7 iPod Speaker Systems for Less than Apple's $350 iPod Hi-Fi

Apple made a rather interesting announcement this past week. They introduced their own "docking station with speakers" for the iPod. This was a bit puzzling to me, as there are already a multitude of devices like this on the market - why add one more?

At $349, Apple's new iPod Hi-Fi is quite expensive. It has some nice features, like a remote control, but is it really worth the price? I'm going to look at a couple other devices that are available for listening to music on your iPod while at home or work.

Generally there are two types of sound systems: larger ones, similar to the size of a tabletop radio, that feature more volume and better bass response, and smaller ones, which are meant to be portable at the expense of some loss of sound quality.

One feature to look for on the larger units is tone controls. These days, stereo systems tend to accentuate the bass and treble, leaving the midrange significantly lacking. The general sound quality from many modern radios and stereos is one that is "cold". While this is excellent for hip-hop, pop, and some modern rock, it's not very desirable if you're trying to listen to jazz or classical. This is just one thing to keep in mind when buying speakers for your iPod.

The other factor is where you'll be using it. Many of these models have convenience features, like the ability to use batteries (most have this) or a remote control. If you're going to be bringing this from home to work daily, batteries might be nice to have, but a remote control might get lost easily.

For $300, you can buy Bose's SoundDock. This unit looks like one great big speaker, which the iPod sits in front of. It automatically adjusts the equalization of the speakers to adapt to the type of music you're listening to, so there are no bass and treble controls. Like the iPod Hi-Fi, it also features a remote control. The Apple Store has had the SoundDock on display for some time, and it's proven quite popular. It supports all iPods, from the original to the latest models.

For the same price, one of my favorite concepts is JBL's OnTime, which basically converts your iPod into a clock-radio, allowing you to wake up from the radio, the iPod, or auxiliary input connected in the back. It's similar in concept to the OnStage ($100 from Amazon.com), however the "ring" of speakers is vertical, instead of positioned flat. Unlike Apple's iPod Hi-Fi, it doesn't have a remote. But it supports older model iPods without dock connectors, which Apple's device doesn't. (Unfortunately, OnTime suffers from the blue LED problem.)

If you don't need the clock, JBL's OnStage is a perfect option. It provides the very aesthetically pleasing speaker ring, but like the OnTime, it's not too portable. This device costs $200, which is more than JBL's Creature speakers - a 3-piece unit that can be used for either iPods or a computer.

$250 buys you the Altec-Lansing iM7 ($180 from Amazon.com). I've been consistently happy with the sound from Altec-Lansing computer speakers (and ended up recently purchasing a pair for my G5, but that's another column), and it's nice to know that they have an iPod speaker system as well. Some reviews have rated this higher than the Bose SoundDock for sound quality, which is a pretty impressive feat given Bose's reputation. Unlike the Bose or the JBLs, iM7 has tone controls that can be adjusted for your preferred sound.

Smaller

Those are some of the larger speaker systems available, but what if you're traveling from home to work with this system every day and would prefer something a bit smaller?

Altec-Lansing's InMotion is no doubt the most popular. At $150 ($120 from Amazon.com), the new IM3 is extremely portable (it folds into a small unit about the size of a large transistor radio), yet it features four drivers and something Altec-Lansing calls MaxxBass Technology. It also comes with a remote control.

If you'd like to have something to bring with you to wake you up on vacation, iHome's iH26W (what a catchy name) may just be the speaker system for you. Not only is it extremely portable, but it's also affordable at $100. It comes with a carrying case, and, like the InMotion, it ships complete with a remote control. The sound quality was not mentioned on their website, and the speakers look very small and basic, so I wouldn't expect fantastic sound from this unit.

The last device I want to look at is one that I have myself. Logic3's iStation ($85 from Amazon.com) is similar in a way to Altec-Lansing's InMotion, but it features a built-in subwoofer. It also supports iPods from the original one up to the latest 5G models and can recharge those that use the dock connector.

Both the InMotion and the iStation can let you connect your iPod to your computer through the device, replacing Apple's iPod dock. I've been pleased with the sound quality - while it's not especially good at high volumes, it's not bad for listening to music in a small room. The only complaint I've had has been that you must place the clear protective cover over the unit after you fold it up or risk the exposed speaker cones sustaining damage. (Oh, I've also had to cover up the blue LEDs.)

There are so many speaker systems available, I'm a little bit surprised that Apple felt they needed to design yet another one. However, their premium-priced model may indeed actually sound the best out of what's available, I haven't heard it yet. In general, the only way to buy speakers is to listen to them first. Different models sound different, and it's easy to be unhappy with what you buy if you don't give a few different models a listen first.