iPod dock

When I first saw the Skullcandy iPod Speaker Dock ($70) at Target, I questioned how good the quality could be from something so compact. But after testing it out myself, I take back all the doubt I had previously cast upon it.

Coming with a battery-powered remote and charging cable, the Skullcandy Pipe is perfect for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or even the living room if you're looking for a full sound in a smaller space. I had this playing at a recent family holiday party, and it provided the perfect amount of background music to keep the party going into the night. The remote gets great range, and just four AAA batteries seem to last quite awhile if you aren't using the included charging cable. To see what else I thought about the Skullcandy Pipe, just read more

I know, I know, it still might seem a bit early to be thinking about Christmas gifts, but after posting one cute iPod dock that would make a good stocking stuffer, I had to add this funky option to the list.

The Boombox Dock Speaker ($18) is compatible with most iPods and the iPhone, and is less than three inches long. It's totally retro and inexpensive — I love it!

Got gift-giving on the brain, too? Check out some geeky gift suggestions I've already posted for moms, dads, and moms-to-be.

Every once in a while, I run across a gadget I'm not sure is kind of useful or just plain odd. Like cosmetic company Stila's geeky makeup case, which was featured on BellaSugar. Part makeup case, part portable speakers, the Makeup Player ($70) even comes with cosmetics inside.

Download instructional videos from stilabeautytube, plug your iPod (or any video-playing MP3 player) into the case below the mirror, and watch instructional makeup videos from a professional makeup artist as you try the tricks for yourself.

It seems a little gimmicky to me, but I could see the appeal, especially if you're trying to learn some new tricks. Would you use this case?

Remember the Lego Block iPod Dock of last year? They were big, but they were only available in primary colors (not unlike their origins). If you loved them but thought, you know, I just need a little more bling in my block, then you're totally in luck.

Check out these Gold and Silver Lego iPod Docks from Fred Flare ($30 for the metallic hues, so just $5 more than the original colors).

The metallic docks and their Lego-ness are reminiscent of gold Lego earrings, which I was also pretty into. What can I say? Take something geeky, dip it in gold, and I'm all over it.

I totally fell in love with the Sonic Integrity MP5-DS iPod docking station when I first saw it back in 2007, and now my friends, it's on sale. I loved the science behind the MP5, being that it's a tube amplifier system, which generally produces more rich and warm sounds than regular amp systems. Pack on a set of 50-watt speakers and you're ready to pump up the jams from an iPod dock that's kinda reminiscent of an old school science experiment.

When the MP5-DS first hit the market, it came in at a whopping $750 bucks (way out of my price range), but now that it's half off at $370, I'm getting closer and closer to making it my own. Still, way too pricey for my blood, but it's nice to know that with enough patience you can achieve anything — even if it's achieving a larger total amount on my credit card. Don't tell Savvy I said that.

This week, I watched NBC's fascinating two-part Inside the Obama White House special, where news correspondent Brian Williams took viewers on a candid tour of the West Wing — kinda like a day in the life of the Obama administration. Aside from learning about the abundance of freshly picked apples and bowls of candy in every room, Obama's favorite cell phone — the BlackBerry of course — was spotted in the hands of almost every administration employee. There are also many iPods and iPod docks, as employees are encouraged to listen to music while working. Out with the old and in with the new!