One of the first iPod Touch accessories I went looking for was an external speaker—mostly for listening to workshops. Yes, it has a built-in one, but it’s useless. And I didn’t want a big docking system. I listen to it mostly in the kitchen, but sometimes I want to listen to it in my office or in my bedroom while I’m putting away laundry. Sometimes, if the workshop I’m listening to is almost over, I’ll take it in the car and listen to it in the school pick-up line. (My car not only has no cupholders, it has no mp3 jack. Useless POS.)

I was looking for portability and short money, so the little iHome portable speaker I found for $20 at Walmart seemed to fit the bill. (And it just plugs in like an earphone jack, so it doesn’t have to be an iPod.) I’ve been happy with it. Battery life seems good, and the sound is very good for it’s size/price. It’s no Bose, but it’s much better than I expected. Easy to use and the little shelf along the bottom slides out to hold the iTouch.

Then came the bonus! If you’re eating your lunch standing at the counter or sitting at your desk, it’s perfect for holding the iTouch at a readable angle.

If you want to check it out: Walmart link, where it’s $19.88, and Amazon link, where it’s $27.64.