Conventional speaker systems are all but disappearing from the malls in place of MP3-enabled docking stations.Here are six of the best.
Written by Gary Chambers
Orbit Sound T3 (pictured)
Listen to music on the go in a brand new way with the Orbitsound T3. Using your chest cavity as a resonator, the T3 creates a bubble of stereo all around your head. Compatible with your iPod or any other portable music device, the T3 offers 10 hours of music playback and also lets you share your music with anyone around you by putting it on any flat surface. We’re expecting big things from airSOUND, its producer, and there range of single-point stereo speakers could be the big hit of 2008.
Price: $150
For more information: Orbit Sound
Intempo iDS-02
It’s unusual design makes the Intempo iDS-02 very eye-catching indeed, offering a “stylishly spherical, cannonball” appearance. So if it’s a cannonball-shaped speaker system you’re after, then this is the perfect choice for you. And even if you’re not, there’s still a lot to be said for the iDS-02. The unconventional player gives you 2.1 surround sound, enhancing the quality of sound pouring out of your iPod or other mp3 player – and it doesn’t matter which flavor of iPod you have, either: the iDS-02 is fit-all solution.
Price: $250
For more information: Intempo Digital
Bose SoundDock Portable
The Bose SoundDock Portable claims to be the lead battery-powered iPod speaker system incorporating a slim, fashionable design. And you know what? That’s exactly what it is. The design is clean and contemporary, though not groundbreaking, and the unit offers excellent sound quality. It functions are perhaps a bit limited – especially if you take into account the sky-high price Bose are selling it for. But if you’ve got the money to spend, then the SoundDock is a must-have.
Price: $399
For more information: Bose
B&W Zeppelin iPod Speaker system
Branded “the sleeker speaker”, the B&W Zeppelin iPod Speakers System offers high-definition sound quality for your iPod and any other compatible mp3 player. It claims to give you powerful stereo sound wherever you want it, setting your music free. The styling is contemporary and desirable, making this a true head-turner. However, Bowers & Wilkins’ suggestion that the 7.5kg speaker system, “compact enough to tuck under your arm”, can give you freedom might be just a bit tenuous. I don’t think anyone will be using this as a portable device in a hurry! But in sound quality, it is almost unrivalled. Quality comes at a price, however...
Price: $599
For more information: Bowers & Wilkins
ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock
ViewDock is the ultimate in iPod visual displays, letting you enjoy the full effects of all those videos and photos you’ve got stock-piled on your portable media centre. Boasting a crisp 22” high-definition LCD monitor and integrated stereo speakers and subwoofer, the ViewDock promises to revolutionize your desktop experience. None of this comes cheaply, but for the money conscious among you, you can always plump for its 19” younger brother – a snip at under $280.
Price: $509
For more information: ViewSonic
iLuv i1155
Why settle for half-measures when you can go the whole way with the iLuv i1155 portable media player? The diminutive, yet stylish player offers a high quality 8.4” widescreen LCD display and built-in iPod dock, perfect for your iPod video. No longer do you have to suffer watching your videos on your tiny iPod screen - watch them in bigger, brighter glory with this very reasonably priced multimedia player. The only drawback – the unit can only offer you 4 hours of iPod playback, so you’d better not stray too far from a power source.
Price: $250
For more information: iLuv
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