JBL On Stage Micro (black)

The digital-audio market is not hurting for portable iPod speakers, which can make sorting through the choices a bit of a hassle. One way to narrow the playing field is to look for models that match the hue of your iPod. Whether you have a black or silver iPod Classic, or a colorful Nano, JBL's On Stage Micro has a paint job to match. This $99 speaker may not pack the low-end wallop of the big boys, but it's cute, compact, and suitable for a bedroom, office, or hotel room.

As its name suggests, the On Stage Micro is a smaller version of the JBL On Stage. Like its bigger sibling, the Micro displays the iPod dead center on a raised circular platform. A brushed metal grille surrounds the base of the stage and conceals two aluminum transducers. In front of the iPod dock are the touch-sensitive volume buttons and an LED that indicates power and battery life. The four AAA batteries (not included) are inserted behind a twisting compartment door located on the bottom of the speaker. The On Stage Micro can also be powered via the included AC adapter, which plugs into a port on the back of the unit. Other jacks include a mini USB for pass-through syncing, an auxiliary-line input for use with non-iPod MP3 players, and an audio out. The back of the speaker also features a power button and a small bass port.