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MP3 Player Speaker Docks

For all of you who have jumped on the MP3 technology wave (or plan to), you will be pleased to see that there are a bunch of devices being created that cater to your nifty MP3 Players. These are not your typical portable speakers either. These are speaker docks that serve both as a mount, mini amplifier and player for your MP3 player. There are also MP3 player. These usually require a cable cord that connects the speakers to the device so the player won't lie flush with the speaker unit. Expect these options to be less expensive in general. So how do you choose the right speaker dock for your MP3 player? First off, if you are looking for iPod docks, please see that Buying Guide. Otherwise, if you own another brand of MP3 player, read on. * '''Portability''' ** '''Compact:''' If you want something that you can throw into your backpack to bring on a picnic or to the beach, you will want the most compact lightweight option available. ** '''Home:''' A larger dock with higher wattage is ideal in a dorm, office or small bedroom or kitchen. ** '''Wireless:''' Wireless speaker docks are battery run and usually on the small side, perfect for taking with you wherever you go or for using around the house or yard. Look for models with a long battery life (30 hours is average). * '''Price''' ** Cost is often a factor for people buying audio equipment. Whether you have a lot or a little to spend, there are options that will fit your budget. ** Lower-priced models are usually less powerful and often the sound quality is inferior to a more expensive speaker system. * '''Compatability''' ** Not all docks are compatible with all brands or types of MP3 players. For example, one might work with the original but not with the video version. Some speaker dock models are meant to be compatible with various types, but they will not always connect seamlessly. Some come with plastic adapter clips, but always know what you are buying. Keep in mind that ''MOST'' iPod speaker docks do ''NOT'' dock other MP3 players and will require a connecter cable. ** If you want to hook your dock up with other digital devices you should check the model you are interested in for features such as various input/output connections for USB 2.0, headphones, an antenna (for models with AM/FM radio) and a DC adapter. A simple line-in jack should be able to connect computers and CD players as well. * '''Extras''' ** You may want a speaker dock that also acts as an alarm clock radio or one that has an AM/FM radio transmitter built in. ** A remote control is useful on larger home models. ** Treble and bass controls. ** Onboard volume control. ** Optional stereo surround sound or "wide sound" switch. * '''Wattage''' ** Most models are not very powerful and therefore are only recommended for use in small bedrooms, offices or dorm rooms. ** If you want something to really rock the house, you should probably think about getting an home theater in a box (HTIB). All of these options provide more volume and better quality with more options for playing a wide variety of devices and types of media, but they can still be used to play your MP3 player.

New Product 

  Models by Major Manufacturers *Altec Lansing inMotion iM4 * Travel Dock Zen Micro *Creative TravelSound 900 *JBL On Tour Portable Music Box * JBL Onstage *iPulse *iSphere

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see: ! DE: MP3 Player Lautsprecher Systeme