iPod Speakers

If you have an iPod , you probably want to listen to it at home as well as on the road. Since not everyone has the room, the money or even the know-how for setting up a surround sound system in their home, manufacturers have been coming out with compact yet powerful speaker docks. Check out all of your options when purchasing iPod speakers   below.

Know Before You Buy

If you own an original iPod, don't expect that it will be able to dock on the speaker docks. Not all docks work for every iPod generation, so always check to be certain that the speaker dock you want supports the iPod you own. Most come with interchangeable clips to fit different generations, otherwise you can jack in the iPod via a connector cable .  Unfortunately, it just doesn't look as cool when you have to do that. Plus it defeats the purpose of having a dock since it won't charge the iPod and it won't work for alarm clock radios   that are supposed to play the iPod's music when it goes off.

How to Choose

Price: Speaker docks range from less than $50 to several hundred dollars depending on what type you want.

Portability: The two options are portable   and desktop .  If you want to take your iPod and the speakers with you wherever you go, a portable speaker dock is the best option. Choose one that is wireless and has a long battery life. If you want to keep the speakers protected and buy the most compact model possible, look for the kind that folds up, such as those with a clam shell design. Desktop models will usually need some alternate power source besides batteries .  They generally offer more power and can provide more volume and onboard features.

Connectivity: If you want to hook up your speaker dock to any other multimedia device in your home, look for one with a variety of inputs and outputs that allow you to hook up headphones ,  CD players ,  computers   and more.

Top Picks

Here are some highly rated speakers by CNet.com on the market for listening to your iPod at home:

Portable Altec Lansing inMotion iM7   DLO iBoom   JBL Creature II Speakers   JBL Duet 2.0 Speakers   Logitech mm22   Sonic Impact i-Fusion   Sony SRS-P11Q   Cyber Acoustics A-30	Desktop SX 2000 Speakers   iHome   JBL Onstage 2   Klipsch iGroove   Rain Design iWoofer   Logitech mm50   Bose Sound Dock   Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System   Sonos Digital Music System   Monster iPod iSpeaker Portable Speakers

Travel Friendly

Check out these travel safe products to take your iPod wherever you want.

Bose Portable Music Package   This comes with a sound dock, in-ear headphones, and a carrying case for the ultimate in portable music systems. More features include a remote control, adapters for various iPod styles, and multiple earbud sizes for headphones. Put everything in the durable carry case with shoulder strap and you are ready to take this music system on the road!	Bose SoundDock System Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery   This lithium-ion battery is compatible with your sound system and it can be recharged multiple times for a long shelf life. Lithium-ion batteries are environment friendly and retain their charge for a lengthy amount of time, even when not in use.	CM-CRV3 Mini AC/DC Charger for CR-V3 Lithium-Ion Battery   This is a great charger for your lithium-ion battery that you can take anywhere, even in the car. It is lightweight and easy to carry for quick and convenient use.

The Best of Both Worlds

These picks work well for iPods and other MP3 players.

• Altec Lansing inMotion iM4   ($60-100)
• JBL On Tour Portable Music Box   ($100)
• JBL Onstage   ($200)
• iPulse   ($130)

New Products

Apple iPod Hi-Fi   World-class acoustic design. Large sound stage. Precise imaging and separation of sound. Room-filling powerful sound without distortion. Seamless iPod integration. Apple remote. Analog/digital input. Minimalist footprint.	JBL Radial iPod Speakers   Can stand alone as an iPod-ready speaker or do double duty as your PC speaker. Gorgeous design reminiscent of the St. Louis Arch. Four drivers produce great sound in a compact space. Costs about $300.