JBL On Stage IIIP

Flying Saucer Speaker Dock Conjures Great Sound, Plenty of Power

If we told you this unassuming donut of speakers produced hi-fi audio, you'd say we were lying. Then again, we might not be able to hear you over the music. JBL must have sprinkled pixie dust on this flying saucer of a media player dock, conjuring great sound separation and the strongest output of any portable speaker dock we tested. True, a rechargeable battery would make it even better, but you'll be too busy grooving to complain.

WIRED Incomparably clear, rich audio. Small enough to fit in your laptop bag beside your notebook, and it takes up very little desk real estate.

TIRED Requires six AAA batteries and won't juice up rechargeables. No storage slot for the Wrigley's-gum-size remote means you'll probably lose it on day one.

Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile $150
Despite Bluetooth, mobile phone answering, and a cool carrying case, the Pure-Fi lost out to the JBL — but just barely.

JVC NX-PN7 $150
Ultrathin body. images much improved from past models. A touch slow, like its forefathers.

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 $150
We liked the trim design, rechargeable battery, and FM tuner. But the sound? Merely one-dimensional.

• Style: Audio
• Manufacturer: JBL
• Price: $170