JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Blue)

• Compatibility: iPod mini 1G; iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G; iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch
• OnePoint iPod dock connection for synchronizing to iTunes application; Evercharge topology charges iPod even when unit is switched off
• 3.5-mm mini jack allows connection of other audio devices, such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers, satellite radio and laptops
• Odyssey Transducers and Slipstream port design provide a full, rich frequency response
• Includes an RF remote control with full iPod navigation

[UPDATE: Suddenly the value appears to be with black and/or silver JBL Micros. In answer to a question, yes, the Micro comes with a small, compact power adapter. One caution: most iPod dock-speakers can be quite "fussy" about which iPod models they choose to charge and play or simply play and not charge. Check on the return policy of the product, especially if it's not coming directly from Amazon, and be sure to test it frequently and thoroughly for the first couple of weeks. It's not entirely clear what distinguishes the newer Micro II from this 2008 model, but I would assume that the newer model has been minimally tweaked to cover some newer players. Also, although Amazon's prices are among the most reasonable anywhere, some bargains can occasionally be found in warranteed refurb models through the JBL store (located on that "other" big site). Finally, in answer to the purists who find any discussion of speakers used to play MP3 files without merit, there are many degrees of compression in MP3 files, with 128 kbps by no means the "norm." Moreover, even at 128 kbps the differences in the quality of sound is often as dramatic as night and day among some of these little overachievers.]

Presently this JBL On Stage Micro is going for 60% below the price of any other color, making it a no-brainer pick-up among docking speakers normally selling on Amazon for $100 or slightly more. JBL is a stylish, quality brand manufactured by Harmon International--durable, dependable, crisp-sounding. Despite the sharply divided reviews, the sound quality of virtually all speakers in the $80-$150 range is the same, with minor variations subject to differences in taste. I've found popular rechargeable units such as those made by Altec and Logitech to be unstable--sometimes changing iPod models will throw them off completely, requiring a reset with no guarantee of a fix. The JBL Micro, on the other hand, can be depended upon to deliver with either its AC connection or AA non-recharging alkalines.

Best disregard low-end merchandise--iLuv, GPX, Colby, J-Win and, unless you're looking for a clock radio, iHome. The sound is best described as "plastic-like," clearly inferior to a monaural speaker such as that of a Tivoli, Sangean, or Boston Acoustics radio. If you want a substantially improved system, one that goes beyond merely "covering" the entire frequency range to "reproducing" the sounds of the actual instruments, think more in the $200-300 range and look for a Klipsch iGroove, Athena iVoice, or Bose Sound Dock (the drawback--they're not for portable, battery use).

[In response to some misleading reviews: the JBL Micro has proven one of the more durable systems in its price range, and it comes with exceptionally smart packaging (form-fitting, padded storage bag with places for the adapter, remote and cord), guaranteed to make a great impression even before it's been used. Finally, it indeed DOES have a volume control--the left button for softer; the right for louder. Bass is admittedly weaker than some models in this range, but treble is superior and power is ample. If you hear cabinet "rattling," back off on the volume of your source; if you get a loud "hum," simply do an off-on reset. And hang on to the tiny remote (or learn how to live without it). Harmon's answer to my question about a replacement is usually, "It's out of stock."

Buy JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Blue) Now

My wife got one for her iPod. The JBL interfaces perfectly with the iPod and right out of the box the sound was better than expected. Lots of presence for such tiny speakers. Here's a trick we found out: Don't place the JBL directly on a hard surface, such as a desk top. You get too much reflection of the treble, and weak bass. Just place it on something that's a little sound absorbent: upside down mousepad, placemat, etc. Just not too soft like a towel, it should have a fairly flat surface because the unit does rely on some reflectivity from the base. Anyway, it clears up the bass and softens the treble noticeably. Placed in that manner, this thing produces sound quality well beyond what's expected from such a small, inexpensive unit. A lot of great audio names have been bought out and now produce junk (Altec-Lansing, Fisher, etc) so it's great to see JBL is still designing superior products.

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I have to admit that I was not expecting much when I ordered this. I wanted something that was portable , small and that would work well especially with audio books. Boy! Was I ever pleasantly surprised! This is a mighty mini sound system. It's eminently portable I can keep in my bag for work or travel. An added nicety is a good ,soft, padded bag for that holds the system, my IPod (in a case) and small earplugs (not my Bose set!). I think it is a great value for the money and I happy to find a product that was better (rather than worse!) than expected.

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I was slightly hesitant to buy this for my new iPod Touch after hearing some complaints. I didn't want to spend a lot of money but wanted the JBL quality that I love. I have a JBL Home Theater system that I can't get enough of so my expectations were high (plus I'm a picky person). I bought this primarily thinking I would use it in my home gym room. I like to blast my workout music and I've yet to find a pair of headphones I like to use for working out with my iPod. So a speaker system was the way to go. The requirements were that it had to: A. Sound good when the volume is way up; and B. Be able to blast over the noise of me running on a very loud treadmill. It worked great on both counts! I love the remote feature...I keep the remote on my treadmill and can use it to skip songs that I don't want to hear, etc. The bag that it comes with is great for hauling it around and protecting it. I would not hesitate to buy this if you have any doubts on it's quality or performance capabilities (particularly pertaining to it's use in conjunction with an iPod Touch).

This speaker has surprisingly good sound (for its size) for most songs. However for some songs, there is an annoying bass resonance that heavily distorts the sound.

For most Rock songs, it will be fine, but don't expect this to be good for classical, piano, or any other music that uses more of the spectrum. It will also sound bad for Rock songs that feature a bass guitar playing near the top of its range.

I like that JBL included the remote and a carrying case. It works great as an iPod dock. It sounds much better than my laptop's built in speakers.