Sony's obelisk-inspired CMT-Z100iR iPod dock is full of modernist styling, stars

iPod docks come in all shapes and sizes, and while Sony's last attempt would be hard to miss in most rooms, this latest one is rather more subdued and sophisticated. It's the CMT-Z100iR, naturally compatible with the iPod, iPod Touch, and iPhone, but also sporting the ability to play CDs through a top-mounted slot-loader. It can even play tunes from other MP3 players through its USB port, if you're so inclined, and while its pair of 20 watt speakers probably won't shake the walls, they should suffice for filling your minimalist retreat with the groovy beats of the Future Sound of London. No firm price or availability details yet.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 9:57AM]

This would be a great little addition to the bedroom or kitchen. If the price were decent, at least. I have the Bose ipod dock, and while I really like the sound from it, it's annoying not being able to play a cd or anything else from it.

[stridermt2k Posted Mar 6th 2009 9:57AM]

iPod docks are like the poor.

They will always be with us.

[Brando Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:00AM]

And like the poor, they will always be expensive to keep around.

[clayj Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:00AM]

Great "2010" (and novelization of "2001: a space odyssey", but not the movie) reference there.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2009 5:09AM]

I was impressed at the Future Sound of London reference. I wonder if Engadget has also heard their fair share Aphex Twin, Autechre and Boards of Canada.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:02AM]

wow! Even Sony acknowledges n sucumbs to iPod/iPhone global domination,.,I don't see anyone investing in hi-end nokia docks. Again this is more proof iPhone also revolutionized Way iPod docks are designed.

[MarqBland Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:10AM]

Please do us all a favor and STFU!

[Your Name Here Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:04AM]

Moderist? I see what you didn't do there.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:31AM]

Good grief, that thing is UGLY. I mean, that's gotta be one of the worst looking iPod docks I've ever seen. Not what I would expect from Sony.

What's with the huge, red, off-centered, 1980's Radio Shack-style alarm clock numbering near the top? Yuk. They couldn't have made that a nice soft-white dot-matrix of some sort like they did with the smaller display near the bottom? Was this a thirty-year project? Did they begin working on it in the 80's and just recently finish (while accommodating the iPod along the way)?

Everything about this ugly thing screams "Bash me with a sledge hammer!" Everything about it is unsymmetrical or off-center and stupidly positioned.

Crikey... Lol... Won't be droppin' any paper on this thing anytime soon.

[reefrmad Posted Mar 6th 2009 11:19AM]

I'll bet the bottom display is a push in/out.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 11:25AM]

What you determine as good design leads me to believe you are a big fan of Photoshop filters.

[ahmedalhani Posted Mar 6th 2009 7:35PM]

this is modern honey, bose is right there if you dont like this.....

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2009 4:59AM]

@Cadillac

Big fan of Photoshop filters? I don't get it. Seriously. What would my design preferences have to do with Photoshop?



On another note... that iPod dock above is still INCREDIBLY ugly, lol...

[ArhcAngel Posted Mar 6th 2009 10:51AM]

Can I dock my Walkman?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 11:06AM]

Of course not. This is only geared for hi-end iPod/iPhone .

[nighttime Posted Mar 6th 2009 8:54PM]

"It can even play tunes from other MP3 players through its USB port"

i'd say yes/no depending on your walkman! (nw series - ?)

[letstakeawalk Posted Mar 6th 2009 11:36AM]

I'd like to know a little more about the drivers. Are all four of those circles the speakers? If so, the lower drivers appear to be free-piston designs... or are they just small passive radiators? They've got me intrigued.

BTW, @ Cassini That dot-matrix display used in the lower part is probably a fluoroscan display, which was popularized by Pioneer back in the early 1980's on their audio gear.

[SonicEarth Posted Mar 6th 2009 12:37PM]

Obelisk? Where are the apes?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 12:06PM]

It's... all right. HD radio would be a nice perk.

[Bad Beaver Posted Mar 6th 2009 12:57PM]

More glossy stuff that is not going to see the inside of my home.

[geo1378 Posted Mar 6th 2009 1:26PM]

Whats with the negative comments, your not into modern design? There is always a ton of negativity in internet forums, maybe you negative people should go post comments about how the last star wars film didnt live up to expectations or how the new star trek will suck. lol

[Bad Beaver Posted Mar 6th 2009 1:35PM]

This is not "modern", it's gaudy glossy stuff.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 1:29PM]

Obelisk:
http://freedom.greatnet.us/images/Washington_Monument.jpg
Monolith:
http://blogs.usyd.edu.au/theoryandpractice/monolith.jpg

The reference is amusing, but FFS, get it right.

[pzero Posted Mar 6th 2009 2:54PM]

Came here to say the same thing, but I was going to stick with the classic "obelisk != monolith" statement.

You get extra points for finding pictures.

An obelisk being full of stars. Puh-leeze.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 6:55PM]

Fuck. My OCD would never allow me to purchase this. I love it to death but the off centered iPod fucks it up.