If someone special on your shopping list happens to be one of the 30+ million iPod / MP3 owners, here's an idea for an add-on to help them get the most from their portable player...

Mini Review: Tivoli iPAL Portable Speaker / Radio -- $130 Discounted (Add $25 for optional carry bag with shoulder strap)

Plug your iPod or MP3 into Tivoli's iPAL, shoulder the custom carry case (like you would a canteen or purse), and you can now share your tunes while on the go.

The Mini Cooper of portable radios

I find the iPAL great for listening to my iPod with a couple of friends or ditching headphones when getting dressed in the morning. And audio books have never been more accessible when working around the house or winding down at days end.

iPAL stands a hair taller than the length of a dollar bill. And features rechargeable batteries, an optional carry case w/ shoulder strap, an input jack for your iPod or MP3, stereo headphone output jack, and two side pockets to hold your player and a patch cord or IEMs.

The unit exudes a feeling of quality construction in a compact and convenient package. And while the sound is impressive given its size, you’ll need more power to liven up your next rave.* Comes with AC adaptor for easy recharging.

I've had mine for almost a month now and I absolutely love it! You can find them at Tweeter, Magnolia (the new store-in-store at select Best Buy locations) and Brookstone. Also on the Web at www.jr.com. Here's what you can expect to pay...

iPAL retails for $150. I found it at JR and Brookstone for $130 (call J&R to get this price).
Optional case retails for about $30. J&R sells this for $25.

* Speaker is mono and can not be classified as hi-fidelity. The headphone jack however is stereo, allowing you to use your headphones for FM; a need not addressed by the iPod.

Recommended.

[12/07/05 Update: I happened to see this little unit (below) at Circuit City today. It's a worthy alternative to my iPAL. Made by Sonic Impact Technologies, makers of the T-Amp. Retails at $150.]

[I returned the Bose speakers featured in this post. I opted for the iPAL to gain greater mobility. For stationary use, the Bose actually sound better and costs less.}
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