• Think Outside BoomTube H201
• Bose SoundDock
• Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II
• Parrot BOOMBOX
• iLuv i99

Editor’s Choice Headphones

PCMag says: The audio quality is impressive and very full, thanks to dual subwoofers (2.2-inch drivers, 24 watts), two powerful satellites (2.2-inch drivers, 12W per channel), and integrated MaxxBass technology. The system’s output is plenty powerful for small gatherings—it provides the most bang for its size of any portable we’ve seen so far.

CNET Says: The overall design of Think Outside’s Boomtube H201 might be unique–even cool–but we could have done with a bit more boom.

ZDNet Says: The two remote speakers sounded reasonably rich, with fair detail in the soaring strings, and we were able to crank the volume to bone-rattling levels with little distortion, thanks to the Boomtube’s output of 20 watts per channel. However, bass response was disappointingly subtle, even with the bass control cranked all the way up.

Digital Trends says: The Bose SoundDock is an excellent option if you are looking for a simple speaker dock away from your computer for your iPod or iPod Mini. While the unit lacks some of the features that the competition boasts, potential buyers should consider whether they will ever actually use those features. In the sound quality category, the SoundDock comes out on top.

PCMag Says: The SoundDock isn’t an audiophile speaker, but it gives even our favorite desktop models a run for the money above 80 Hz. It’s a triumph of engineering and a shoo-in for Editors’ Choice.

MacWorld Says: If you’re using the SoundDock in the types of environments for which it’s intended—on a desk, or in a bedroom, office, or kitchen—you’ll be rewarded with good sound in an eye-catching package.

CNet says: Harman Kardon bridges the platform gap, allowing anyone with a 1/8-inch minijack input to take advantage of the SoundSticks II and their fantastic output.

DigitalReviews Says: …these speakers are for those who place a little more emphasis on sound and design over total output power. The only thing I would have liked to see with these speakers is a headphone jack on the satellite speaker and possibly a volume meter for the volume control buttons.

ilounge Says: …we wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to add a set of the Soundsticks to an iPod or computer setup. They look great, sound great, and won’t kill your wallet.

CNet says: The Parrot Boombox wireless Bluetooth speaker system ably combines elegant design, minimalist aesthetics, and better-than-average sound quality at an affordable price.

IT Reviews Says: Given the speaker’s abilities and audio performance alone it’s not overpriced, and if you think you’ll get a decent amount of use from the Bluetooth support it comes in as a bit of a bargain.

TrustedReview Says: If you use your phone as an MP3 player and want something to play your music on then the Parrot Boombox is an excellent option. Sound quality was excellent, besting the iPod Hi-Fi comfortably with little loss of quality when streaming via Bluetooth. The only caveat is the slightly disappointing Bluetooth range…

LaptopMag Mag says: With the module in place, you can stream music from a phone to the i199’s speakers or transmit sound from the unit to a wireless headset. Though the Bluetooth function isn’t built in, exactly, pairing was painless, and the sound was excellent.

CNet Says: The impressive iLuv i199 provides a dizzying array of features–including iPod compatibility, CD player, AM/FM clock radio–you’ll be hard-pressed to find on any other tabletop audio systems at this price.

Ngadgeti Says: Among this feature-heavy iPod speaker’s many talents is the ability to play MP3s from USB thumb drives, as well as dock and pump out tunes from iPods. It has a slot for regular and MP3 CDs, a radio, and even an alarm clock. The iLuv’s sound is pretty decent, too. It’s a shame that operating it is such a pain.