We’ve all seen the iPod speaker spread at the local Apple store. With so many choices, how do you choose the best one to suit your needs? We chose three true iPod speakers (those with an actual iPod dock) to make your decision easier.
First off, you do not need iPod-specific speakers to enjoy your iPod tunes; you can just plug your iPod to any speaker system via the audio jack. No speaker in this class can hold a candle to a set of decent 2.1 home computer speakers. However the true beauty of these speakers is their small size and self-enclosed design that makes them flexible enough to be moved and used in any room in house.
All three systems have a lot in common. Each sports a very iPod-esque look—with the iPod white and classy metal speaker grills. All are easy to use: Just pop on the correct-sized docking cradle (from the original iPod to the iPod mini), plug in the power, and you’re ready to rock. (Please note: None of the systems support the iPod Photo, and the Bose does not support the first- and second-generation iPod.) They also double as a charging station for your iPod.
Our choices:
Bose SoundDock ($300)
The largest system in our roundup, the Bose SoundDock (11.9” W x 6.7”H x 6.5”D) still fits unobtrusively on your desk or on the shelf. Bigger size means bigger speakers to provide a very rich and full sound with great bass and mid-range sounds. The amount of bass produced from such a small device simply amazes me. The other speakers sound tinny, weak and crack at the first threat of bass. Although great in the mid and low range, the SoundDock at times overpowers the high frequencies. Overall, the well-rounded SoundDock tops the field thanks to its distortion free sound at high volume.
The Bose SoundDock also comes with an easy to use IR remote control: power; volume; pause; forward and reverse.
The Bad: Even though the SoundDock ranks as the most expensive among the three systems, it lacks a few features the other less expensive systems offer. First, there is no dock connector on the Bose unit, so you can’t sync your iPod with your computer while it’s in the SoundDock. Not a deal breaker but it would have been nice. Second, unlike the other systems, the SoundDock does not have an auxiliary audio input jack to connect your computer, TV, or another portable player (or even the first- and second-generation iPod).
Summary: Although exuberantly more expensive and lacking in a couple of key features, the SoundDock dominates in sound quality with its teeth-rattling bass and full mids. If you’re an audiophile, the SoundDock is the one you want.
JBL On Stage ($160)
The least expensive and smallest (7” in diameter, 1.75”H) of the bunch, the JBL On Stage is the opposite of the SoundDock in sound performance: excellent in high frequencies while disappointing in the low end. Although not completely lacking in bass, the On Stage just doesn’t have the ground-shaking rumble of the Bose system. The doughnut-shaped design places speakers along the sides of the circle pointing in all directions to provide a very airy and spacious sound, easily filling up a relatively large room; just don’t expect to get house-party quality when bumping to 50 Cent. Even with only 12 watts of total power, the On Stage offers up great sound for the price and size.
The On Stage doubles as a docking base, charging and syncing your iPod with your computer. An auxiliary audio input jack allows for connecting a computer and other digital audio players. I really dig the touch-sensitive volume control buttons.
The Bad: Besides the limited bass, my only other complaint is the lack of a wireless remote control. You can argue that since it will be sitting on your desktop, you won’t need a remote but having the flexibility to control it from across the room would have been nice.
Summary: The $160 priced On Stage offers great bang for the buck. If your music taste tends towards music with less or no bass, the audio from the On Stage will suit you perfectly. With the size and price, it’s a great way to bring your iPod tunes to dinner parties or anywhere in your home.
Altec Lansing inMotion iM3 ($180)
Just slightly bigger than the On Stage (8”W x 5.5”H x 1.1”D), the sleek, portable Altec Lansing inMotion iM3 differs from the other two systems since you can take it anywhere running on four AA batteries (15 hours of battery life). The iM3 folds up for easy packing and it comes with a travel case, too. The iM3 acts as both a charger (only when running on AC power) and a docking station for syncing your iPod with your computer.
The neat auto-shutdown feature automatically turns the system off if no audio source is present for more than a minute or so. The iM3 has an IR remote control with identical features to the Bose. An auxiliary audio input jack rounds out the features.
The Bad: With only 4 Watts of total power, the iM3 just doesn’t match up in audio performance to the rest of the competition, especially in the bass department. Any hint of bass and the iM3 cracks and makes a drum beat sound like you’re beating on a tin can.
Summary: Completely lacking in bass, the sound quality works adequately at a beach party. It may be slightly more expensive than the JBL but with over 15 hours of battery life, nothing beats the iM3 for turning the iPod into a modern boom box.
