Philips SBD7500

Pros: Good loud sound for this pricepoint. Simple to use. Very portable. Compatable with all apple ipods and iphones we have. Charges devices when plugged in using AC cable). Uses AA batteries.

Cons: Must remove batteries if storing.There is some drain to them even when power button is off. Disclaimer: I haven't tested the drain problem because I knew about it before I purchased it, so it may have been corrected.

Summary: Perfect for travel, camping, a desk in the office, etc. I cannot stand cheap speakers. If the sound isn't full or you cannot turn up the volume for that favorite song, then It's worthless to me. This unit balances size, portability, simplicity, sound, and price very well. Comes with a terrific neoprene case that fully wranps and pads it for protection so that I'm not paranoid about breaking it when it's in my backpack. Uses AA batteries. This is huge for me as the units that have internal rechargeable batteries can be a pain to charge when in the woods or being always on the go. This way an extra set of AA's and you don't have to wait to keep hearing your music.

The simplicity is a negative to some reviewers, but to me it's what makes it even better. With other units or electronics I have had, the more features, the more to break. (LED displays buring out, motorized functions stopping, buttons or knobs falling off, etc.) Because there is so little to it, it seems the money was put into sound quality. After all, to listen to recorded music the equipment needed isn't complicated. Speakers, volume control, power, and a device to deliver the sound through the speakers is all that is needed. Considering Apple has a downloadable feature to give more options to the iTouch, Ipod, or iPhone free called Fidelio+, the functions and features missing from this are accesible with the application. It allows use as an alarm clock,shows speaker battery levels, has an EQ and more.

All in all this unit is perfect for a light, portable, loud and clear set of speakers at a price $200 below the majority of portable, high quality sound speakers. It certainly belongs to the group of highly portable premium sound quality speaker systems and easily outclasses everything I have tested in the easily portable low volume/low quality systems in the 20 to 100 dollar range.