Squeezebox Radio for your kitchen counter top.

 

Have had this for a few months and this gets used on almost a daily basis - the true test of a new gadget.

We were looking for something for the kitchen counter top - not too fancy, that would play the best of internet radio from around the world, and KLOK for Seema (the one requirement she had given me) along with the FM stations for the latest hip hop numbers for the boys, Bollywood radio, ESPN radio, even numerous Bhajan stations, a great way to get the morning started. This one suits everyones needs.

The user interface is absolutely killer, easy to setup, easy to operate...we just gotta thank Jobs for creating this revolution - otherwise it is very easy to end up with a killer product but the most un-friendly UI . You can even extend this offering by installing new 3rd party apps (like Facebook, and instantly announce what you just liked listening to) ...to do this you have to run the squeezebox server software, which is available from mysqueezebox.com.
You have access to Pandora, Rhapsody, SIRIUS internet radio etc. Connect your ipod if you want.
These guys have got it covered for you - except for playing a CD (that is gone archaic anyway) you can pretty much do anything you want. It even connects into your desktop, laptop to stream music from. Has 256 MB RAM, 80 GB hard disk.

The sound is not puny at all, definitely fills the room with the HD tweeters, sub woofers etc.

Some gotchas - Only 6 buttons to preset your radio stations. It will crash occasionally - not too often though and you have to pull the plug on it.  SW Updates happen automatically, but from time to time, an update fails to apply and you will see an endless loop. But these are all fairly minor, compared to the features this radio offers. Read the reviews from Amazon here and give it a try.




http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Squeezebox-Internet-Wireless-Player/dp/B000VZL9C2

Which Squeezebox Wi-Fi Music Player Is Right For You?

	Squeezebox Radio	Squeezebox Boom	Squeezebox Touch	Squeezebox Duet
Highlight	Compact design with high quality sound	The original "all in one" solution	Color touch-screen with rich, full digital music through your stereo or powered speakers	Control the music you love from anywhere in your home
Great for	Kitchen Bedroom Home office Patio Anywhere without a stereo!	Kitchen Bedrooms Home office Anywhere without a stereo!	Living room Anywhere with a stereo or powered speakers On your desk	Living room Hidden component systems
Which should you choose?	You want big sound in a small space. You are someone who likes to listen while you work. You need something to fit in your work area. You want music in every room of your home and you want to be able to control it from anywhere. You already own a Squeezebox Duet and want to add more zones.	You are someone who likes to listen while you work. You need something small to fit in your work area. You don't have a stereo in your place but you still want big sound. You want music in every room of your home and you want to be able to control it from anywhere. You already own a Squeezebox Duet and want to add more zones	You are a music lover and you want high fidelity sound and easy access to all your music. You are someone who has a personal music collection on an external USB drive. You enjoy viewing album art, photos, and visualizers You already own a Squeezebox Duet and want to add more zones.	You are an entertainer, you love having friends over and listening to your favorite new music. But you don't want to have to go to the stereo every time you want to play a new track. You want music in every room of your home and you want to be able to control it from anywhere.
Connection Sound output	Integrated speakers (no stereo required)	Integrated speakers (no stereo required)	Connects to your stereo or self powered speakers	Connects to your stereo or self powered speakers
Control	On board controls, optional infrared remote (line of sight required)	On board controls and infrared remote (line of sight required)	Color touch screen with infrared remote (line of sight required)	Wi-Fi remote
Special Features	Seven day alarm with battery backup Connect iPod and other portable music players via 3.5mm stereo jack Connects to Facebook- share recommendations with friends 2.4 inch color display Optional battery pack for portability	Seven day alarm with battery backup Built-in 30-watt digital amplifier Connect iPod and other portable music players via 3.5 mm stereo jack Subwoofer out allows you to connect an aftermarket subwoofer for better bass	USB port and SD card slot allows access to music and pictures View album art and your photos Supports sampling rates up to 24 bit / 96 kHz	Wi-Fi remote can control all of your Squeezebox players 2.4" remote color display shows album art Link to your Flickr account to display your personal photos on the controller

Bluetooth AM FM Car
http://www.frys.com/product/6155359