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A host of iPod speakers have emerged in recent weeks, ranging from retro to futuristic.

SpeckTone Retro Docking iPod Speaker System

This fifties retro system costs 119, and is available in the UK from iWorld. It integrates an iPod dock, a wooden cabinet, and illuminated front volume-knob as well as 28 watts of sound. The systems wood cabinet is available in black, white or mint green. www.iworld.co.uk

logitech AudioStation

This is a more compact answer to Apples iPod Hi-Fi. Audiostation cost 199, and carries a Universal Dock connector. Unlike Apples speaker system, Logitechs integrates a digital AM/FM radio tuner. Controls are touch-sensitive and illuminated by LED lights. www.logitech.com

Gear4 HouseParty 24/7

A home stereo speaker system for iPods, its equipped with an AM/FM radio and an alarm clock. This bedside companion (available in black or white) costs 99, and ships with a 16-function infrared remote control. It offers a pair of 6W speakers and a 12W subwoofer, and features an LCD screen that displays iPod tracks of the station thats playing. www.gear4.com

sonic Gear A6

The A6 is a 160 speaker for iPods that deliver a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz, and is equipped with a pair of 4in mid-bass drivers for a better spread of frequencies. It can deliver 50 watts of sound, and is encased in a solid-wood cabinet. Also from sonic Gear come the tiny but powerful 1-200 3RIO Micro Speakers. These are compatible with all portable music players, and cost between 14.99 - 19.99. These offer 10 watts of power, and can be powered by USB or AAA batteries. www.ods-distribution.com

AudioStation Express

Logitechs well-featured, portable iPod all-in-one speakers are powered by AA batteries or AC power. A protective case and a wireless remote are included. They integrate an iPod dock, have a line-in jack, and cost 79.99. www.logitech.com

MicroSound

Miglias MicroSound is a set of tiny speakers for iPod nanos and iPod shuffles. It offers 12 hours of play from one AAA battery. It costs 19.99. www.miglia.com

Apparently, Sony is hating life as Microsoft Xbox blows their doors off and sends Sony Play Station packing as they bolt into the future, taking their cake and eating it too. How did Microsoft pull this off, when everybody thought that they were a distant second? Apparently it just proves that if you bet against Bill Gates, you are going to lose, because Microsoft with its Xbox shows no mercy for Sony.

The Sony Play Station Portable is the best that they have right now in the portable option category, but it is really not very good and after playing something like the Xbox at home, taking the Sony PSP around would just make you look like an underachiever with your friends. The Sony PSP for the best new innovation in gaming consoles ranks second to the absolute overkill of Xbox and unfortunately Sony's best in innovation in 2005, well their best is second best and in the contest for the best gaming console, second place may as well be last place.

As a matter of fact one has to wonder why anyone would buy a Sony PSP when you can wait until you get back home and play the real thing on a far superior product like the Xbox. The Sony PSP, well it is just boring after having it all on an Xbox. One has to seriously doubt if Sony will ever catch up now, either with its mobile technology or the home gaming console. Even with heavy discounting; Sony is in some serious hot water with gammers, as their most loyal make the switch to Xbox without looking back, think on this in 2006.