Squeezebox Duet unleashes music on your computer

— -- A lot of folks listen to music on — let's face it — ho-hum-sounding computer speakers. About 95 million people are expected to pay for online music services this year, researcher IDC says. IDC adds that nearly two of three adults who use computers at home or the office access music on their PCs.

One big caveat: Squeezebox cannot play music that has copy protection — including many songs from Apple's iTunes music store.

Squeezebox consists of just two components: a standard-size remote controller with a 2.4-inch, color LCD screen and a paperback-size black receiver that attaches to your stereo or powered speakers. They connect to your computer and each other via your home network.

You can do virtually everything from the palm of your hand, at least after the initial setup. The controller lets you browse and choose the music you want to play — from a gaggle of Internet radio stations, free and subscription services, such as Rhapsody, Pandora and Slacker, and your own music collection.

You can play podcasts and sound effects provided by the Squeezebox service (babbling brook, crackling fire, etc). And the remote can display album art, Flickr screensavers and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds.

With extra receivers, you can play the same song in multiple rooms or different songs in different rooms.

Squeezebox invites comparisons to the Sonos Digital Music system I raved about three years ago. Sonos set the standard for products of this type and is easier to set up and use. Still, Squeezebox is a welcome lower-cost alternative. It costs $400 for a single-room system vs. $1,000 for a two-room Sonos bundle. Extra Squeezebox receivers cost $150; extra controllers, cost $300. Here's a closer look: