Speaker dock, subwoofer for iPod, iPhone: $79.99
Most iPod/iPhone speaker docks come up short in the bass department. If you like your tunes thumpin', I've got just the solution: Buy.com has the Philips Docking Entertainment System DC912 for $79.99 shipped. Normal price? $179.99.
Before I get into the details, I need to point out the big "but." No, it's not, "but there's a rebate." And, no, it's not, "but it's a refurb." (It's new.)
The DC912 is $79.99, but you need to pay with PayPal to get that price. For me that's not an issue: I routinely sell stuff on eBay to fund my PayPal account, which I then use for stuff just like this.
If you don't have an account, the dock will run you $109.99--still a pretty solid deal considering the list price.
So, what's the big deal about the DC912? For starters, check the photo: It's sweet-looking! Love that silvery flat-panel design. You can use the stand or mount the dock on a wall using an included bracket.
Cooler still, it comes with a standalone subwoofer. A wireless subwoofer. Combined with the dock, it churns out a seriously impressive 100 watts of audio power.
The unit also includes a remote, an FM tuner with 20 programmable presets, and an aux jack in case you want to connect a non-iPod player. It can even play MP3s and WMAs stored on USB drives and SD/MMC cards.
As you'll discover in the above video review, CNET didn't love the DC912's audio quality. However, the user reviews on Amazon as well as Buy.com's product page tell a different story: 4.5 stars out of 5 across the board. (Users tend to be less persnickety about audio quality than professional reviewers.)
A note to iPhone owners: You can use DC912, but you'll have to switch to Airplane Mode to avoid interference.
My daughter is about to become the crazy-happy owner of a refurbished 8GB iPod Nano Touch ($179 from the Apple Store). Might just have to spring for one of these to go with it.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
I am VERY wary of Philips products. I worked at an electronics retailer for several years and Philips products were crappy. Poorly designed, poorly manufactured and noticeably less satisfying than their competitor's similar offerings.
This is not directly related to this item, but Dell has a really good deal on an upgraded Mini 10v that I think ends today. Go to Dell.com and put in evalue code DNPCFT2. Includes 6 cell battery, 160GB hard drive and wireless g/n card. It is only $329 ($337 with shipping). This is only $30 more than the base model with a 3 cell battery, 120 gb drive and wireless g card.
You can only find this deal by flipping through the Dell June catalog (page 11, I think) or by searching on the evalue code. You can't get it by taking a base model and configuring it.
For example, the cowon s9 has audiophile like sound quality, and a full 4.3" touchscreen AMOLED screen and its the same price as the iPod Nano with its tiny screen. And I'm sorry for saying this but I've found that apple's audio quality with their products is just average.. I know you get iTunes but the music is more expensive than amozon's music. And if you just have to have syncing with iTunes, the Cowon can do it.
I wouldn't have said anything, but you've been covering Apple's products like crazy recently
I love what rick goes!
HEY! Thanks for the heads up man!
HEY! Thanks for the heads up man!
- by josh81 July 9, 2009 10:31 AM PDT
- Just ordered one! It wouldn't let me use PayPal for some strange reason, so I tired it with just my VISA card. Worked great! Also, @AlbanyHDTV - it defaults to an upgraded shipping. Reduce it to "budget shipping" to get it free. As for the tax, that will vary state-by-state. I did NOT have to pay tax, though. Now I just hope that I don't end up with 2 with the failed attempt to pay via PayPal! :-) (I never confirmed the purchase, so I'm 99.9% sure it didn't go through.)
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