Griffin TuneCenter: Now THAT'S a docking station

Shortly after I bought my 5G iPod, I got a Universal Dock and remote. The dock is...ok. It lets me play my videos, music and photos on a TV, all the while charging my iPod (as long as I spend yet another $20US for a cable, and a wall charger, bringing things to a grand total of $116US). Yet, it seems to lack that Apple flair we all love so much. I want my iPod to act as a media center when connected to my television. At first glance, it looks like the TuneCenter from Griffin Technology may be what I'm after.

Viewing photo slide shows and watching videos work as you would expect. It's how the TuneCenter handles your music library that really has my interest. When connected to your TV, the TuneCenter displays track and playlist information. With the included remote, you can navigate your iPod's entire music library, adjust the EQ, set shuffle and repeat preferences, plus the usual play, skip, pause, forward and volume functions.

Here's where it gets really cool: the TuneCenter also streams internet radio via your home network, either wirelessly or via ethernet. Again, on-screen navigation lets you select a station. The best part? It costs less than Apple's set up: $99.99US. Better features for less money? Yes, please.

Griffin is taking pre-orders now. The TuneCenter will work with the following iPods:

• 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons

• iPod mini

• 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel

• IPod photo

• iPod U2 Special Edition

• 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen

• iPod nano

• 5th Generation iPod with Video