There is something about wearing headphones that always seems to bug anyone over 35. Acting as an invisible shield, they block all of the bad jokes, uncomfortable conversations, and unwarranted contact by the outside world. Granted, such a device is God's little gift to the digital generation, but what happens when the weather gets warmer, and your cold shoulder melts away? What do you do when you want to come out of reclusion and enjoy music and sound with others?
It can be argued that summer songs in particular, always seem to have a karaoke type of appeal, like Brand New's "Seatbelt Song" or Sublime's "Riot on the Streets." Can anybody think of a night out with friends, which doesn't end with a group rendition of "Piano Man" by Billy Joel on the car ride home?
If you're thinking block party, pool session, or barbeque, but don't feel like dusting off your CD rack and settling with the last disc you committed to buying (mine was "Bills, Bills, Bills" by Destiny's Child that I purchased in eighth grade), here are some iPod speaker docks that will free up your ears and help you re-familiarize yourself with society.
Apple Hi-Fi
Apple's iPod Hi-Fi is a good place to begin. For $349, the Hi-Fi delivers crystal-clear, natural sound in a compact design. Measuring 17.0" x 6.6" x 6.9", just slide your iPod into the built-in Universal Dock to turn the system on. The Hi-Fi includes a remote control and charger built into the system, so you can charge while you listen to music. The D-cell battery makes the Hi-Fi portable. With three speaker cones, the Hi-Fi provides balanced sound across the frequency range. There is a DC mode, which manages the energy to enhance the battery life and sound. The best part about the Hi-Fi is that it houses all power components internally, so no cords.
A Variety from Logitech
If you aren't willing to spend so much on a system, Logitech offers a variety of iPod speakers for a range of prices, like the AudioStation ($299.99), mm50 Portable Speakers ($149.99), AudioStation Express ($99.99), and the mm32 Portable Speakers ($79.99). What's interesting about the AudioStation is that it features a digital AM/FM radio which can be manipulated through a remote control. Other features include a 1" High-Definition Soft-Dome Tweeter, 4" High-Power Long-Throw Woofers for a deep bass, DSP-controlled Dynamic Digital EQ to minimize distortion, and a Bi-amplified Transducer with Digital Crossover for a super loud sound.
The mm50 Portable Speaker's include a 10 hour rechargeable Li-ion battery and protective case, which makes it easily transportable. Other features include: Max-X High-excursion Divers, 3" Pressure Drivers, and a 3D stereo.
A High-End Speaker Dock, By George
A cause of concern for some buyers is the efficiency and accuracy of the remote controls that come with these systems. Most controls master the typical commands like skipping through tracks, manipulating volume, pausing and playing, but they don't feature a display showing the track and possible navigation options. Most iPod docking speakers rely on the minute screen of the iPod to display such features, forcing users with less than 20/20 vision to walk over to the iPod screen to navigate—which defeats the purpose of having a remote control in the first place.
A remedy to such a problem can be found in George—no, not a man named George that will walk over and change your tracks for you—but the high-end iPod music system from start-up Chestnut Hill Sound. The George builds a remote into the system that copies the display of the iPod. However, this solution can put you a tad over your budget, retailing at $549.
Everyone Knows Bose
If you're all about brand names for speakers, only one name—at least for me—comes to mind: Bose. Bose recently dropped down its pricey SoundDock for iPods from $399.99 to $299.99. The speakers are compatible with 30 GB and 60 GB iPods with video capability, and best used as a one-piece, desktop speaker system. The SoundDock is not designed to be portable (11.9"W x 6.7"H x 6.5"D) and requires AC power. A huge upside to this system is its easy 3-step setup: (1) attach and adjust the dock adapter (2) connect the power cable (3) place your iPod in the dock slot. The SoundDock provides an extremely solid, powerful sound, but does lack some key features that systems from Altec Lansing do offer—for a relatively cheaper price. With the SoundDock you can only listen to audio from a docked iPod, and cannot connect your computer or television to the unit.
Altec Lansing's inMotion portable audio system not only features an auxiliary input jack for connection with other audio devices like laptops, older iPods, and other MP3 players, but is designed with a highly efficient Class D amplifier which powers four full-range micro drivers. Equipped with MaxxBass technology, the inMotion provides a deep bass without the overwhelming size and weight of most speakers. The device folds to close at 15 ounces and 8" wide, 5.4" deep and 1.2" thick. The best part about the inMotion is its price, retailing at only $149.95.
When making a big purchase, it is always nice to have some choices. The freedom to choose gives consumers an upper hand to explore a buffet of different systems that can match any taste or preference. So liberate your ears, limit your intimate one-on-one sessions with your iPod to 30 hours a week, and share some of those rare summer sounds with others.