Unique iPod Docks: The Top 5

The iPods are still gaining momentum and pretty soon the CD jewel case will look as foreign to us as do cassette tapes. But the iPod and other MP3 players are taking us where cassette tapes and CD's never could. Everything is fair game to become an iPod dock and this hub looks at 5 unique and interesting ones to consider.

By Pottery Barn's Teen division, an iPod dock that is also a bed (compatible with other MP3 players) called the Tune-In Bed. The bed features 2 built-in 4" speakers, a wood bedframe that comes in white or brown, a curved headboard with your choice of 5 colors, and twin, full, or queen sizes. The music is controlled by a 3" round panel directly above a pocket that your iPod slips into. A 6 foot power cord is provided to power-up the tunes as you drift off to sleep.

Ofcourse, the Tune-In bed does not have mass appeal - it is going after the teen market. For those wanting a more mature look to their bed and iPod dock there is the Pause Bed by DesignMobel. This New Zealand company has made a handsome bed from New Zealand Rimu and has been designed for an iPod and Bose speaker system to be integrated perfectly.

PBTeen also makes the iChair - with speakers built-in by your ears and you sit on the sub woofer (2 - 3" 4 10 watt speaker and 1 3" 4 15 watt sub woofer speaker). This dock is housed in a funky designed chair covered in faux suede with 4 neutral colors for easy coordination. Like the Tune-In bed, the iPod is held in a pocket on the chair and the volume control is coveniently located on the right-side of the chair.

You can play all of your favorite tunes in the iChair or you can hook-up the audio from your favorite gaming console for a comfortable surround sound experience.

You won't have to look hard to find an iPod dock to serve as your speakers but what Belkin offers that most do not is a unique control feature. With most speaker docks you either get a remote control that is too small and hard to work or you do not get one at all. The Belkin dock has an adapter for your iPod so it becomes the remote control. The wireless signal from your iPod to the speaker base is good for up to 30 feet.

Yes, there are plenty of adapters that you can install in your car to listen to your iPod on the road but the Chevrolet Aveo comes with a standard built-in dock (with the RS Special Edition package). The beauty of this option is that the iPod controls are integrated with the stereo controls for ease of use while driving.

The Aveo itself does get mixed reviews on the car scene, but as time passes other car manufacturors are sure to pick up on this smart add-on.

There are many ways to wear your iPod dock, like this Black Coat made by Koyono. Made with a washable fabric for easy care, the controls are just inside the coat as you can see in the demonstration video. Koyona makes a variety of wearable iPod clothing in different styles and colors.

Made for the iPod Nano, the Tune Buckle is a stylish way to carry around all of your tunes. It comes in 3 different styles, each style shows a dfferent amount of the iPod from a full enclosure - you would never know an iPod was inside the belt to one where you can show off your stylish and functional iPod dock. Sizing is available for waists 31-35 inches. The second generation Tune Buckle is compatible with all iPod Nanos with features to accomodate square corners and the move of the stereo jack.