iPod Speakers Test

January 25, 2006 (KABC) -- To take advantage of the popularity of iPods, more and more companies are coming out with speaker systems for the devices.

Tom Maung of "Consumer Reports" just tested eight of the new speaker systems.

"You can just insert your iPod into this iPod slot and the sound is channeled through the external speakers," Maung said.

The devices range in price from 90 to 300 dollars. Most work with the whole line of iPods, as well as other mp3 players.

"At their best, these iPod speakers are comparable to typical boom boxes or bookshelf stereo systems," Maung said.

"Consumer Reports" found you get the best bass with the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 for 250 dollars.

For the best overall audio, "Consumer Reports" recommends the Bose SoundDock for 300 dollars. However, it's not super portable.

"It weighs a little over five pounds and it doesn't run on batteries," Maung said.

If portability and battery-operation are paramount, "Consumer Reports" says you'll sacrifice some audio quality. Your best bet: the JBL On Tour for 100 dollars.

It's quite small and runs on four triple-a batteries.

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