Speaking of Speakers
Ipod accessories are everywhere, but the most useful remain those related to playing music. Specifically, I mean speakers.
Using the USB charger to play an ipod through iTunes still works, but there are perks to a separate set of speakers. I like the extra mobility a set of iGroove or a Bose sounddock can give me. (Even with a laptop I’ve got too many extras plugged in to make on the go music incredibly convenient on a day to day basis.) Speakers can come with their own extras as well.
The most common speaker/dock I’ve seen at college is the ihome. The ihome can blast ipod tunes as well the radio (on certain models anyway) and, it tells time! What’s more convenient than a pair of speakers that not only charge your ipod but can get you ready for classes as well? I know it’s hard enough to get up in the morning you might as well have whatever it is that wakes you be as cheerful as possible. With the ihome you can set the tune (or tone) you want to go off as your alarm the next day.
The ihome, iGroove, and sounddock all charge the ipod as they play (which means your ipod is always ready to go even after a loud night of blasting party tunes). Charging is definitely an important part of most portable speakers, though not a necessity.
Another versatile option is a set of simple external computer speakers. Not only can they up the sound of iTunes but most sets can also be plugged directly into the headphone jack of an ipod or MP3 player. External speakers are my favorite because they also enhance my laptop DVD viewing experience as an added bonus. Whatever you want to get out of your speakers there is an option.
The Sound of Satellites
I have very little patience for a lot of things. I hate standing in lines, I’m not a fan of extended waits between sequels to anything, and I hate commercials. Commercials on TV, commercials on the radio, it’s all the same, I just don’t really like them.
This age of technology however has probably fed my impatience as well as aided my escape from the particular problem of commercials. Beyond an ipod while I’m driving satellite radio too has cut the ties that used to bind me to commercials. Satellite radio, while not in my car, is basically the best thing I’ve ever come across in anyone else’s car. There are over 100 channels on XM satellite radio (the service I’ve listened too) as well as on Sirius satellite radio. (Though a merger between the two companies has now been approved). My music options go up and my impatience levels go down. There’s even a cinema channel for soundtrack music, scores, and occasional dialogue.
It is an extra expense, but in an age of satellite dishes and digital cable television why should radio not be offered the same expanding opportunities? You don’t just get movie channels with cable nowadays, and it’s the same with music. Beyond expanding the melodic options, talk shows, and sports also have a commanding presence over the satellite waves. The radio is no longer a slave to chart topping hits, and neither are consumers.
An extra bonus to many satellite radio units is their versatility outside of the driver’s seat. Many of the radio consoles available today can be moved from a car to a docking station and speakers indoors. For versatile music there have to be options that promote versatility. Now if only everything else in life was as accommodating.
