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.
Normally $150, this sweet dock can be yours for $60.
(Credit: Altec Lansing)The Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 iPod speaker dock has a list price of $149.95, but until Saturday, you can score one from RadioShack for $59.99 shipped.
That's pretty sweet for a dock with an FM radio, rechargeable battery, and four-star rating from CNET.
One thing straight away: The iM600 is compatible with most iPod models (including the Touch), but not the iPhone. It doesn't charge newer Nanos, either. It does, however, feature a remote, an alarm clock (if your iPod already has one, that is), a stereo input jack for connecting other devices (ah, there's the iPhone compatibility), and a folding design for easy portability.
Speaking of which, the dock's rechargeable battery is rated for seven hours, making it a perfect companion for picnics, the swimming pool, and other outdoor activities.
I already own an older Altec Lansing dock--it sits in the kitchen and gets a ton of use. Here's your chance to score one that's even better than mine, and for a much lower price.
(Credit:
Logitech)
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, and cranks out 80 watts' worth of audio goodness. CNET's very favorable AudioStation review awarded it an 8 out of 10.
This a new unit, not a refurb, and it comes with an impressive 2-year warranty. The rebate deal (PDF) ends June 30.
(Credit:
Logitech)
Sound familiar? CompUSA.com has the Logitech iPod AudioStation on sale for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. (Plan on about $14 for shipping.) The last time I posted about this product, it was $50 after rebate!
The AudioStation is an iPod speaker dock that also has an AM/FM tuner. It features 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 also charges your iPod, of course, and cranks out 80 watts' worth of audio goodness. CNET's very favorable AudioStation review awarded it an 8 out of 10.
The rebate deal ends March 31, though there's every possibility it'll sell out before then. Trust me: You'll love pumping out your iPod tunes in your kitchen, bedroom, or wherever. This is a helluva speaker dock for 30 bucks.
Update: My apologies. It appears the price is now up to $49.99. Owing to some browser weirdness at my end, I was still showing $29.99. Sorry for the confusion!
(Credit:
SDI Technologies)
Now that you've stocked your iPod with dirt-cheap, DRM-free MP3s (see yesterday's AmazonMP3 post), why not let others enjoy your great taste in music? No, I don't mean file-sharing those MP3s (that's illegal), I mean popping your iPod into a speaker dock and filling the room with your tunes.
Decent docks often run upwards of $100 or more, but Amazon has the SDI OutLoud iH80B iPod speaker dock on sale for $39.99. No rebate, free shipping, new in box--sweet.
The iH80B runs on 8 "C" batteries or AC power; the latter charges your iPod while docked. It includes a remote, three iPod inserts (it's compatible with most models), an AV-out jack for viewing iPod videos on a TV, a line-in jack for connecting other kinds of MP3 players, and even a microphone jack for iPod karaoke. Add an optional second speaker to bring the total output power to 20 watts. (Yeah, the single speaker is a bit weak, but probably fine for smallish rooms.)
(Credit:
Logitech)
My iPod spends more time in its speaker dock than it does anyplace else. The dock resides in the kitchen; the iPod serves up tunes when the Cheapskate clan is cooking, cleaning, eating, and so on. My only regret is that it doesn't have a radio, meaning we can't listen to NPR when the mood strikes.
That's why I'm seriously eyeballing the Logitech AudioStation, an iPod speaker dock that also has an AM/FM tuner. It's packed with other features, too, like a remote, an audio input jack (for connecting non-iPod players), and composite and S-Video outputs (for watching iPod videos on a TV). It also charges your iPod, of course, and cranks out 80 watts' worth of audio goodness.
The AudioStation sold for $300 (!) when CNET first reviewed it (and rated it 8/10), but now you can grab one for a mere $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
Note that TigerDirect won't let you return the item unless it's defective, and even then you can only exchange it for a replacement. On the plus side, it's backed by a 24-month Logitech warranty.
(Credit:
Woot)
If you managed to score one of those $99-or-less first-gen Zunes I've been writing about, now's your chance to score a pretty sweet speaker dock to go with it. The Altec Lansing M604 offers room-filling power, deep bass, and a wireless remote. (This ain't marketing talking; I own one of them.) It also charges the Zune, connects it to your TV (via a video-out port), and works with other MP3 players (via a line-in jack). You can even mount the sucker on a wall.
The M604 sold for $199.95 when it debuted early this year, but Woot's got 'em for $39.99, plus a reasonable $5 for shipping. But hurry, hurry, hurry: The best Woot deals never last, and this one probably won't survive the morning.
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