The Onkyo UBT-1, which is similar in size to a USB flash drive, plugs into the front USB port of a 2012 Onkyo Network receiver (models TX-NR414 and higher).

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Offering a refined take on the category, this system features a powerful 5.1-channel receiver with AirPlay and a front panel USB port for direct connectivity to iPhones, iPads, iPods and USB drives.

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Just as the name suggests, the device comes in the shape of a cube, with an IR receiver on the front side, a USB port on the right, and a bunch more on the back: HDMI-in, HDMI-out, another USB port, RJ-45 and IR-out.

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Both devices are circular, with a micro-USB port in back and a slanted front surface on which to rest the phone.

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Cables head into the back of the base and connect beneath two user-removable panels on both sides of display's back -- making the only visible port the lone USB connector on the left side of the front.

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If you'll recall, inside of its Zenbook-esque shell you'll find a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front facer -- not to mention other goodies like a mini-HDMI port, USB 2.0 port and a SD card reader.

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Both systems offer three USB 2.0 ports (two on the rear, one up front), and a Kensington lock port.

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