If you are among the hundreds of millions who carry the remarkable device known as the iPod, you indubitably aware that its capabilities are virtually endless – but that in order to extend the iPod’s capabilities, it is often necessary to purchase additional accessories.

iPod speakers are among the most popular accessories available, and come in a mind-boggling variety of brands, sizes, powers and price tags. Which iPod speaker you may need depends on many factors, including your needs and intentions as well as how much you plan on spending.

There are five basic issues involved in the selection of the appropriate speakers. Taking these into consideration can help facilitate what is often a difficult choice considering the range of options.

The first of these issues has to do with your specific needs. For example, if you are like most of us, waking to an alarm not something you enjoy. Not only is being forced awake by a jangling alarm most unpleasant, medical studies suggest that it is harmful to our health and well-being.

There are many alternatives to the traditional and hated alarm clock, and waking up to your favourite music is certainly one of them. Fortunately, many iPod Speakers can be programmed to start playing at an hour of your choosing.

Portability is another important factor to consider. Do you plan to listen to your iPod in the privacy of your own flat, or will you be taking it on holiday? You will find no shortage of portable speaker systems that allow you to take your iPod anywhere you like, any time.

There are of course many different brands out there, and for some of us, brand loyalty is important. One should be aware however that simply because a speaker is made by a famous company and dearly priced, this does not mean that it is necessarily of superior quality. Nonetheless, some companies are very prominent in the audio engineering field, and have well-deserved reputations for turning out fine equipment. Some of the leading names in audio manufacture excellent iPod Speakers, including Bose, Altec Lansing, and Harman-Kardon.

Of course, the quality of the sound will vary a great deal. Chances are that if you purchase iPod speakers costing only a few pounds, the sound quality will essentially be what you pay for. Fortunately, one needn’t spend hundreds of pounds for quality iPod speakers; a good quality sound system for your iPod can be purchased for around £75 - £80.

Finally, there is the issue of how much you are prepared to spend. Most small, portable iPod speaker systems are priced in the £7-£50 range; most others are in the neighbourhood of £50-£100. If you are ready to pay more than £150 however, you could conceivably turn your flat into a full-fledged concert hall.