Apparently, I was a very good boy this past Christmas as I received a pair of travel speakers that I just love.

They are called MiniBlaster Portable Speakers and are made by Jlab Audio. http://www.jlabaudio.com

The speakers are made in an incredibly small rectangular fashion that measure 4 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/8 inches. They are made so that you actually slip the iPod Nano into a compartment behind the speakers that automatically connect the iPod to the speakers. No wires! You still have access to all of the important controls on the iPod. JLab Audio advertises that these can be slipped into your pants pocket. They're a little chunky for that in my opinion, but could definitely be slipped into pockets on cargo pants.

The speakers run on four AAA batteries but a power cord is also included. Finally, they also include a cable that allows you to connect the speakers to non-iPod MP3 players or your computer.

As for the sound, I'm reasonably impressed. For such a small unit, they put out big sound. I can put these on one side of the room and clearly hear music on the other side. But if you’re looking to have a fiesta in your room with a lot of guests, these would not be sufficient. As you might guess with a unit this small, the sound is a little tinny. Something this small can't put out enough bass to overcome this problem. It does not bother me at all. However, I'm not an audiophile. If you are, you may have a different tolerance level than I.

I have no affiliation with JLab Audio except as a reasonably satisfied customer. As usual, YMMV.

Pros:
Great Size
Decent sound and price compared to others in this class

Cons:
A little tinny


From the JLab Audio Website

Includes:
-JLab MiniBlaster
-6V Power Adapter
-Custom Silicone Skin (matches the color of your MB)
-3.5mm stereo extention cable
-Manual

Specifications:
Output Power: 0.5 Watt per channel
Drivers: Two 40mm mylar cone drivers
Signal to noise ratio: > 70db
Frequency response: 450 - 20,000Hz
Aux audio input: 3.5mm stereo jack
AMP: ultra low noise analog stereo Amp. Batteries last up to 10h at maximum volume
Dimensions: 1.75in W x 4in H x 1.25in D
Power: 6V DC or 4x AAA batteries

EA

I've go a BOSE SoundDock that I travel with.

www.sportys.com/shopmc/images/6451m.jpg

Much larger that your JBL, but I've got the little carrying case which I use to carry onto the plane, or I just pack it into one of my checked bags. A little pricey but great room-filling sound with a remote control.

I've got something called a LAPTOP!

I have an older model of these
http://www.si5.com/products.php?pID=4023
I bought in Target for $15 a few years ago before all the ipod bs kicked in.

With the version I have (don't know the model number) each speaker is the size of a CD jewel case and the amp about the size of a smallish remote control. The sound is good, but much better if I put them in a corner, or box, or provide anything behind it to reflect the bass. The amp takes either 4-AAA batteries or USB (you can get a USB power source that plugs into the wall for a few bucks).
Sometimes I have to diddle the feed and equalizer on the source side with the volume on the amp to get the sound right. As far as sound quality, this is the best I've had from portable speakers.

Porker said:

"I've got something called a LAPTOP!"

So do I. I'm just getting tired of lugging it around. I'm actually trying to go laptop free!

EA

THanks for the tip. I've been looking for an upgrade to my external speakers. In my opinion speakers for the ipod or cd player go a long way when the hotel has no in room sound system.

I admit it, I'm a "gear queer" and lug my MacBook, iPod, SoundDock and all associated cables, batteries and power supplies everywhere I go!