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Build your own iPod Hi-Fi
The iPod Hi-Fi could be considered a tad profligate (or at least a bit superfluous), but that doesn't suggest it's not desired by the iPod faithful. For those of you who've lusted after Apple's big white boombox but just couldn't produce the coin required to own your own, we've got a solution for you. A clever DIY'er has taken a pair of old school Mac Classic cases and constructed his own version of an iPod sound system; the self-proclaimed Hi-Fi mini performs similar duties, but has a few choice extras omitted from the original: external speaker hook-ups, "real" stereo separation, and the not-quite-RIAA-approved "Dr Mesh," installed in the unit's former floppy drive slot to prevent others from symbolically stealing songs 400k at a time. We have no idea the sound quality of these things, but and one-upping Apple at their own game with a dash each of irony and retro has to be worth something, right?
Mac Classic Hi-Fi
This is brilliant. Absolutely awesome. Simon realized that begging for an iPod Hi-Fi probably wasn't going to get him anything but scorn and pity from his friends, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Armed with two ceiling speakers used for sorround sound systems, two original Mac cases, and some powertools, Simon went to work on one of the coolest Mac mods I have seen in a very long time. A few hours, some cans of white spray paint, and you have the two coolest desktop speakers ever. Complete with battery power, line-in, and carrying handle, the new iPod Hi-Fi mini will be the rage all all of your summer parties.Photoset and "Product Page"Via Cult of Mac blog
Denon's D-F103 streaming Hi-Fi with 40GB disk
We know it's gotta hurt the likes of Denon to pump those compressed audio files out their quality wares. Still, it brings a tear of joy to the eye to see these pioneers of digital audio embrace convergence so thoroughly. Introducing the Denon D-F103 shelf-system with 40GB disk, CD, USB, and Ethernet jack. As you might have already surmised, you can plug-in and play music directly off your USB-equipped DAP, rip your CDs in PCM(WAV) or WMA files straight to disk, and even stream MP3/WAV/WMA audio from any DLNA or Windows Media Connect server on your home network. She'll also play vTuner Internet Radio and backup your PC music over USB to boot. And don't worry about ripping to untitled tracks when disconnected; that disk comes pre-installed with about 350,000 Gracenote CDDB titles. Expected to drop in Japan in late August for ¥161,700 or $1,389 in that cool, cool green. Come 'ere Denon, it's noogie time.[Via Impress]
Memorex iMove elbows into the iPod boombox market
In a market already crowded with iBooms, iJams, and Hi-Fis, do we really need yet another iPod boombox to choose from? Memorex thinks so, as evidenced by their recent introduction of a 12-watt 'box -- called, unsurprisingly, the iMove -- which accepts fourth and fifth generation 'Pods along with nanos, the iPod photo, and even the good old Mini, plus anything else you can plug into its auxiliary port. Also sporting a remote, AM/FM tuner, and SRS WOW sound enhancement, the iMove can be powered from your car or boat's cigarette lighter, eight D batteries, or a regular wall outlet -- and by using the latter option, you can simultaneously charge whatever iPod you have docked as well. No word yet on a release date, but as long as its cheaper than the Hi-Fi (it is, at around $100) and more polished than models like the Toolbox Player or iBoom (which it seems to be), it should probably be able to eke out some decent sales when it finally hits Wal-mart shelves.[Via fosfor gadgets, thanks Mikael S.]
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]
iLounge has an iPod Hi-Fi
Those iPod crazy kids at iLounge have gotten their hands on an iPod Hi-Fi and they have posted their initial thoughts. This isn't a review, rather a 'first look,' as iLounge calls them.The post includes a number of pictures of the packaging, some shots comparing the Hi-Fi to other products that do similar things, and shots of the new iPod 'speakers' menu option (I wonder if that menu will be open to other iPod accessory makers).
