When we reviewed the XtremeMac MicroBlast, I noted that it was perhaps the pioneer of a new type of iPod peripheral: a hybrid between a case and a speaker dock. However, the device's limited functionality and audio quality impaired its ability to execute...

Large, bright, crisp screen; high-quality, powerful built-in speakers; well-designed remote control; well-designed docking bay; can sync iPod with computer; touch-sensitive buttons; includes carrying case and applicable cables. Cons: Buttons sometimes "s...

Large, bright, crisp screen; high-quality, powerful built-in speakers; well-designed remote control; well-designed docking bay; can sync iPod with computer; touch-sensitive buttons; includes carrying case and applicable cables.

The iPod bay itself is remarkably well designed, with a base connector that is hinged and an indentation on the other side to allow for some "thumb room." In other words, you can remove the iPod simply by lifting it forward and then pulling it off the con...

So you've hooked up your video- or photo-capable iPod to your television and impressed your friends by showing pictures and videos on TV. However, maybe then they will want to hear some of your hip audio-only music tracks, and suddenly you realize that, w...

Enables iPod audio playback, in addition to the standard picture and video playback, on a television screen; remote is more functional than Apple's own; charges and syncs iPods; compact, well-designed unit does a good job holding an iPod as well as the re...

None, except for the inconvenience of the two-mode system, which is probably not the device's fault.

lines, although if your iPod doesn't support any photos or video files at all, then this is probably not the kind of dock you are looking for. The right side of the unit has a second "docking bay," for the device's remote control-although there is no actu...

"Noooooo!" I screamed, as the delivery man wrested the package out of my tense grip. Alas, it was no use. He yanked it away from me, and now it would be taken back to its rightful owners. I sighed as I realized it was too late.

-Enormous, super-bright screen -USB Host Capability (!) -Internal hard drive provides a huge amount of storage -Simple, intuitive interface -Elegant, lightweight design -Provides video capture capability with good quality -Can output to television...

-Screen doesn't work well outside -Screen has that odd matte look like past generation color BackBerry phones, which reduces the wow factor. -Device size, though impressively tiny considering the huge screen, is nonetheless a bit large for carrying arou...

So what exactly is it? Well, the device features a video-game-like directional pad on the left side plus two additional buttons, and play, pause, volume, and menu buttons or the right side. The Archos also has built-in stereo speakers, with one speaker on...

All those cool new apps on the iPod Touch have led to increased usage and decreased battery life as I use the WiFi connection more often, play games, and even keep it on for hours watching the progress of baseball games in real time. An external battery c...

More than doubles the battery life of the iPod Touch, is nice to hold, and doesn't add too much bulk to the iPod.

The battery pack takes a relatively long time to charge, doesn't charge the iPod Touch's battery, and is difficult to disconnect from the iPod Touch.

The Juice Pack comes with a USB-to-Mini-USB cable that can be used to charge the Juice Pack or to connect the iPod to the PC while it is still in the Juice Pack. This allows you to sync the iPod Touch with iTunes without removing it from the Juice Pack