Alarm clocks and speakers

Before all of September's iPod and Zune hoopla devoured my attention, I was in the middle of telling you folks about the Altec Lansing inMotion Classic speaker dock. Now that the dust has settled, we've posted a full CNET review of the Classic, along with the customary First Look video and photo gallery.

If the thought of clicking over to the full review just seems like way too much trouble, then let's just cut to the chase. For the $130-ish dollars you'll spend on this iPod- and iPhone-compatible portable speaker, the inMotion Classic packs a surprisingly … Read more

For those who like getting loud in places where power outlets are hard to come by, the Roland BA-330 delivers all the comforts of a full-fledged stereo P.A. system using just eight AA batteries.

Just how loud are we talking? Cranked all the way up, the BA-330 can hit a 109dB sound pressure level--roughly the equivalent of standing next to a jack hammer. The eight AA batteries can deliver up to 10 hours of continuous power, although probably not at full blast (plug-in AC power is also available).

The front of the system offers four 6.5-inch and … Read more

Need a new little iPod speaker to take around the house, but don't want to spend a ton of money? Logitech is looking out for you with two new portable iPod speaker systems that are light on features but strike a nice balance of design and price.

Of the two speakers, the biggest and baddest is the S315i, an iPhone- and iPod-compatible system with a built-in rechargeable battery capable of 20 hours of continuous playback. The speaker measures around 11 inches wide, 5 inches tall, and 2 inches deep, and includes an integrated kickstand on the back that folds … Read more

Boom box designs typically go to masculine extremes. Products like the Sony Xplod or Altec Lansing iM7 look like they belong on Vin Diesel's shoulder launching rockets at enemy helicopters. Even classically styled boom boxes like the Lasonic i931 are purposely designed to be unwieldy, oversized contraptions that require a gym membership and an unhealthy appetite for punishment.

The iLive iB109 strikes a retaliating blow against the male-centric design of these beat-blasting behemoths by mimicking one of the most emasculating objects ever devised--the purse. With its flexible strap, glossy finish, and iPod-matching color schemes, this portable speaker system is … Read more

As a child of the '80s, I can distinctly remember a time when decorative electrostatic plasma lamps were very cool. They were also very expensive and--for the most part--useless. These days, though, I can't look at one without thinking of that creepy, evil, wizard crystal ball thing from Lord of the Rings.

Whatever side of nerd nostalgia you fall on, the Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod dock has you covered. You get an iPod dock, clock radio, USB port, and a bitchin' plasma lamp--all for $34.99. I'm not sure how they shield the speakers from interference, … Read more

Sometimes, working with a very specific type of tech product for so long will make one doubt whether anything truly unusual is ever going to flutter in through the mail slot. I was in just such a slump when I came across the CyFi Wireless Speaker while researching fitness-friendly tech. This unique, bicycle-mounting gadget seemed like just the ticket for active types who shun the gym in favor of hitting the streets on two wheels.

Far be it for me to look down my nose on anything that encourages cyclists to shun dangerous earbuds in favor of a safer way … Read more

If you've been looking for a speaker that accurately mimics the look of Hello Kitty's decapitated skull, the SkullyBoom SB1 ($60) should be right up your alley. The grim, little speaker box uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery to power a single 2-inch speaker, all packed inside a cartoonish, vinyl skull.

But you'll need to wait until June 2010 before getting your hands on one. As the first product out of the Delicious Drips boutique, the company is gearing up for production and currently accepting preorders.

If you're short on patience and desperately need a SkullyBoom, … Read more

In a market overflowing with iPod accessories, manufacturers have to rise to the challenge of making their products stand out from the crowd. This is particularly true for portable speakers, which can be found in abundance across the Web. The latest from Memorex, dubbed simply a Foldable Travel Speaker, isn't much of a standout offering. But its affordable price ($59.99), relatively compact size, and simple aesthetic will certainly appeal to some. Sound quality, however, fails to impress.

Read the Memorex Travel Speaker

Though they are portable devices, the iPod and the iPhone can make wonderful sources for headphone-free music when connected to speakers. Of course, wading through the glut of iPod-ready tabletop speakers on the market today takes patience and know-how, especially if you have an iPhone, which requires a unit with magnetic shielding for optimal performance.

Luckily, well-established audio device companies like JBL are providing more and more models with that feature, such as the JBL On Stage 400P. This $250 tabletop speaker dock is the largest of the On Stage line and bests its smaller siblings in sound quality. If … Read more