dock

Featured Freeware: ObjectDock

Are you jealous of that slick Mac interface? Check out ObjectDock, a free utility that replaces the Windows Taskbar with a colorful, animated dock similar to the taskbar in Mac OS X.

ObjectDock displays icons for currently running applications and can hold quick-launch icons for your favorite programs. As you pass the cursor over each icon, ObjectDock magnifies it and displays relevant information, helping you find what you need even when you're running several programs at once. An attractive but optional clock rounds out the toolbar. The tiny utility comes with a dozen attractive skins, and users with slow … Read more

Hands-on with the Gear4 StreetParty III

The last Gear4 StreetParty we got jiggy with was the StreetParty Size 0, and when it was just the two of us we had a pretty good time. Yeah, sorry for another helping of Will Smith references, but we were just told the Big Willie is in London later today and, well, we're pretty excited.

Anyway, the latest StreetParty just arrived in the CNET complex (two turned up, actually--we're not sure why) and we've had a quick play to form some first impressions.

The StreetParty III--or 3, if you're not down with the Roman numerals--is a … Read more

Turn your iPod into a bookshelf stereo for $19.99 (after rebate)

Remember the Logitech iPod AudioStation? First it was $50 (after rebate), then $29.99 (after rebate). Now you can scoop one up for a measly $19.99 (after...you know). Shipping will run you around $14, which seems steep given the price of the hardware itself, but your out-the-door total is still pretty low.

The AudioStation (originally $150) is an iPod speaker dock paired with an AM/FM tuner. It includes a wireless remote, an audio input jack (for connecting non-iPod players), and composite and S-Video outputs (for watching iPod videos on a TV). It charges your iPod, of course, … Read more

The 404 121: Where a little Wilson goes a long way

The 404 guys are back along with their trusty sidekick "The Artist formerly known as MTI." On this good Monday morning, they wax poetic about "Crappening" movies they saw this weekend along with a little "Hulk Smash!" Apparently, the Wii Fit actually makes you less of a fat-ass. Sony Ericsson makes a N-Gage competitor. Hermione Granger got hot and 6 million dollars in a Chanel makeup deal and finally some Asian guy (not Justin Yu) is into armpit sniffing. Find out why it got him 14 years and 18 slashes in Singaporean prison. EPISODE … Read more

An iPod dock circa World War II

Forget about those updated boomboxes and cassette MP3 players. If you really want retro, this is the way to go.

This system from the Spirit of St. Louis Collection is designed to look like a World War II-era radio, like other models in the line, but this one has an iPod dock, CD player, and stereo speakers. And Chip Chick notes that it does have a working three-band radio as well, so it isn't totally artificial.

iHome blends computer speakers with iPod dock

iHome has introduced the first combination of an iPod dock and computer speaker we've seen. The iH69 and iH70 will let you charge, play, and sync your iPod to either your Mac or PC without the need for additional cables or docks.

Both models are compatible with any docking iPod and also provide a headphone jack for private listening. The iH69 is available in black, while the step-up model iH70 comes in silver. Also with the iH70, you'll get a higher wattage as well as a fully functional remote.

Priced in the same range as other high-end computer speakers, … Read more

Harman Kardon's 'Bridge II' seems to fall short

Harman Kardon is releasing the second iteration of its iPod bridge dock, which connects the media player to a home sound system, but it seems like a case of too little too late. For one thing, the "Bridge II" is apparently designed specifically for other Harmon Kardon equipment. Second, there's no indication that it can work wirelessly, as do other products such as Monster's "iSoniCast," which also provides similar remote functions. And it's more expensive at $129, as listed on iLounge. But if you're already eyeing Harman's new AVR-354 receiver, you … Read more

iPod Touch dock is surprisingly normal

If there's one accessory that seems to have reached near-ubiquity in record time, it would be the iPod speaker dock. But most of them have been made for earlier generations of the media player, not the Touch or the iPhone. And even when they are, manufacturers for some reason seem compelled to design them in some odd fashion, whether they resemble Dumbo ears, truncated phone receivers, or a dressing room mirrors.

Against those options, the "Sound Frame" from QDOS appears refreshingly sane. With a clean design and straightforward functions, it rotates 90 degrees for both vertical audio … Read more

ObjectDock rocks

Power Downloader and I have talked about how useful RocketDock can be, and it is still is. But another excellent program dock to check out is ObjectDock, from Stardock. Besides providing a skinable and extensively customizable Mac-style dock, the free ObjectDock lets users replace the Windows taskbar completely.

Colorful and animated, ObjectDock is so customizable it's impressive. Not only can you choose your own icons to represent programs and documents, set the dock size and location, and configure icon behavior, but you can also set the dock to run faster and take up more RAM, or sacrifice the gloss … Read more