Alarm clocks and speakers

A mouse that roars (or maybe squeaks)

The PC mouse has, perhaps appropriately, been the subject of myriad laboratory experiments that have grafted on various non-mousage functions that do things like keeping the desktop clean (in more ways than one). And the Frankensteinian ideas are getting weirder all the time.

So it was refreshing to see that this latest gadget--a USB mouse speaker--apparently doesn't do any computer navigation at all, because we think the desktop rodent has already suffered well beyond its fair share of abuse. Instead, it's just a novelty item that's shaped like a toy mouse and can work with an … Read more

Hands-on with the Tannoy i30: Loud and proud

No quirky intro for you today: Along with the B&W Zeppelin, Tannoy's i30 is the best iPod speaker system Crave UK has ever heard.

From the minute we opened the beautifully packaged i30 we knew we were in for a treat. The system itself is extremely weighty at just over 7.7 pounds, with a solid and glossy black enclosure, and seductive dark speaker grilles, between which sits your choice of iPod. Around the back is a line-in socket for non-iPod models, along with a USB port for hooking it up to iTunes, composite video out and … Read more

'Lego-esque' gadgets tap into craze

Apparently the Lego-iPod mashup that surfaced last year has tapped into a demand for other brick-like products, though we can't help but wonder if trademark complaints are in the offing.

Yesterday, for example, Technabob passed along a selection of "Lego-esque media players" and matching stereo docks in various colors. And today, Akihabara News tells us of a "Lego-like USB key" that can be joined with other pieces to create a custom flash drive.

The keys have only 1GB of storage space, but don't worry: When it's full, you can still play with them … Read more

Porsche engineers a new audio system

We've seen everything from toasters to coffee makers developed by Porsche Design, so it's always nice when they come out with something that's a little farther along on the high-tech evolutionary scale. And the Porsche Audio System fits that bill, at least where design is concerned.

What makes it different are the three dials that control the volume, AM/FM radio, and other functions, which are hollow for a good reason: There's a speaker in the middle of each one, in a 1.5-inch cone, complementing the 3-inch subwoofer in the back, SlashGear says. A separate … Read more

Chumby review, photos

Looking like the lovechild of a Tribble and an iPod Touch, the Chumby is an adaptable little do-anything box that can stream internet radio, browse YouTube videos, serve up newsfeeds, wake you up in the morning, and generally distract you from doing anything productive with your life. In short: the Chumby is a blast.

Want the full low-down? We've got our own Chumby photo gallery, along with the official CNET review.

'iSoundSpa' does the accessorizing for your iPod

With so many iPod colors coming out all the time, it can be difficult to coordinate them with their docks and speakers. The "iSoundSpa Fusion" is designed to take the angst out of coordinating accessories with your media player by providing the option to mix and match faceplates.

The Fusion combines a dual alarm clock, AM/FM radio, and "six soothing nature sounds" with an iPod dock, Chip Chick says. But what makes it different from so many other docks is its interchangeable facades, which come in four colors in addition to the original white for $… Read more

Speaker dock would make Dumbo proud

The search for a universal portable speaker design has been like hunting for UFOs or the Loch Ness Monster: Tons of sightings, but the real thing remains as elusive as ever. If anything, we should expect to see increasingly unusual attempts until the electronics industry figures it out, whether they're made for media players, mobile phones, or any other form of portable audio.

The latest: elephant ears. That, at least, is what the "LiveSpeakR" stereo dock looks like to us. The system wraps around the iPhone or iPod Touch, connected by USB port and accommodating both vertical … Read more

Get an iPod speaker dock for $39.99 shipped

Now that you've stocked your iPod with dirt-cheap, DRM-free MP3s (see yesterday's AmazonMP3 post), why not let others enjoy your great taste in music? No, I don't mean file-sharing those MP3s (that's illegal), I mean popping your iPod into a speaker dock and filling the room with your tunes.

Decent docks often run upwards of $100 or more, but Amazon has the SDI OutLoud iH80B iPod speaker dock on sale for $39.99. No rebate, free shipping, new in box--sweet.

The iH80B runs on 8 "C" batteries or AC power; the latter charges your … Read more

The flying wedge targets the iPod

After having conquered TVs, projectors, and even mice, the Stealth invasion now has its sights on the iPod. A new Kenwood stereo dock headed for the Japanese market bears the unmistakeable flying-wedge design, but its sound doesn't exactly match the menacing appearance--its speakers put out only 1.9 watts, according to Akihabara News. With that kind of audio, you might as well get a wooden cube and save some money.

Electric guitar case will play your iPod

It's the next logical step, we suppose, in the guitar mania that's sweeping our culture: an electric guitar case that doubles as an iPod speaker dock. The "Gator Lightweight Electric Guitar Case" has two built-in battery-powered speakers and a clear pouch on the side to hold a media player, according to Red Ferret. For those who really must have keep their guitars at the ready this much, however, it might be worth considering a model that folds away for easier stowing.