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Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday August 31, 2006

Simon Tsang

Music has never been so portable. Simon Tsang tunes in to the new wave

of technology.

1. Snooze to your tunes

JBL On Time iPod speaker, $399.95, www.conexus.com.au. Phone: 9975 2799.

If you can't decide between an alarm clock or iPod speaker dock, JBL's On Time will solve your dilemma. Sure, it turns your iPod into a mini sound system like every other speaker dock but it has a built-in AM/FM radio, too, not to mention the cool backlit LCD clock. Just choose your favourite song and set one of the two alarm times.

2. Podding around

Apple iPod video 60GB, $598, www.apple.com.au. Phone: 13 3622.

Now in its fifth generation, the iPod is still a perennial favourite despite a raft of new rivals. It's easy to use, easy on the eye and is matched with iTunes, the best music jukebox software and online music download store in the business. The latest 30GB and 60GB iPods add the ability to play video files.

3. Look, listen and talk without wires

Motorola Oakley O ROKR headphones, $369.95, www.motorola.com.au.

Phone: 1300 138 823.

For the more active, Motorola's partnership with Oakley has come up with a resourceful solution to listening to music on the go - build the headphones into a pair of sunnies. Not only that, make it wireless so it can connect and stream music from your mobile phone without plugging in a single cord. It achieves this using Bluetooth technology so your phone needs to support it. Buttons on the folding arms let you control music playback. If a call comes, just push another button and you've got a hands-free headset.

4. Sound of silence

Shure E4c sound-isolating earphones, $479, www.jands.com.au.

Phone: 9582 0909.

Audiophiles who want to block background noise without the intrusion and bulk of added circuitry are the target market for the Shure E4c earphones. They work like earplugs and different foam and rubber sleeves are supplied so you can tailor them to your ear. The cord is worn around the top of your ear but the E4c is comfortable, quiet and lightweight and you don't have to turn up the volume to hear the music.

5. Dial m for music

Sony Ericsson W810i Walkman, $899, www.sonyericsson.com.au.

Phone: 1300 650 050.

Mobile phones and music go virtually hand-in-hand these days but not all handsets carry the same cachet. If it's street cred you're after, look no further than the W810i. It has earphones that sound terrific and the 512MB memory card can store about 150 tracks or be upgraded to take four times that. Quick-launch buttons make it easy to get to your music and the phone includes a two-megapixel camera for photos or videos.

6. Start storing

Palm LifeDrive mobile manager, $699, www.palm.com.au. Phone: 9844 5420.

Do you know someone who is super-organised? This is the digital equivalent. The LifeDrive not only stores and plays music, it also handles photos, videos and Office documents such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, thanks to a 4GB hard drive. In addition, you can check your email and browse the web using its built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless technology and keep all your contacts and scheduled appointments. The Secure Digital slot can copy photos directly from your digital camera's memory card. There's even a voice recorder, too.

7. Speakers to go

Altec Lansing iM9 speaker dock, $349.95,

www.audion-mm.com.

Phone: 1300 300 364.

This is the four-wheel-drive of iPod speaker docks. The iM9's rubber cladding isn't

a fashion statement; it helps the speakers take a few knocks and still keep thumping. It's splash-resistant, too. Slip it into its custom-designed sling bag and take it along on your next camping trip or barbecue.

© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald

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