Call me jaded, but after relishing vibrance from Altec Lansing and Bose for my 3rd gen Nano, it’s tough to slum it up with a more economical (cheaper) alternative.

The $60 2Go i-5000 is a compact, transforming setup boasting four micro drivers, a three inch bass driver and the antiquated 2.1 system. It’s barebones, so the tech guys, threw in extra value with a remote, and USB /firewire connectivity. This unit chugs well on batteries as well as the plug in charger. With the latter, your ipod gets extra juice for its batts.

Don’t expect sonorous sound quality on this setup. A 25 sqm room is the maximum serviceable area. Beyond that, you’ll feel like someone’s banging on tin cans. Audiophiles won’t give it a second glance.

The 2GO i-5000 feels happiest in an office cubicle or on the front seat of a van on long distance travels. It’s light and bubbly only within confined spaces.