Looking for an iPod boombox

[zachdog]

I'm looking for a nice iPod boombox. Okay, I'm looking for the perfect iPod boombox! Here's what's on my list:

**Required Items**
Uses Apple universal dock inserts (so I can use my iPhone in its case without the insert!)
Battery and A/C power
FM radio

**Bonus items that would be nice but not required**
A handle
Remote control

I purchased the iLive iBP181B and it really drives me nuts to remove my iPhone and iPod from their cases in order to use the boombox. Help me find something better -- preferably for under $100. Thanks!

[decay]

... and it needs to come delivered on the back of a unicorn!

[zachdog]

decay wrote:
... and it needs to come delivered on the back of a unicorn!

Yes, a pretty pretty pink unicorn. Thank you!

[stephen]

Not sure if it meets your criteria, but the Brookstone one I bought my brother for Christmas was pretty cool.

[zachdog]

stephen wrote:
Not sure if it meets your criteria, but the Brookstone one I bought my brother for Christmas was pretty cool.

I'll check it out. Thanks!

[WHiiP]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YHT...nkCode=xm2&tag=ihctc-10614-20


I have an earlier model without the AM/FM, I really like this unit. Sounds great. I use it out by my pool every day.

[lazydays]

You may have read some of my previous posts about iPod speakers and if so you know I am very very picky about sound quality. Your budget doesn't allow for getting the "best" but I do believe Altec Lansing is your best option. They make extremely good sounding iPod docking systems, with battery backups, and they sound surprisingly good for their price point. They have several units in the $90-140 range that I think you would like. Check their website for a comparison of the models, http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/ipod-i...espeakers/

Also, consider that whatever speaker system you purchase will most likely outlive the iPod's universal dock. Be sure to buy something that has an audio input to safeguard against the future. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide on.

[Lux Interior]

I have been very happy with my Logitech:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Pure-Fi-A...ref=sr_1_1

I have dragged it all over Europe. I don't use any inserts. I just plug in my iPhone in the bare socket with case.

[zachdog]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out all the options above!

[SteveO]

zach, you may also want to make sure you get one that is forward-compatible with AirPlay. AirPlay is what Apple now calls wireless streaming for music/video. A few models have come out over the past several months; I've tested some at BB but was not overly impressed with sound quality.

I'm waiting on Logitech to come out with their AP version which was announced last October or so but to my knowledge has not been released. EDIT: lo and behold, it was released apparently just now! The great thing about AirPlay is you don't even have to dock to play your music...but you can if you want to stay charged or whatever. AirPlay will be all over the place soon enough.

FWIW, I can second the Altec Lansing recommendation. I have the im600 or 700 (I forget, had it about 5 years now) and it's got an FM tuner and a couple of aux/sub ports on the back. It folds into itself for easy transport and it's rechargeable and the battery lasts far longer than I ever need it while unplugged. Really, the best of all worlds. Sound is good but not as good as a boombox (but that's the small footprint tradeoff). I compared it to Logitech's latest dock (sans AirPlay one) and the Logitech blew it away in sound quality, but not sure if the LT has FM. Keep in mind my AL is 5 years old, though. I'd imagine the new ones sound a lot better.

If you can live without the FM tuner, your iDevice can pull in radio via TuneIn app or others. The sound quality can greatly vary, though. And I've found that it's impossible to get NCAA sports via web radio (even on those stations that carry it on their terrestrial signal) unless you pay a premium which I think is just stupid and ridiculous. They have ads running all through the game to pay for the broadcast. Greedy SOB's./rant