The sound of music

GIZMO GALLERY

The iPod culture has spurred manufacturers to devise compatible accessories. Here are some of them.

Apple iPods are a cultural phenomenon and that also explains the constant influx of iPod accessories in the market.

Bose joins some of the biggest names in computer and home audios that have responded with systems specifically made for the iPod (and, just as significantly, incompatible with other portable players).

With its Rs 24,637 SoundDock speaker system, Bose uses the now-familiar dock connector base for iPod connectivity. Most small speaker systems "" even those with a built-in iPod dock "" have a variety of input and output terminals, so you can connect them to your computer, or use them with other makes of MP3 players.

Not the case with the SoundDock, though. It's designed for use with the Apple iPod and no other brands need apply. The only input connection possible for the SoundDock is through the docking terminal. Just place the iPod in the dock, and start listening.

Because there are slight size differences between the various models of the iPod, Bose includes several adapters that slip down into the docking recess.

Simply snap the appropriate iPod adapter in place, and the player is ready to roll. Bose avoids the issue of multiple outputs as well; the SoundDock's only output is a headphone jack.

This way, one can either let the SoundDock system send music into room or listen in privacy through headphones. Since the SoundDock is essentially a docking station, iPod is automatically charged whenever connected so there is no worry about running out of power.

If you're looking for the best sound for Rs 25,000, then Altec Lansing iM7 should be on your list too. These speakers provide a deep bass and the best sound that you can get for this money.

The iM7 provides good performance at the high frequencies and the system's subwoofer design allows a decent bass, as well. When compared to the SoundDock, the differences are more subtle.

The SoundDock"" best for its rich mid-range sound""edges the iM7 in the mid-range, whereas the iM7 with its adjustable treble and bass levels, has the advantage at the extremes.

For most listeners, the SoundDock and iM7 will be fairly comparable in sound quality, although some people will prefer the iM7 because of its ability to fine-tune the treble and bass.

Equaliser and compression is not the best on Bose, and this is where the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 or JBL speakers step in. Another drawback of Bose SoundDock is that they need to be plugged into AC power.

Also, there is no dock connector on the Bose unit, so you can't sync your iPod with your computer while it's in the SoundDock; you must remove it from the SoundDock and connect it to your computer via the iPod's dock cable or dock base.