Takara kicks out Transformers Optimus Prime iPod speaker dock

While Takara's no stranger to offering up unusual (albeit very tempting) goods, the firm is now pumping out one of the most unique (and trust us, that's saying something) iPod docks to ever hit shelves. Not too long after seeing a life-sized Gundam construction, our cartoonish fantasies are becoming ever more realized, as now we have the ability to pre-order the Optimus Prime Convoy iPod docking bay. As expected, the machine is coated in white, touts a (presumably weak) stereo speaker system, and even rocks a questionable "licensed by Apple" claim, but we'd be surprised if these guys have paid their 10-percent yet. Regardless, this guy transforms from big rig (pictured after the jump) to terrorizer in seconds flat, and can wheel your iPod around while blasting tunes from the trailer when not conquering villages and eliciting smiles. So if you need no more introduction, you can reserve one of these for yourself for $144, but we'd highly recommend the $2 upgrade for "collector's grade," whatever that means.

[Via Plastic Bamboo]

[Yan @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:07AM]

well, technically, since its white, it looks more like Ultra Magnus than Optimus Prime.

[strider_mt2k @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:08AM]

Collector's grade means it costs 2 dollars extra.

[thomas_shaw @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:18AM]

Collectors grade at places like this usually denotes inspection of the packaging. You are promised no scuffs, scratches, or dents in the box should you want to display it in package.

[Smeagol @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:19AM]

Nah, its Optimus all right; he's got that special, hate-plague resistent metal coating. Although, i dont think they ever treated his trailer.. so not sure whats up with that.

[John @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:05AM]

if you take a closer look at the product, i'm pretty sure it's just the cab part of the rig that transforms into optimus after you detach the trailer (which contains the iPod speakers). lame.

[Ignacio @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:27PM]

"if you take a closer look at the product, i'm pretty sure it's just the cab part of the rig that transforms into optimus after you detach the trailer (which contains the iPod speakers). lame."

In other words, exactly like the original Optimus: the trailer is a separate thing ;)

[herrProf @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:10AM]

I think they mean ipod speaker dork

[Matt B @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:26AM]

"More than meets the eye....pod."

[Wei @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:41AM]

If this thing were live size... this would actually be one hellova mobile movie station.

[www @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:29PM]

the text on the image says: do not re-upload or re-print it. (lol)

転載禁止 = (c) all rights reserved, do not reproduce it.

[Raw_knee @ Jan 27th 2007 6:10PM]

"There is a Soundwave MP3 player as well, and it uses SD RAM cards instead of microcassettes."

Does that mean Ravage, Rumble, and Frenzy transform as SD RAM cards instead of microcassettes nowadays? LOL

[Jim @ Jan 23rd 2007 5:46PM]

"So basically they have got the plans/moulds/whatever of the original Optimus Prime toy which was a cab (Optimus Prime) with a trailer (the Command Center)."

Takara ownes Transformers! The Americans(Hasbro) took an already inplace toy line from Takara (Autobots and Destrons (Decepticons)) and made it there own, not very origanal, but at least it meant we got to play with them... Primes real Jap Name is Battle Convoy... so of course they have the mould!!!

[Kokasov @ Jan 23rd 2007 5:27PM]

Actually, both Takara and Hasbro made the Transformers line out of a consolidation of two existing lines of toys, one of which had to undergo slight visual modifications, so it wasn't just "The Americans" who were being unoriginal. Takara still does the distribution in Japan, I'm pretty sure.

[aaron @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:48PM]

Where can you buy one????? I hate ipod docks and think they are stupid but you can call me stupid because I would love to have optimus blast tunes from his trailer. Or better yet they should release a Soundwave or Blaster dock since they where music device transformers.

[Carbonize @ Jan 24th 2007 12:10AM]

I stand corrected. At least they went with the original version and not one of the lame later versions. I think Optimus was the first Transformer I ever owned and probably the best although Soundwave and Megatron were pretty good.

I'd love to see that Soundwave MP3 player if anyone has links to it.

Isn't there an iPod transformer in the new movie?

Wonder what Ravage and Laserbeak would make of MP3 players. Guess they'd have to get some plastic surgery done ;)

[Pal @ Jan 24th 2007 1:06AM]

For those wondering, the Kanji characters read: "Do not circulate" (literally, Reprinting Prohibited).

[Carbonize @ Jan 25th 2007 7:54PM]

So basically they have got the plans/moulds/whatever of the original Optimus Prime toy which was a cab (Optimus Prime) with a trailer (the Command Center). It's not like had to do any design work as all they have done is make Optimus white and then replace the command center trailer with a flatbed trailer with an ipod dock stuck on it. Talk about trying to cash in on the new film. Where's the Jazz iPod dock? or better yet the Soundwave iPod dock, now that would be retro.

[John @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:18PM]

There is a Soundwave MP3 player as well, and it uses SD RAM cards instead of microcassettes.

[Carbonize @ Jan 25th 2007 7:55PM]

Whoops accidentally clicked the activation link when cleaning out emails. You'd think it would check if a messsage had already been activated or not.

[r_daneel @ Feb 1st 2007 2:15PM]

Soundwave MP3 Player - Sonic White

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK10696&mode=retail