I’ve got at least three or four 96 disc Case Logic cases sitting around in my car at any given time and frankly the thought of ripping them all to iTunes and putting them on my iPod sounds like far more effort than I have time for.

The Pioneer’s DEH-P6000UB CD receiver is perfect, it plays MP3, WMA, and AAC files on disc, features a USB input and built-in iPod® controls, and offers a rear auxiliary input, satellite radio controls, and other expansion options. It also has an optional Bluetooth® adapter so you can use a compatible phone and receive calls through your car’s speakers.

It’s an absolute breeze to use and the Organic Electro-Luminescent (OEL) display is crisp and easy to read at any angle. It displays system information, menus and song titles with clarity and brightness. Pioneer’s Rotary Commander interface allows you to find your favorite songs or change system settings with a touch of a button and a twist of the large control knob. It also includes a 10-key remote control gives you a level of control you won’t find with simple 3- or 4-button remotes. [via]

What this means to you: The functionality, sharp design and approachable price make this head unit a great option for any single-DIN car stereo upgrade.

Cost: $250 @ Crutchfield

Also See: Fujitsu Eclipse AVN221p TomTom capable head unit

Altec Lansing has come a long way from the days when all they were known for were the shoddy speakers attached to your parent’s Packard Bell. Those were the days. 4 hours on Kings Quest and Leisure Suit Larry… anyway, I digress.

The Altec Lansing T612 speaker system is a speaker dock that finally works with your iPhone. If you haven’t noticed iPhones don’t work in standard iPod docks without putting them into flight mode (cell antenna off). They suffer from GSM-buzz interference, that sound you hear right before a phone rings when it’s near a powered speaker. Altec Lansing used GSM shielding to prevent interference with the T612’s two 3″ full-range drivers and 1″ silk dome tweeters powered by 60 watts of power. They’re surprisingly crisp and we were pleased by the separate bass and treble controls. The XdB bass enhancement did a quality job of reproducing an extended bottom note without the aid of a subwoofer.

Now you can enjoy the music loaded on your iPhone without worry of missing a call. The Altec Lansing T612 can also function as an iPod dock or other MP3 player via it’s auxiliary input, is wall mountable, and includes a wireless remote.

What this means to you: It won’t win any awards for design, but the Altec Lansing T612 does what it says and it does it well. Perhaps that’s why there’s one on my bedside table now.

Cost: $200 @ Apple

No, this is not a new peripheral to Rockband. It’s the Roland HD-1 V-Drum kit. Your aspirations of having Dave Grohl’s entourage surrounding you as you throw down mind shattering beats aren’t guaranteed, but you will be surrounded by thankful people. Why? The HD-1 is incredibly quiet. Ironic, we know. Roland redesigned the kick beater, cushioned tom pads and snare heads to provide just as much response with little audio feedback.

Also, the HD-1 includes a module providing you with 10 different kits at the touch of a button. You’ll be set whether your mood calls for Timbaland’s high hats, room raging snares like Metallica or just a Cannonball brush.

What this means to you: Drumming is oddly fun, whether you have musical aspirations or just want to tool around. The Roland Hd-1 may not entertain as many people as Rockband, but if you’re the one being entertained, who cares?

Cost: $800 @ Pro Sound And Stage Lighting

In a world of plastic and aluminum electronics it’s nice to find that there are still those that embrace the always-in-style wood. In this case, a hand-crafted cherry iPod dock.

The Vers 2x plays and charges all iPods (sans the Shuffle) with it’s included 8 iPod adaptors and produces gorgeous room-filling sound via two 3″ 15 watt full-range drivers. The drivers are complimented by dual bass ports for surprising bass performance from such a small cabinet. It has a removable speaker grille which we prefer removed and a full functioning remote which controls all iPod functions.

What this means to you: A small stylish package that doesn’t compromise on serene sound.

Cost: $180 @ Vers

How many times do you hit the snooze button in the morning: twice? three times? sixteen?

If you need help or motivation for your New Years resolution to stop slapping the snoozer before you roll out of bed then the SnūzNLūz may be the best $40 you ever spend on an alarm clock.

Simply put the clock connects to your back account thru your wireless network and will automatically donate a pre-set amount of money to an organization you hate every time you hit the snooze bar. 1600 banks are supported with over 6200 charities and non-profits available. Democrats can donate to the GOP and Republicans to the ACLU. Good times.

What this means to you: Hear that sound? That numbing silence is the sound of cash being withdrawn from your account and handed over to the people you loathe. Now, wake your arse up.

Cost: $40 @ ThinkGeek

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Ever been to a party or event and wondered why the music was so awful it made you wonder what era the DJ was from? How many times can one listen to “Crazy” in one year?

Well, if you’ve got a current generation iPod and about $600 then you can share with the world your inner beat-meister. It won’t make you Moby but you will be able to cut one kick ass mix - a la you.

The iDJ2 has the ability to play two songs simultaneously from a single iPod or from a variety of other memory sources including additional iPod’s, memory sticks, and external USB hard drives. You can use the line inputs for any audio source (microphone, cd player, turntables) and has a large LCD display for full control. Best part is it has pitch control, unlike all the other poseur iPod mixers. Some other features we like are the keyboard functionality, scratch and search jog wheels, real-time visuals and waveforms and XML playlist support.

What this means to you: Kiss terrible mixes and your old turntables goodbye.

Cost: $600 @ SamAsh