Can an iPod with dead battery work while docked? Best speaker / dock unit?

[MrNeutrino]

I'm considering getting an iPod Classic along with one of the speaker / docking units (the Altec Lansing iM600 for example). It will mostly (though not always) be kept in a static location with the entire music collection on the HDD and placed in the living room or bedroom. For now, it'll be docked in one of the 3rd party docking / speaker units. Later during a receiver upgrade, I'll buy a 5/7.1 system that is iPod compatible and shift it permanently to the living room.

Given this usage plan, two questions to help me make the decision:

1. Given iPods have non user-replaceable batteries that Apple will charge an arm and a leg to replace, is it worth getting a warranty in this situation? Or can I expect iPod with a dead battery to still work perfectly fine as long as it's docked and getting power through the connector?

2. Any suggestions for a good sound quality speaker / docking unit with:
a. alarm support (snooze button while used in the bedroom)
b. good sound quality
c. remote
e. radio
d. <= $150 or so?

 

[MrNeutrino]

I find it hard to believe that no one here has an iPod.

Anyone?

 

[ultimatebob]

My iPod has a failing battery, but it still works fine when I have a 12V car adapter plugged into it. I'd imagine that plugging it into powered speakers with an iPod dock would work as well.

I ended up upgrading to a 30GB Zune to replace it, since I was able to get one from Woot for $85 shipped. Apple would probably want almost that much just to replace the battery

 

[MrNeutrino]

Thanks Ultimatebob!

That was one of the key things I was looking for, so I wouldn't have to give Apple ANY other reason to make more money when the battery dies.

I hear ya. Zune's been quite tempting at the sub-100 price point for a while. Though lack of decent set of accessories has been keeping me away from it. I might just wait through the end of the year and see if the holiday season brings forth any decent new accessories.