No iPod or MP3 player, but still want to rock some portable tunes? No problem.

The Surround Xi is a small, 7-inch aluminum tube with 4-watt speakers on both ends. It works like any of the typical MP3 docking stations, except this one pulls your tunes off a USB flash drive. It's great for when you don't want to risk losing your iPod, or for playing music in a spot where your expensive player could get damaged. And for such a small speaker system, the stereo sound is surprisingly good.

If you do want to play your iPod through the Surround Xi, there's a universal input jack. (And they also offer a version with an iPod dock on top.) Running of the power adapter, USB, or 4 AAA batteries, it'll let you bring your tunes anywhere. Even you guys who still refuse to spring for an iPod.

$69
www.usarapha.com