(Welcome to Martina, one of the "techettes" vying for a blogging position at the upcoming AT:Home Tech. Comment away.)
Given the ubiquity of the iPod these days (I'm seeing them in the pockets of Grandma's sweater), it is no wonder that a whole cottage industry has sprung up to offer every manner of add-on, extension and customization. And while protective sleeves with pink polka dots are interesting, they aren't doing much more than ensuring that your lovely little devices go a bit longer without surface scratches.
Enter the hi-fi purveyors and their various speaker offerings for the wunder-device. My last visit to an Apple store counted no less than 21(!) separate offerings of iPod speakers. Impressive.
But the company whose product has caught my eye is JBL.
Unlike many of the other iPod speakers which carry a large footprint, JBL has put out a great little speaker/alarm clock machine (the JBL ON TIME) that not only is compact, but provides added functionality and style to boot.
Let's talk about that extra functionality: alarm clock, charger, and should you ever tire of your playlists, an AM/FM radio as well. All nice adds in addition to the pretty good level of audio fidelity. Two of the coolest features are the stereo connector that supports computer, satellite radio, the iPod shuffle and other MP3/CD players, and TimeCrawler. Time what? TimeCrawler is a feature that allows the JBL device to set the clock automatically from any [local] radio station that transmits time in its signal. Pretty neat.
And then there is the design aspect. While I think the biggest win here is the small amount of size you need to allocate for this device (10" diameter by 10" height), the nice aluminum/satin finish (in line of course with much of Apple's product line) along with the curved housing is refreshing. It is at least a nice change from the usual 'large box' approach which is unfortunately all too common these days. JBL also sells the On Time in black for those looking to color coordinate the Nano, the iPod and of course, the Macbook.
And the price? Depending on where you are sourcing it from, anywhere from $159 to $249.
I'm chalking out a space for one of these in my bathroom.
- Martina
Martina, love this product, thanks for the highlight (otherwise I might never have noticed it!).
AT: please drop the 'ette' on tech, it would be like calling the new Speaker of the House the 'speakerette', it's unnecessary and such a dimunitive borders on the offensive. Thanks...
The JBL iPod speakers are the hands-down best! I have the little donut-shaped one called "On Stage II" and use it in my office and also for traveling. Nothing else comes close to the sound quality for speakers of this small size.
What's the best iPod boombox? Needs to be easily carryable, plug in to standard wall outlet. Permanent recharable batterries for outdoor use.
I agree about losing the "ette" part. A techie is a techie, male or female.
I think "techette" is (h-o-t-t) hott. I like sexy techies!!
I'd ban someone who referred to me as a techette.
That's Ms. Tech to you!!! ;-)
I would like to recommend the iMainGo. It's a tiny case not much bigger than your iPod that has incredible speakers -- great sound! You can hold it in your hand, set it in on a table, toss it on your passenger seat, carry it in your purse. I got them for christmas presents for all my teenage people and they loved them; I love mine, too.
It's very out-of-spacesque! Beam me up! :D
Very kewl, thanks!
thanks for the article, very informative.
i'm also in agreeance to lose the "ette." it is offensive. unless of course you are going to pay her double what you would pay a man, then "techette" away.
i agree with losing the "ette." every time i see it i cringe.
JC - Logitech's mm50 is a few model years old, but still the best in that (very large) range of speakers for those criteria you listed.
I have this and love it, highly recommended. I also have and love the bose sounddock, and had and returned altec lansing and JBL products.
Not sure how often we all have to object to techette - someone's not listening!
Thanks for the great post, Ms. Tech.
We are listening:
http://sanfrancisco.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/012207/news/januarys-about-art-016770
JC, another suggestion for an iPod 'Boombox' that might fit your criteria? The Roxy i-P22 Portable speakers (made by Sonic Impact). Small, embedded in a great and colorful hard-shell carry case, and the option to use a power supply or batteries (4 AA). I believe these are available through the Apple site directly too.