One watt of power doesn't seem to sound like much, but, according to the makers of the PocketParty, it is enough to blow your friends away. The PocketParty is a micro speaker system and detachable stand for the iPod that adds a little bit of heft, but also lets you listen to your device on your desk or something.

The PocketParty runs for 10 hours off of a single AA battery, cranking out the sounds from two speakers. The attachment currently only works on the iPod Nano, requires no cables and weighs only 38 grams.

With concerns that the earphones bundled with the iPod can cause hearing loss, I guess more accessory companies will unveil these little attachments to keep you out of harm's way. Though I've never thought one watt of power was a lot, I'm going to have to try these out, you never know. In any case, the design sort of complements the iPod itself and looks pretty cool as a stand.

Griffin Technology has created a new speaker system dock for the iPod shuffle called the TuneBox:

Plug your shuffle into the docking connector between TuneBox's twin speakers for instant gratification. TuneBox charges your shuffle's battery while it's playing.

TuneBox's micro drivers and efficient amplified speakers generate a powerful, dynamic sound, with unexpected clarity and great highs and lows.

TuneBox keeps the shuffle's clickwheel controls up front within easy reach. Though it's designed to visually complement the iPod shuffle, TuneBox delivers great sound from any Mp3 player or other audio device that uses the standard 3.5mm stereo jack.

With a space investment of less than 4 square inches, TuneBox delivers impressive sound and functionality.

TuneBox Features:

Total power output of 2+2 Watts for amazing power and volume

3.5mm jack input (compatible with other MP3 players and devices)

Stylish design that complements Apple's award-winning industrial design

Functional design keeps shuffle controls handy

Dimensions: 4.32 inches x 2.44 inches x 4.4 inches

DC power cable for use in office or home

Slim design AC adapter fits easily on crowded power strips or wall outlets

Input: 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz 0.5A

Output: 12VDC 1.0A 12.0W

PodGear has released the HouseParty iPod Dock. The HouseParty is compatible with the 3G, 4G20, 4G40, Mini, Photo, and Shuffle models. The HouseParty will also charge your iPod, and enable synchronization with your computer via USB while playing 2x6W of stero sound. Features:

- High quality 2.0 stereo speaker system
- USB port for syncing your iPod with your computer
- Charges iPod? and iPod Shuffle?
- Auxiliary line in port
- Feather touch volume controls
- Funky blue LEDs light up your iPod?

The tube-shaped Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 is a combination Apple iPod dock and portable speaker system. The iM7 adds a little oomph to the company's inMotion line, providing room-filling sound in a stylish white and gray casing.

The iM7 is part of a growing trend in this product category, in which portable speakers are becoming larger, heavier, and louder. It offers several advantages over Bose's Editors' Choice-winningSoundDock Digital Music System, not least of which is that it can run on either batteries (eight D-size alkalines) or AC power. The iM7 also makes more sense for iPod users than, say, the Virgin Boomtube EX by virtue of its integrated iPod dock connector, though the Altec Lansing system is much larger and heavier. The iM7 impressed us enough to name it our Editors' Choice, though the SoundDock will retain its EC award for non-portable systems because of its slightly superior sound.

The iM7 consists of a white plastic shell and gray speaker grille that wraps nearly all the way around the system, covering two 1-inch tweeters and two 3-inch midrange drivers. But its real power lies in the 4-inch side-firing subwoofer on one side, and the 4-inch passive radiator (essentially a bass resonator) on the other.

You can carry the unit, which measures 6.5 by 16.75 by 6.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 11 pounds (with batteries and full-size iPod), via a rubberized handle on the upper back, though we found this awkward and uncomfortable because of the weight and balance. You can buy aftermarket carrying bags, but the unit does not come with a case or bag.