Logitech 984-000049 iPod Speaker System (Refurbished)

Allow me to explain my conflicting low rating for an item that I'd still "recommend to a friend". This product has great sound and features, although programming the alarm clock is a bit confusing. It does way more things than I have bothered to utilize since I only wanted a way to charge my iPod easily and to not have to listen through earbuds exclusively. My primary reason for giving this item 2 stars is because it regularly skips, slurs, and repeats at least 1 or 2 times an hour, when my iPod is playing. This is probably the initial problem which caused it to become a refurbished article and was never really fixed properly. ( I'm used to buying refurbed high-end products like Mac computers because, due to the high cost of Macs - from $1500 to $3000 - the discount is worth it since you get the same warranty as on a new Apple product. I thought I'd try the refurb thing here.) The problems weren't evident immediately because I didn't even open the box for over a month and, when I did, I barely used the system for the next few months. When I began docking and playing my iPod on a daily basis, the problems started immediately. Since almost 6 months has elapsed since I bought it, it was too late for a simple return. And I didn't bother to use the Protection Plan I purchased) because it's just too much trouble for the little bit of money I paid for the system. So I've been using it mainly for charging my iPod and for the great FM radio sound (even better than from the iPod but that's likely due to the limitations of a portable Mp3 player rather than this unit). If this had been a brand new item, with no suspected pre-existing repair issues, I would most definitely recommend it as a good SMALL speaker system. You can't "crank it up" too high, say, for a party or even a large room, because the speakers start sounding "staticy" above 60% volume range. If you decide to save a few dollars for a refurb (or if that's all that's available here), be sure to test the system well within the return period and also buy the extended warranty offered by Overstock (usually less than $10). It's worth having a back-up just in case you get a system whose original repair problem resurfaces after the manufacturer's warranty period expires. My overall experience with Logitech products has been very satisfactory for many, many years. And I've always received good customer service from Overstock in the very rare instances where I had to return a product. My lower than average rating here is based on this being a refurbished item, an obvious "red flag" that consumers should research fully.