Six of the best iPod docks
7:00am Saturday 19th July 2008
WITH digital music devices becoming our favoured method of storing tunes, it's easy to see the end of the humble hi-fi in sight.
By Peter Jenkinson
SLEEK, slick iPod docks are more popular than ever, thanks to the ever-growing capacity of MP3 players and an increase in music downloads across all age groups.
Sound and build quality on these devices has improved dramatically and they are more than a match for other audio sources.
Out Of This World - Zeppelin Bowers and Wilkins - £399 from www.johnlewis.com
Designed with the fruits of the Apple company in mind this sleek, chic, almost cigar-shaped device produces superb sounds. As well as playing tunes from your iPod, this groovy gadget can be hooked up to your PC and other entertainment kit.
Mobile Solution - Altec Lansing T612 - £168 from www.pixmania.co.uk
Mount this on your wall and make it the perfect perching place for your newly acquired iPhone so you'll always know where it is. The other benefit of course is that it'll belt out your music - but stops playing automatically when you have an incoming call.
Moveable Music - Griffin Evolve - £203.82 from www.dabs.com
This system allows you to remove each of the wireless speakers so you can wander from room to room with your tunes.
Style And Substance - Fatman iTube - £195 from www.audioaffair.co.uk
This unique design incorporates good old-fashioned hi-fi technology in the shape of the three valves on the amp unit. Dim the lights, stick on some soothing sounds and enjoy the glow.
Sizeable System - iPod Party - £149.99 from www.iwantoneofthose.com
As well as having a dock on the top for your iPod, this device has a load of other inputs so you can plug in an array of audio gizmos and blast whatever you like through its 22-watt speakers. It also comes complete with a microphone, a handy pull-out handle and wheels on the base to aid a quick getaway.
Flatpack Fun - iPod Boombox - £19.95 from www.firebox.com
Relive the days of lugging oversized music systems on your shoulder with this classic cardboard creation. Turn it on and try to resist the urge to stomp around to your old favourite break dancing beats.