Popular iPod Speakers

Shortly after cementing itself as the bar in portable audio, the iPod inspired scads of clever devices designed to playback audio files out loud.  Some are incredibly useful, others, simply novel.  Some are just plain silly.  But in the interest of presenting occasionally objective information, here is a rundown of some of the top sellers.

ZVOX 315 Together with the ZVOX mini, these compact units pack a powerful sound into a box smaller than a laptop.  The mini is a bit smaller and only the bass suffers.  The best part is that it is not for exclusive use with iPod.  With a price under 200 dollars, the surround effect, optional bag and extra battery make this the reigning champion of all portable audio accessories. 

JBL On Stage The circular design provides a nice flood of sound from such a small iPod dock.  Dominant white and smooth contours signify this as iPod only.  All variants of the iPod fit so anybody can bring theirs over.  All in all, deserving of its fame for just 100 dollars.

Macally Podwave This product mounts onto your iPod rather than the other way round.  Two mini speakers connect to the headphones jack and off you go.  Very clandestine but highly audible.  About 40 dollars and fits any 3.5mm jack.

inMotion iM7 Probably not as portable as they like to profess, but it does have a battery mode that makes it go a little longer.  It fits any iPod in a cool dock that opens and closes with the push of a button.  The built in subwoofer is a nice touch that justifies the 150 dollar price tag.

Tivoli iPal Tivoli gets the prize for cutest pun off the name of the cutest portable player.  The iPal buddies up with the iPod or any other device for solid sound from a tiny box.  Unique when compared to most accessories, this one also has a great AM/FM tuner for some good, old-fashioned radio.  For its size, 120 dollars might be a bit steep.

Griffin iFire Apple Pro speakers are cool looking Hi-Fi minis that can take a signal from the pocket sized Griffin iFire.  If you use the iPod's AC adapter to power iFire, you have a highly portable, self-contained Hi-Fi system. 

After reviewing a number of the iPod accessories, it is clear that the most successful ones combine mobility, great sound, and varied compatibility.  Go nuts.

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