Sony's latest boombox treats your iPod like a mixtape

We've seen the iPod-as-cassette-tape design in older speaker docks like Altec Lansing's inMotion iM7 bazooka tube before, but Sony's bringing it back with its new ZS-S4iP boombox, which appears designed for only iPhone and iPod touch owners. Apart from the novelty of hitting eject to insert and remove your player, it's pretty much the generically boring CD boombox it looks like, although you do get MP3 CD playback. It's preordering in black and white in Australia for about AU$179 ($142), should make it Stateside in October.

[Jake @ Sep 11th 2008 3:43PM]

Actually, I like the idea of having it protected inside. That means it's actually portable without worrying that the iPod is going to fall out.

[Flashpoint @ Sep 11th 2008 4:06PM]

How long will it take for some company to do the intelligent thing and build a player like this with SWAPPABLE docking cases for whatever mp3 player you happen to have. Even if they used a clay-like plastic material that could conform to the device's shape like the memory foam mice?

[Spyvie @ Sep 11th 2008 4:41PM]

Yea, but it will really suck if when tries to eat your player and you have to pry the door open and carefully remove the iPhone to keep it from unwinding.

Of course you may be able to repair your damaged iPhone/Touch by manually rewinding it with a pencil...

[RD. @ Sep 11th 2008 3:43PM]

Should've made it look old-school.

[Bob @ Sep 11th 2008 4:12PM]

Old school is just a state of mind. Just hoist this up on your shoulder and you'll have what you're looking for.

[Echo1 @ Sep 11th 2008 4:47PM]

What would be totally old school is the modding a beta max, pad the VHS carriage to allow for an classic or an touch, and via the front buttons control the ipod. Felt like throwing it out there

[Valicore @ Sep 11th 2008 11:29PM]

I thought it DID look old school.

[RD. @ Sep 12th 2008 12:13AM]

It looks like an old piece of crap. But to look like an old school piece of art it should take after the SONY CFS-500. Wiki it you young bastards.

[Jake @ Sep 11th 2008 3:44PM]

Actually, I like the idea of having it protected inside. That means it's portable and you don't have to worry about your iPod falling out or getting sand on it when you move down the beach (or elsewhere).

[Hellaphunt @ Sep 11th 2008 4:00PM]

I cannot disagree with this millionth addition to the ipod accessory universe. It's actually pretty good.

[Abe @ Sep 11th 2008 3:52PM]

I had the previous model, and it was awesome.

http://www.jr.com/sony/pe/SON_ZSS2IPBLACK/?JRSource=RealNY

[Ben @ Sep 11th 2008 4:08PM]

I see that Sony couldn't afford the January Software Update =P

[Almighty- @ Sep 11th 2008 4:45PM]

Hahaha, that comment made me laugh!
I like the boombox. What a pitty I will sell my iPod Touch.
The best bombox is still the JVC Boomblaster :)

[The Kludge @ Sep 11th 2008 4:10PM]

I bet there are people reading this blog who don't know even what a mix tape is. I feel old.

[Skyride @ Sep 11th 2008 5:33PM]

Im 15.

**looks at studio grade external sound card, guitar, array of mics**

I think I know that is? Is that one of those tape thingies where you put it in and half to find the bit you want? :P

[Synthaxx @ Sep 11th 2008 4:53PM]

Will it play walkman commercials every 20 songs?

[Nelson @ Sep 11th 2008 5:28PM]

if you want old skool w/ ipod, this is what you need.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=7F0C00608950602344466FC3555F9A39.app11-node6?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=11&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14769103&parentid=A_FURN_PILLOWS&sortProperties=&navCount=36&navAction=poppushpushpush&color=

[Skyride @ Sep 11th 2008 5:34PM]

If I had an ipod, i might have popped some ipod dock parts into our old JVC boombox and made it properly retro. :D

[CubeGuy @ Sep 11th 2008 5:45PM]

Aww... You beat me to it.

It was on sale last time I was in the store, but $175 was still a bit pricey for me.

[AA @ Sep 11th 2008 5:57PM]

The previous model wasn't released in Australia-so it's nice to see Sony Australia selling the new model here.

[Hatch @ Sep 11th 2008 8:26PM]

It retails for $100 in Canada and it launches here on Sept. 25th

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=1005462

[UniDAC @ Sep 21st 2008 9:11AM]

>This = awesome: http://gizmodo.com/381663/review-lasonic-i931-ipod-ghetto-blaster-verdict-awesome

Yassuh. Too bad it doesn't support the iPod Touch.

[johnzilla @ Sep 11th 2008 11:11PM]

That = lame.

This = awesome: http://gizmodo.com/381663/review-lasonic-i931-ipod-ghetto-blaster-verdict-awesome

[RD. @ Sep 12th 2008 12:50AM]

Yessssssssssssssssss. See my comments above.