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Sharp is known for its LCD TVs, but it also makes some audio products. The DK-AP7N portable iPod speaker, which retails for around $99, is part of the company's i-Elegance line.
The little speaker measures 2.6 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide by 2.8 inches deep and feels substantial enough, weighing 1.4 pounds. It has two drivers, a built-in subwoofer, and a sort of capsule design that cracks open like a clamshell to reveal the iPod dock and drivers (the design is reminiscent of the Creative TravelDock 900).
Both opened and closed the system looks pretty sleek, and we liked how the high-gloss black finish on the exterior juxtaposes with the alternate finish of the interior. (The DK-AP7N is available with either white or red interiors.) We appreciated that Sharp threw in protective covers for both the main unit and the AC adapter. That way, if you stow the unit in a backpack or other bag, you'll avoid scratching that nice finish.
The system accepts virtually all iPods and iPhones, as it comes with the requisite sleeves that snap into the dock to make your particular iPod fit snuggly into it. There's no GSM shielding, so you'll have to put your iPhone in airplane mode (turn off the cell radio) or risk running into some interference noise.
If you were hoping for an AM/FM radio or a clock, you'll have to look elsewhere. Likewise, there's not even a basic remote, but you do get a basic (read: yellow plug) composite video output for viewing iPod videos on a TV (cable not included) and an auxiliary audio input for connecting other audio devices, portable DVD players, or a laptop.
