The Fashionations — Best iPod Speakers Ever

Packing an mp3 player is as de rigeur these days as bringing a toothbrush and sunglasses on vacation, but do you really tote portable speakers for that player when you travel? Admit it: most packable speakers seem bulky, pricey, and simply not worth the suitcase space ... until you get into a hotel room or onto the condo deck and realize, wow, it would be great to have some speakers right now.

Fashionation makes truly-portable speakers in two varieties: traditional and eco-friendly. The latter line, called Eco-Nation, isn't just good for the environment — these speakers are lighter than their non-eco counterparts and fold up to take up virtually no space in your luggage. The newest addition to the collection are these brand-new Eco Ink speakers, which come with a set of tiny pens to customize to your heart's content with the unique (perhaps doodly?) design of your choice.  (Our suggestion after trying a pair is to use your own Sharpies, since the markers have an almost translucent finish.) Eco Inks are made from recycled materials and are recyclable too if you ever want to chuck them out in a fit of "turn that music off" rage.

How's the sound quality of these beauties? Admittedly, they ain't Yamaha NS-10s, but for $14.95, they're a pretty good deal ... particularly if you've got a budding Picasso in your traveling posse.