KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasBest iPod Speakers
Many of the people who got an iPod over the holidays may now be eyeing one of the new speaker systems so they can listen to their digital music without headphones. You just insert your iPod into a slot and the sound is channeled through external speakers.
Consumer Reports recently tested eight of these speaker systems, ranging in price from $90 to $300. Most work with the whole line of iPods, as well as other MP3 players. Testers say, at their best, these speakers are comparable to typical boom boxes or bookshelf stereo systems.
Consumer Reports found you get the best bass with the $250 Altec Lansing InMotion IM 7. For the best overall audio, check out the Bose SoundDock for $300. But it's not super portable. It weighs a little over five pounds and doesn't run on batteries.
If portability and battery-operation are paramount, Consumer Reports says you'll sacrifice some audio quality. Your best bet: the JBL On Tour for $100. It's quite small and runs on four AAA-size batteries.
Consumer Reports has also tested all the iPods on the market, including the newest one that can also play videos, but testers found the screen is easily scratched, as is the case with some of the iPod Nanos.
Ratings of the new iPod with video is available free at ConsumerReports.org from January 5th until February 6th.
Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.
Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
