We do love streaming radios!
Besides using iTunes, WinAmp or a Shoutcast streaming server, we love all stand-alone devices that stream music from the tens-of-thousands internet radio stations out there.

There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, but internet radios give you such a great amount of choice, so here’s a couple of the best and latest internet radio devices right in time for Xmas shopping season!

The first-class choice: Logitech Squeezebox Radio

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is a first class, excellent Internet radio with clock/alarm functions. With the Flickr app installed, it will display photos stored under user’s Flickr account. Other capabilities which are nice to have but not likely to be widely used include its ability to stream audio from a computer or double up as an iPod speaker.

With the rash of recent A/V components integrating the plethora of web related, streaming audio content into their feature set, Logitech has been streamlining their delivery of the same content in their Squeezebox series. The Squeezebox Radio is Logitech’s most recent release into this field. The compact form factor of the Squeezebox Radio is designed for an audience looking to bring their library of music into a smaller room. Additionally, the Squeezebox Radio is ideal for those who have a Wi-Fi network already established for streaming audio files.

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio comes packaged in a small box and wrapped in light plastic packaging. It also comes wrapped in a thin plastic film designed to keep smudges off the finish. The piano black, glossy finish (also available in red) is very susceptible to fingerprints and dust is very visible as well. The only two cords that come with the Squeezebox radio are the AC adaptor (which uses the new detachable plug design) and a 3.5mm cord for connecting other audio sources such as an iPod Touch or another form of audio player.
Squeezebox red version

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is about 8.5 inches in length, 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. There is an indention in the rear of the unit to act as a handle if you plan to use the unit as a portable device. The rear of the unit also has the AC power connection port, an Ethernet cord port for a wired connection to your network and the audio-in port. The 3.5mm headphone port is on the right side of the unit.

The front of the unit is split in half, the left side being the built-in speaker (a 3-inch driver with a ¾ inch tweeter) and the right side containing all the buttons to navigate around your music collection. There are 6 preset buttons that surround the 2.4 inch color display. Simply holding down one of the buttons during your favorite streaming station OR audio file on your server will make that a quick way to get to that music.

The color screen is quite clear and I would equate the quality in image similar to my iPhone. It loads up track information, album covers and the Wi-Fi connection strength on the screen during playback. It will also auto-dim the screen after a period of non-use. Below the screen, you will find the standard music playback tools, volume controls and menu navigation buttons. The main menu navigation tool is a large dial just below the screen. This scroll wheel makes for quick navigation as well as item selection by pushing the dial into the unit.

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio retails for US $ $182.56 (saving is about 9%!)

Aluratek AIRMM01: simple and smart

Aluratek AIRMM01 brings the clock-radio into the 21st Century. It connects to your Wi-fi at home, and delivers almost any radio station you want from around the world.

Choose between more than 11,000 radio stations worldwide via built-in vTuner with no monthly cost!
The Aluratek AIRMM01 is compatible with universal Plug-n-Play audio servers such as: Microsoft Media Player 11 (WMP11), Microsoft Media Connect and MusicMatch Jukebox.
It features Wireless access - WIFI 802.11 b and g, Ethernet LAN port and USB 2.0 (host only) connectivity
You can access music files (MP3, WMA, WAV file formats) stored on a USB 2.0 flash drive, MP3 player or Hard drive through the unit’s USB port and has an alarm clock function with 2 programmable alarms wakes you up to internet radio, FM radio, digital music, or choice of several alarm tones.

It’s that simple and affordable too!

Get the Aluratek AIRMM01 now for US $ 89.99 (that’s 40% off regular price!)

With the iLuv iMM173 alarm clock and dual dock for iPod and iPhone, you can charge your iPod and iPhone while you’re sleeping and wake up to your favorite FM station or tunes from your iPod or iPhone. Featuring two integrated docks, an FM tuner, a large and easy-to-read display, and powerful built-in speakers, this unique bedside alarm clock lets you choose how you wake up every morning while making sure your iPod and iPhone are fully charged for the day.

The iLuv iMM173 features two integrated docks that give you the option of charging up to two iPods and/or iPhones. Do this while you’re sleeping, and when it’s time to wake up, not only will your devices be fully charged, but you also can wake up to your favorite tunes.

And thanks to the system’s powerful built-in speakers and jAura acoustic speaker technology, you’ll get sound with depth and clarity that belies its small size, making this bedside clock ideal for the kitchen or other room in your house as well. Note: iPhones can be charged on both docks, but only one will be fully compatible while the other will show “airplane mode.”

If you’d like to listen to the news, weather, or the latest radio hits, the iLuv iMM173’s built-in FM radio uses PLL digital tuning technology to ensure crystal-clear reception. The radio offers eight programmable presets, so your favorite stations are only a button-push away.

Or, connect another source–like the iPod shuffle, portable CD players, or other MP3 players–using the auxiliary line input. A remote control lets you operate the iLuv iMM173 from across the room, and a handy magnet on the back of the unit holds the remote when not in use.

The iLuv iMM173 features a large easy-to-read LCD with a 10-level dimmer that lets you turn down the brightness at night when it’s time to sleep. The time is easy to set, and a simple switch lets you change between standard and daylight savings time.

Dual alarm clocks, which offer the options of waking up to a buzzer, FM radio, or your iPod or iPhone tunes, ensure that your bedmate also wakes up on time. The iLuv iMM173 also offers a sleep option that lets you fall asleep to the radio or your iPod/iPhone. Plus, the alarm clock has treble and bass controls.

Price, about US$ 92.

There’s a saying that 2 is better than 1. When 2 can get together it’s special. The new JVC NXPN7 clock radio is very special. It accommodates two iPod players side-by side with its integrated dual-dock technology, charging them simultaneously and offering playback from each through the dock’s speaker system.
Supplementing iPod playback is an AM/FM tuner, and adding to the unit’s versatility is a clock and timer. In addition, there’s an analog audio input for connecting other devices for playback.
Though the JVC NXPN7 handles two iPod players, it measures a mere 13 inches wide and will fit almost everywhere.
It features sleek and sophisticated styling, with a black cabinet and speaker grille, and controls arrayed clearly and logically in a band along the bottom. Adding a bit of flair are two illuminated strips, one under each docked iPod.
These can display one of nine colors - including white, blue, red and others. The included remote control features dedicated iPod control keys that simulate the iPod control wheel layout, so users are able to easily shuffle, repeat, scroll and select songs from the iPod menu. Back illuminated LCD Analog audio input lets you add other MP3 players if you don’t have an iPod Remote Control (also controls iPod when docked)

In the end: dual dock, great sound, nice look and lots of features!
Price? $99.99 (just one time, not two!).

This year, despite economical troubles worldwide, Amazon.com finished the 2008 holiday season with over 6.3 million orders on December 15th.

This season Amazon shipped to over 210 countries.

More than 99-percent of the orders were shipped in time to meet holiday deadlines worldwide.

Among top selling gifts in electronic and toy departments were Nintendo Wii, Apple’s iPod touch, and stealth goggles.

Several sources suggest that iPod touch and iPod nano are among the top 10 best selling product for the end of 2008.

Check here Amazon.com best selling iPods and MP3 players list.

More details here:

Wired.com
CNN.com
Arkansasmatters
Reuters

It’s not about their cool design, it’s not about the renowned JBL audio quality.
It’s because your iPod will love them (and you will too!).

Meet JBL On Stage 200ID High-Performance Speaker Dock for iPhone and iPod and the JBL Time Machine Alarm Clock/Dock for iPod.

The JBL On Stage 200ID is compatible with iPod mini 1G; iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G; iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch and iPhone as well!

The JBL On Stage 200ID loudspeaker dock is a complete sound system for iPod and iPhone–one that will become the new centerpoint of your personal entertainment space. Imagine a total audio system in one place, with no extra wires running across your table or desk. Connected to your new-generation iPod or iPhone, MP3 player or other music source, the JBL On Stage 200ID system produces clean, powerful sound, letting you take complete control of your music.
The system features a powerfully tuned digital audio path. The clean and compact digital amplification, coupled with DSP (digital signal processing) equalization, efficiently provides the transducers with cool-running power.

The JBL Time Machine Alarm Clock/Dock for iPod will let you rise and shine every morning to your favorite music stored on your iPod instead of fuzzy radio stations.

The speakers are encased in an O-shaped bridge above the dome-shaped dock with digital clock. In addition to the iPod dock, it includes a radio, clock and dual alarm. Its two Phoenix aluminum-domed full-range transducers are driven by powerful neodymium magnets. The Ridge tweeter provides accurate high frequencies. This two-way design provides a full, rich frequency response from the lowest bass to the highest highs.

About compatibility, JBL Time Machine incorporates the Apple iPod Universal Dock adapter and is compatible with most docking versions of the iPod, including nano and 5G versions. A stereo mini jack connection allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices, including the iPod shuffle, MP3 and CD players, desktop and laptop computers (all platforms), and satellite radio.

The Creative Zen X-Fi has all the basic digital media player features you would expect to find in a non-iPod unit.
This includes being able to play MP3, WMA (including subscription and protected), WAV, Audible and AAC audio files, displaying pictures and videos, a voice recorder and FM radio.
It also includes WiFi capability and upgraded earbud headphones on the 16gb and 32gb models. There is also a stripped down 8gb that kind of seems like an after-thought.
The included upgraded headphones are a nice touch. Most players come with very cheap, crappy, earbuds but headphones like these would probably set you back $50 if you purchased the separately.

A great-looking compact system that fits anywhere, the Boston Acoustics Horizon I-DS2 features high performance full-range speakers, an acoustically tuned chamber for maximum bass, and a mini remote that puts you in control of your iPod from across the room.
The Boston Acoustics Horizon I-DS2 delivers 60 watts of system power for room-filling, high quality sound. With a composite video output to let you show off photos and videos from any video-capable iPod on any TV and a USB connector to keep all your content in sync with iTunes, the Boston Acoustics Horizon I-DS2 is a talented performer with all the right connections. First and foremost, Boston Acoustics is an engineering company, and every Boston Acoustics system is optimized to meet the highest performance standards.

Technical Details

Great savings on Logitech iPod Speaker Docks!

Here are 4 Logitech Speaker Systems for iPod that you don’t want to miss, ranging from US$ 40 up to US$ 142!

Logitech mm50 Portable Speaker System for iPod: now US$ 49.99

Logitech mm32 Portable iPod Speaker System: now US$ 40.99

Logitech Pure-Fi Elite Stereo System: now US$ 142.34

Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere Compact Speakers for iPod (Black): now US$ 84.95

Meet the Logitech mm32 Portable iPod Speaker System, compact and highly portable, are the perfect travel companion for your iPod or MP3 player. The mm32 system centers around a built-in iPod cradle that charges and syncs all “dockable” iPods, including the iPod 3G and 4G, iPod video, iPod mini, iPod photo, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle. The system’s matching quad neodymium microdrivers, meanwhile, produce crisp, satisfying audio whether you’re listening in a hotel room or lounging at the park. And to make things easier while traveling, Logitech added metal grilles to protect the drivers while throwing in a hard- shell carrying case.The Logitech mm50 Portable Speaker System for iPod utilize 3-inch pressure drivers to maximize bass and minimize distortion, creating the full experience of home audio for life on the go. The use of 3-D sound processing also widens the stereo effect, so that this system’s sound seems to come from an area about two feet wider than the speakers themselves. The speakers are powered by an AC adapter or rechargeable Li-ion batteries, come with a credit card-sized wireless remote, and are easily compatible with all docking iPods. If you don’t have an iPod with a dock connector, just use the auxiliary outlet.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere uses a unique combination of speaker drivers to deliver clear sound with maximum bass and minimal distortion. Its compact size and long battery life make it the ideal companion to your iPod. Plus, the system comes with a 2-year limited hardware warranty.
Thanks to the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere’s advanced acoustics, you’ll experience exceptionally clear sound with maximum bass. A set of 2-inch Max-X active, high-excursion drivers delivers full, balanced audio, while 3-inch pressure drivers maximize the bass response. StereoXL technology widens the stereo image dramatically, creating an immersive audio experience.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Elite stereo system creates a full-functioning stereo from your iPod, filling any room with high-performance digital sound. Charge your iPod while you enjoy favorite tunes from selected playlists or from the built-in AM/FM radio–and control it all from across the room with the included backlit remote. The remote also provides easy one-touch access to shuffle and repeat functions, and even allows instant access to preset iPod playlists without navigating menus on your iPod.

The Creative SoundWorks Radio CD 745 is more than just a radio, it’s an incredible sounding and extremely versatile sound system with an award-winning speaker design. Its two stereo speakers, combined with a powerful, built-in subwoofer produces incredible clarity and excellent bass when listening to broadcasts from the high-quality AM/FM tuners.

As well as 24 radio station presets, this top-of-the-line system includes a slot-loading CD player which can play MP3/WMA tracks and display their details. Dual alarms allow users to wake up to their favourite radio station or a CD, or to specify different wake-up times during the week and weekend.

Convenient front panel controls, plus the included remote, give users easy access to all its features, and the Creative SoundWorks Radio CD 745 includes versatile connectivity which allows people to connect their MP3 players and enjoy music through the amazing speakers.

iPod owners can add the optional Made for iPod approved dock which adds a remote control for playback and charges the player as users listen.

Available in black and white!

Best Buy said on Monday it will carry the U.S. broadcast radio industry’s high-definition radio technology at all of its stores nationwide, a move that could boost exposure for the nascent system.

In a continuing push to expand awareness of HD Radio, which receives over-the-air terrestrial stations with CD-quality sound and multiple new-program formats, Best Buy will sell car radios with HD Radio built in. During the rest of this year, other home and auto products that feature HD Radio will be available at the retailers’ 832 stores.

U.S. radio operators are working to promote HD Radio at a time when consumers are already faced with many digital music options, such as Apple Computer’s iPod, other MP3 players and satellite radio. The industry has pledged to spend $250 million on marketing through the HD Digital Radio Alliance.