer chair and massages different parts of your back, buttocks and hamstrings while you work or play on the computer.
The iCush has a simple-to-use remote control that allows the user to alter the speed and intensity of the massage, as well as isolating certain points or selecting massage patterns.
The iCush also has a ‘wow’ factor that will appeal to technology junkies.
Users can plug their MP3 player, iPod, video game console, or computer into the iCush’s audio jack, while the sound feeds out of two flexible speakers above the iCush’s shoulder rests.
But the ‘wow’ doesn’t stop there – hit the Audio Sync button on the remote and the iCush will massage in time with your favourite song, or rumble with the bumps in your favourite game.
The iCush is an incredible product, although not without its shortcomings.
Firstly, while E-Talk found the massage to be spot on, some of our friends criticised it for being a little too intense on even the lowest setting.
And while the speakers are a great novelty and are quite practicable for portable music players, they do not perform well with computer games.
The reason is that plugging a game console or computer into the iCush does not allow it to simultaneously be plugged into conventional speakers for a surround sound experience.
For an Xbox 360 game wanting to utilise Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, E-Talk felt the two tiny speakers did not provide enough grunt.
But despite the minor quibbles, the iCush is a product worth considering for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting down.
It definitely left this reviewer feeling relaxed – even as deadline approached.
The iCush retails for $199.95.
For more information visit www.homedics.com.au.