B&W has been making quality audio products for several years, and the company's Zeppelin proves that it's at the top of its game. This is no mere iPod dock; it is sophisticated, beautifully designed audio equipment that coaxes the best possible sound from a portable digital device. And at this price, it should -- the Zeppelin is one of the most expensive iPod accessories available, but it produces the best possible sound in this category.

Straight out of the box, Zeppelin impresses. The unit is made of stainless steel and polymer, and everything about it feels solid and well crafted. It offers 50 watts of power, USB and iPod inputs, and video outputs. The Zeppelin is designed to work with most iPods, but it can accommodate other players via a separate cable.

Shaped like its namesake, the Zeppelin has a striking presence and sound to match. The design contributes to the sound quality, as it arranges the drivers with little interference from composite materials: just slip an iPod onto the arm-like slot on the speaker and enjoy. Audiophiles will love that the Zeppelin produces the best sound imaginable from a digital source, and those accustomed to smaller multimedia speakers or earbuds will be blown away.

The Zeppelin's small, stone-shaped remote control offers only the most basic of functions, and there are no buttons or controls on the speaker itself. Everything is done from the iPod itself, which pretty much eliminates any learning curve. And the placement of the slot makes the iPod easy to manipulate; it's tilted just enough to make reading the display a breeze, and because the player rests snugly against the arm, it doesn't wobble.

The Zeppelin's does have a few drawbacks: it would be nice to be able to navigate playlists or to have more control from the remote, for example, and the addition of an FM tuner or CD slot would make this a more versatile piece of audio equipment. But it's easy to look past what the Zeppelin lacks when listening to the beautiful music that it consistently produces.


Pros: Amazing sound, elegant design, easy to use
Cons: No tuner or CD player, somewhat expensive

Warranty
1 year