IpodSpeakers
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Clear iPod case pulls double duty with rotating speakers
iPod cases with built-in speakers have amazingly been around the block a time or two before. We're guessing the reason shelves aren't flooded with 'em today has quite a bit to do with the presumably lackluster sound quality / output potential. Nevertheless, those hoping to find just a case for their precious new iPod classic need look no further, as the rotating speakers case for iPod is here to make your dreams come true. Reportedly, the $60.72 enclosure works just fine with 80/160GB iPod classic models as well as 30/60/80GB 5G iPods, but considering that each of the stereo drivers pumps out under 1-watt per, you should probably plan on tossing this bad boy over your right shoulder like we did back in 1985 in order to hear anything.[Via popgadget]
The CyrusLink LinkMini Two iPod speaker system
UK-based CyrusLink has released a few iPod speaker systems, but we hadn't heard anything about the outfit's latest effort, the LinkMini Two, until the crew at ShinyShiny spotted its nondescript Amazon page. Featuring a 10-watt sub and two five-watt satellites with aluminum cones, the Two probably won't win any design awards any time soon, but Cyrus is known for solid audio and the £61 ($126) pricetag seems fairly reasonable. Available now to our British friends, but there's no word if we'll see this bad boy in the States.[Via Shiny Shiny]
Old guitar gets reborn as an iPod dock
This isn't the most complicated hack in the world, but London designers Conran and Partners' entry into the Deptford Design Market Challenge is still pretty sweet -- the firm mashed up an iPod speaker system and an old classical guitar to create one of the prettier iPod docking solutions we've seen. The guitar is part of a collection of similarly "reworked" items now on display at Royal Festival Hall in London -- hit the read link to see the others.
Altec Lansing starts shipping the iMV712 "mini-theater system"
We caught a glimpse of Altec Lansing's iMV712 audio / video iPod superdock during CES, but they haven't been available until today. Looking like the unholy love child of the ubiquitous iM3 and a portable DVD player, Altec's new top-of-the-line speaker dock sports an 8.5-inch "high-resolution" LCD, a universal iPod dock, a remote control, a "stage" for non-iPod MP3 players, and two 3-inch drivers backed up by a 4-inch subwoofer. While that screen seems a little superfluous -- it doesn't show cover art or anything during audio playback and we're not quite certain where you'd watch movies on it (kitchens? prison cells?) -- at $350 this bad boy's a no-brainer over, say, the iPod Hi-Fi.
American Burger Company installing iPod jukeboxes in eatery
Jukeboxes that play nice with your iPod have long since been available for your pool hall or living room, but John Tunney of American Burger Company feels the Apple-centric music machines would fit a bit better inside a tried-and-true eatery. Subsequently, the new Hicksville location sports a dozen Logitech mm50 sound docks, and allows customers to bring in their tunes and shows to distract them from quality conversation while scarfing down a burger. Apparently, the restaurant is hoping the honor system will keep users from blasting their tunes too loudly in public, and just in case you happen to forget your Pod when coming in to grab a bite, the bevy of plasma screens and open WiFi signal should keep you plenty occupied whilst chewing.[Via ChipChick]
Sierra Sounds' iN STUDIO 5.0 iPod-friendly speakers
We must admit, it's somewhat refreshing to see a set of Made for iPod speakers hit the marketplace that could potentially sound better than a poorly-amplified glorified tweeter, and Sierra Sounds' iN STUDIO 5.0 set is looking to up the ante by catering to the more discerning set. The pair of monitors are purportedly best matched in one's recording studio, as they feature an integrated 50-watt dynamic amplifier, built-in iPod dock, a pair of auxiliary inputs, S-Video output, and a fully enclosed power supply to boot. Additionally, users can control the action from afar with the wireless infrared remote, and Pod owners should be delighted that they can pick a set up in a black, red, or the oh-so-trendy white color scheme. Set to ship later this month, the iN STUDIO 5.0s will run you just under four Benjamins.[Via iLounge]
Spidey-inspired Spi-Dog wags to your iPod
If you're looking for the perfect way out of getting a real canine in your life, or you're simply one of "those people" who just have to have every single I-Animal that gets loose from the farm, we've got yet another option to add to the fray. The Spi-Dog touts a Spider-Man-inspired motif, as the ominous eyes and perked ears let you know that this crime-fighter means business, but alas, the diminutive 4.75- x 3.25- x 5-inch size, light-up face, wagging motions, and blinking LEDs make this fella quite the softy. Per usual, this I-Dog flashes and busts a move whenever exposed to music, touts a "built-in speaker for playing your iPod" (or any other DAP / PMP), and is available now for the fanboys and Spidey freaks alike for $39.95.[Via iLounge]
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]
Macworld 2007 Show Floor Showoff: mStation Audio
One of the joys of attending Macworld is that you get to meet smaller vendors. Companies that you may never have heard of are showing off their wares, and in some cases they are pretty cool. mStation is one of those cases. Marc from mStation gives us an overview of the company and two of their products, the mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower and the mStation HTS (which isn't even on their website yet, though it will be available in March).As always, there is a QuickTime version for your viewing pleasure.
Macworld 2007 Show Floor Showoff: Griffin Technology
We continue to relive the wonder and joy that was Macworld Expo 2007 with yet another showfloor interview. I got a chance to speak with Jackie from Griffin Technology about the Evolve and the Amplifi. Both iPod speaker systems sound impressive, though the Evolve is a little more exciting. Check the video for more details.You can grab an iPod ready version of the interview here.
DLO unveils iBoom Travel, updates TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe
It seems that iHome, Altec Lansing, and Acoustic Research aren't the only folks busting out new iPod accessories, as DLO is strutting its stuff too with a new iBoom Travel as well as revamped versions of the TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe. The miniaturized version of the iBoom ($89.99) combines a clock radio with a portable, AA / AC-powered boombox, which comes in white or graphite colors, boasts the usual sleep / alarm functions, and sports an iPod cradle and LCD screen to boot. The TransDock features an "enhanced mounting arm," video-out for use with in-car displays, top and side mounted antennas, and removable faceplates as well. Additionally, you can connect other DAPs via the aux in jack, and the USB pass-through allows other random USB gadgetry to be charged while it's in use. Lastly, the refreshed HomeDock Deluxe ($149.99) didn't change much in the design department, but did add on-screen album art on a dedicated "Now Playing" screen, a dozen new color themes and screen savers, and a feature that enables "on the fly" playlist creation. The iBoom Travel and HomeDock Deluxe are currently for sale directly through DLO, while the updated TransDock is still waiting for its own release date.
Altec Lansing cuts the wire between iPod dock and speaker in the M812
Altec Lansing just announced the M812, a complete wireless speaker solution for the iPod. The set features a dock and speaker which communicate to one another via 802.11g, as well as an IR remote. Altec Lansing claims that audio can be transmitted as far as 100 feet, but your mileage may vary if you have other devices connected to your network. The speaker itself has two 4-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter, with the most notable feature that each speaker can be assigned a left / right channel so you can put a pair of them together for a true stereo experience. Better still, the word from ol' Uncle Alt is that one dock can be linked to a maximum of 9 speakers. The dock also sports an FM tuner and an auxiliary input for connecting other portable media players that aren't the iPod. Should be available this spring.
Logitech announces X-240 computer speakers with iPod cradle
Looks like Logitech has another set of computer speakers in the works. No surprise there, right? But the X-240 speaker system is more than just speakers. This time they've added a "control center" that includes audio controls and a headphone jack as well as a charge/sync/play cradle for your iPod, PDA, mobile phone or other DAP. The X-240 also includes specialized adapters for both the iPod and the Zune to provide a custom fit as well as to help manage cable clutter.Of course you can still use the speakers without connecting an iPod or anything else to them, but why would you want to? Look for them to ship this spring for under $50.
iLounge reviews the i.Dream i-Classic Digital Audio System
I hereby declare today "iPod Sound System Saturday."Not sure why, but I've got iPod speakers and sound systems on the brain today. I was catching up on iLounge and noticed their "first-look" of the i.Dream America i-Classic Digital Audio System. The pictures pulled me in. It just looks plain cool. Based on the description I'm betting it sounds good, too. iLounge notes that he inconsistently i-/i.named i.Dream i-Classic consists of a large amp, LCD AM/FM alarm clock radio base, four faux vacuum tubes, two removable cube speakers, integrated iPod dock and a 10-button remote control. It's $140 and has dock adapters to accommodate all dock-compatible iPods. Check out iLounge for lots more pictures. If anyone has one of these I'd love to hear what you think about it!
Playlist highlights the Home Entertainment Show
Dan Frakes, that wacky iPod aficionado, was on the ground at the 2006 Home Entertainment Show and he saw lots of cool iPod gear. Above you see the $1250 FH007 Mini System from Ferguson Hill (which remind me of the speakers that came with the Cube). Dan saw lots of other stuff (including a $16,000 speaker setup) so check out his article for the full scoop.
Ars Technica takes a look at iPod speakers
Those very detail oriented fellows at Ars Technica have set their sights on high end iPod speaker systems, and there can be only one. The review takes a look at the Apple iPod HiFi, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7, and the Klipsch iFi.The review is very in depth, but I don't want to say any more lest I spoil the fun for you (but the iPod HiFi does better than expected).
Geneva Model L
Do you have an iPod, $600, and love black? The Geneva Model L black is just the iPod speaker system for you. It is compatible with all dock connector iPods, has a built in CD player, FM radio, and an included remote.If you don't like black it also comes in red and white.[via Uncrate]
