Doesn't your iPod HI-Fi deserve a leather case, too?
As you may recall, when Apple launched the iPod HI-Fi a few months ago, the company also rolled out a couple of spiffy leather cases for the iPod nano and iPod with video. However, despite the momentous importance of the iPod Hi-Fi, the company neglected to provide it with a leather case of its own. That oversight has, fortunately, now been remedied by Japan's Focal Point Computer Corp. The company's iPod Hi-Fi case is made of Italian leather, has openings for the Hi-Fi's speakers and ports, and includes a shoulder strap so that the Hi-Fi can more easily achieve its destiny as a portable speaker system. The price: a mere ¥34,800 (about $300), which is surely a bargain, since this will protect your "audiophile" sound system from the vagaries of the elements. What's more, that price includes a matching leather case for your iPod remote, something for which Apple would easily charge an extra $99. We suspect that just about everyone who owns an iPod Hi-Fi will be rushing to Focal Point's web site to order one of these when they roll out in June. All five of you, that is.
Update: This case will also be available from Tunewear in the US for $295 as the "Concerto Bianco." No ship date has been announced. [Via iLounge]
Update: This case will also be available from Tunewear in the US for $295 as the "Concerto Bianco." No ship date has been announced. [Via iLounge]

















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
marshall @ May 16th 2006 2:58PM
This has got to be the dumbest crap ever since Apple's $99 leather case for the pod, which I hear loves scratching 99 into your pod.
mac owns @ May 16th 2006 2:59PM
apple makes some great products, but i thought that leather nano case was the stupidest thing ever.
i stand corrected: this "italian leather" hifi cover is now, officially, the stupidest fucking thing ever.
Curt Chambers @ May 16th 2006 3:09PM
Accessories for accessories...this has gotten completely out of control now. I am officially announcing today that my business partner and I are introducing a "bling kit" for your HI-Fi leather case. Top that...
Tommy Mang @ May 16th 2006 3:15PM
one word: idecadance ;-)
Brett @ May 16th 2006 3:23PM
This just added to Focal Points' website:
NEW! Free with each iPod Hi-Fi case, a forehead sticker reading: iMDumb
SpankBob @ May 16th 2006 3:24PM
*spank*
BobbyW @ May 16th 2006 3:33PM
I'd like to know how many HiFi units have been sold.
Q. Tarantino @ May 16th 2006 3:50PM
Apparently Steve Jobs is personally signing any leather iPod HiFi case sold in a personal ceremony, wearing only a shiny, white, Pulp Fiction inspired iGimp suit. Then he gets medieval on your ass...
krome @ May 16th 2006 3:55PM
ok, the leather case is crap, but the hi-fi ain't that bad. I "rented" one from a local best buy a while ago, and was happy with it ... uh, nut not happy enough to actually fork over all that cash for it.
none the less, it worked great as a simple, one-cable speaker setup for my nano at a dinner party where there was no sound system. (was much more discrete than rentin a pair of JL2s or Elites)
Germ @ May 16th 2006 4:06PM
Why would I want a leather case for something that is going to stay on a table? Does Apple need a leather case for everything that comes out? Maybe they will make a Mac Mini leather case, right?
Eric @ May 16th 2006 4:09PM
Germ, you almost made it, but nah.
the next great thing that apple is going to announce is a leather protector for powermac g5, plus a free liquid cinema display cleaner.
deadmonkey @ May 16th 2006 4:26PM
Curt, easy, $5,000 Swarovski crystal encrusted case for the exclusive $3,000 virgin mink oil iCleaner solution exclusively designed to clean the rich Italian leather of the Hi Fi case.
There is no end.
Torontoguy @ May 16th 2006 4:48PM
It will take more than a leather case to cover up something so BUTT UGLY...How about a paper bag that the buyers can put over their heads in shame?
Leo @ May 16th 2006 4:50PM
you know, this isn't actually made by apple :D
Chadwick @ May 16th 2006 4:51PM
I love my iPod Hi-Fi, but this is iStupid.
Dave Zatz @ May 16th 2006 6:06PM
That'll be one heavy purse!
Chris Robinson @ May 16th 2006 7:00PM
The really shocking thing is, Apple's leather case is cheaper!
Donal Trump @ May 16th 2006 7:07PM
I guess only four people bought, since I have two Hi-Fis.
Michael Nelson @ May 16th 2006 7:25PM
Wait, it lets me see my iPod's screen. That'll never do.
Frank McInally @ May 16th 2006 7:33PM
If it was black leather it would be like dressing up your iPod HiFi up as The Gimp from Pulp Fiction
Intrepid @ May 16th 2006 8:36PM
I work in a retail store that sells tons of iPods. Apple audio accessories sell 1 for every 10 of their competitors products. Expect this crap. It doesn't sell... at all.
brad @ May 17th 2006 12:34AM
I didnt know anyone even bought the ipod hi-fi now whos going to buy a case for almost the same price as an overpriced speaker?
Domitidus @ May 17th 2006 3:32AM
C'mon think about it ! $300 for iPod Hi-Fi + $295 for this leather case = $595 !!! Save ur money for PS3 ^_^
Newton's Apple @ May 17th 2006 3:46AM
You know, I am sure that this leathery pricey thingy is some kind of performance enhancer that actually let's music sound $300 more richer! Hey, come to think of it, they could've made it with carbon fiber? Why not? Hi-tech, light, protective, and $$$ more than the leather one. Oooh. I can see it coming. Apple, you are reallllllly getting weird. Or have money made you crazy? Tsk tsk... Blind marketers.
Domitidus @ May 17th 2006 3:49AM
C'mon think about it ! $300 for iPod Hi-Fi + $295 for this leather case = $595 !!! Save ur money for PS3 ^_^
jon @ May 17th 2006 4:03AM
If someone covered a quarter stick of dynamite in shiny white plastic and called it a mac accessory...half of mac users would stick it up their butts and gladly light it.
coprock @ May 17th 2006 1:28PM
Er...what about rich corinthian leather?
mya @ Dec 24th 2006 8:46AM
When you consider leather, there's just one direction that the world heads.. Towards poertocucci,, Go with the flow
MYA @ Feb 28th 2007 10:24AM
Act now have some fun and make real money from now on. An exciting product to make real money.