IpodDock
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Silex announces wiDock wireless iPod dock
You know how we can't stop whining about the inexplicable lack of wireless sync on the Zune? Well, Silex Technology just filled that void for the iPod crowd with their new wiDock, so it looks like the Zune kids are just going to look that much sillier when November 14th rolls around. Of course, a WiFi dock isn't quite as exciting as the promise of free-roaming wireless sync, but we'll take what we can get. Along with synchronization, the dock lets you charge your iPod, control the unit with the Apple remote, and pipe video and audio from your computer through the dock to your home entertainment system. The wiDock features 3.5-millimeter and S-Video plugs, along with a 3.5-millimeter to RCA audio cable and some SVL software for Windows and Mac to manage your media streams. The unit is 802.11b/g compatible, which should be plenty for SD streams, and you can also hook up to a regular 10/100Base-T wired network if that's more your style. No word on price, but we should be seeing this thing hit retail shelves next week.
Paul Miller11.01.2006
SDI's iHome2go iH19 and iH26 iPod docks
SDI Technologies have just taken the iHome on the road with their iHome2go series of iPod alarm docks. Oh sure, you could argue about the name -- why not iGo or iRideCoattails, for example -- but there's no denying the magic of that iHome preamble. Available in two flavas, the 2go iH26 is pretty much the iH5 in a new folding design while the 2go iH19 model brings true portability with integrated speakers in a waterproof/shockproof carrying case measuring just 830-grams / 210×90×90-mm or 1.83-pounds / 8.3×3.5×3.5-inches including the 4x AAA batteries it can use for power when away from the mains. Expect the iH19 to pull ¥10,800 (about $91) while the iH26 will set you back approximately ¥14,800 (about $125) when these hit Japan in early November. More pics after the break.[Via Impress]Read -- iHome2go iH19Read -- iHome2go iH26
Thomas Ricker10.19.2006
ViewSonic's ViewDock iPod-ready LCDs get real
The first time around we really didn't have a lot of info on these ViewDock thingamajigs from ViewSonic, but we didn't have a hard time imagining some standard functionality for an iPod dock with an LCD slapped on. For instance, such a device seems like it'd be a real natural at mirroring the iPod display -- be it video or menus -- which is even demonstrated in their original press photo of the unit. Turns out we couldn't have been more wrong. ViewSonic's new VX1945wm and VX2245wm LCDs mainly excel at eliminating a teensy bit of desk clutter, since if you want to watch the videos that are on your iPod, you'll need to play 'em in iTunes just like everybody else -- there's no direct video integration between the iPod and LCD. It does appear that the display's built-in speakers will pump your iPod's tunes directly, but our confidence is shaken even in that. Otherwise, the LCDs seem pretty nice, with 5ms response times each, a 1,440 x 900 resolution in the 19-incher, and a 1,680 x 1,050 res on the 22-inch model. Both displays appear to be available now, for $329 and $449 respectively. Keep reading for a closeup.
Paul Miller10.12.2006
iPod docks galore clutter up retail channels
We're not exactly sure how many different (or not so different) iPod docks are absolutely necessary, but we suppose the money is good, so we can't be too terribly hard on these manufacturers trying to make a quick buck with their endless iterations of the infernal things. Today's flavors comprise a virtual cornucopia of boringness, with Onkyo, Elecom and iLive all trying their darnedest not to stick out. Onkyo starts things off with their Wave Radio-inspired AERO Sound System (pictured), which includes CD playback, has a 5 watt 2 channel speaker, and will go for around 40,000 to 50,000 yen (about $335 to $419 US) when it goes on sale on November 30th. Next we have the the ASP-WP8 from Elecom, which boasts of 5.5 watt 2 channel sound, some decent looks and a 16,065 yen pricetag ($135 US). The ASP-WP8 will be out in late October. Finally, we have the painfully named IHMD8816DT Home Docking System from iLive, which boasts of full-on DVD playback along with the simple iPod docking action, and will be retailing for around $160. All three players come with cute little remotes, and while the first two appear to be Japan-only, the iLive dock should be inciting yawns from the store shelves of our very own shores. Check out the Elecom and iLive after the break.Read - Onkyo AERO Sound SystemRead - Elecom ASP-WP8Read - iLive IHMD8816DT
Paul Miller10.11.2006
Renault Twingo concept car goes tech crazy
If you can manage to squeeze yourself and three of your nerdiest buddies into this tiny car, y'all are going to have the one of the most gadget-laden rides ever perpetrated by man. From the pics you can tell the Renault Twingo concept is bristling with iPod docks, and a dashboard mixer puts them all to good use, but there's plenty of other stuff going on here. The car sports USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and each seat gets an audio jack for listening to an independent source, in case the front seat DJ isn't mixing it up well enough. There's also a 15-inch LCD, which is backed by an in-car PC with internet access of some sort. When you open up the hatch, there's some chilled beverages awaiting, and the speaker system points backwards to blast sound into the quickly assembling crowd of Very Cool People that suddenly will want to be your friend. Check out plenty more pics after the break.
Paul Miller10.04.2006
Keepin' it real fake, part XXXIV: iPod Universal Dock YesProduct
As if a Hong Kong-based auction taking payment in British pounds for one of these "iPod Accessaries" wasn't sketchy enough, this "YesProduct" comes with one "original sales package" that is "all brand new." We're still not sure if it'll accept the bevy of iPod ripoffs that we've seen over the past several months, but the eBay bidding starts at £8 ($15) if you want to find out. [Thanks, Anthony B.]
Cyrus Farivar10.03.2006
The iPod dock for value-driven consumers
If you haven't throw down for one of the bazillion iPod docks out there, you may have considered just making your own. But for those out there without the technical know-how -- or more importantly, adequate funding -- you're probably stuck syncing your 'Pod flat on the desk with that plain ole cable Apple tossed in. A dissatisfied (and apparently broke) Mac user finally felt that enough was enough, and resorted to creating an iPod dock from what appears to be an old Apple accessory box, a generous helping of tape, scissors, and a black marker. While we assume any smallish cardboard box would fit the bill, using the prior home of an AirPort Express card just adds that critical dash of Apple flair to the whole creation. If you're a bit short on cash, or just admire your own handiwork, be sure to keep reading for an internal view, and then hit up the read link to peep a full gallery of construction photos so you don't screw yours up.[Via digg]
Darren Murph09.18.2006
ViewSonic unveils iPod dock equipped monitors
ViewSonic, the display company that will forever be known to me as 'That one with the 3 mildly creepy birds, has announced an LCD monitor with an integrated iPod dock. Docking your video enabled iPod allows you to play videos right on the monitor, which is pretty sweet.The monitor also functions as a normal iPod dock, as well as a USB 2.0 hub, and a 8-in-1 card reader. ViewSonic didn't stop there though, the monitor also includes a microphone, integrated stereo speakers and a subwoofer. That's quite a monitor.The monitor line is expected to ship later this year, though no word on how much one of these will set you back.[via iLounge]
Scott McNulty09.12.2006
ViewSonic busts out ViewDock display series for iPods
We can't say with absolute certainty that every single device type known to man has now been outfitted or retrofitted with an iPod dock, but we sure are getting pretty dang close. ViewSonic's new ViewDock display series brings the iPod to your LCD, allowing you to view video, photos and those oh-so-cute menus at up to 65 times larger than an iPod screen. The displays also feature multiple USB 2.0 ports, an 8-in-1 card reader, a microphone, integrated speakers and a subwoofer to really bring the convergence. Of course, the average computer has most of those features already, along with copies of your iPod media if you're docking at your traditional computer, but what's the fun in that? We're otherwise slim on details for the new displays, with ViewSonic merely claiming "ultra-fast" response times, "high" brightness and contrast ratios and "wide" viewing angles. We've also yet to find a pic of these ViewDocks, but we'll be sure to update when we find one.[Pic courtesy of bit-tech, thanks Ben D.]
Paul Miller09.12.2006
Rig of the Day: iMac + T.P. dispenser
We've seen the Atech combination iPod dock/toilet paper dispenser before, but not mounted on an iMac. Good job, Meester Nik. You've mastered divergent thinking.If you'd like to see your own rig featured here, simply upload photos into our group Flickr pool. We select one image to highlight each day, and crown a Rig of the Week on Sundays.
Dave Caolo06.15.2006
How-To: Design your own iPod super dock (Part 3)
We're back again with our continuing iPod super dock how-to series (see parts one and two, if you need to catch up). Last week we layed out the schematic for the board, and today we'll do a check up on the schematic, and design the PC board that we'll make for our super dock. We're getting close now, can you smell it? It's solder.
Will O'Brien05.02.2006
How-To: Design your own iPod super dock (Part 2)
In part 1 of our iPod super dock how-to, we created a new mount for the iPod dock connector on a printed circuit board using EAGLE. Now that we have the connector layout in EAGLE, we'll design the schematic for our custom iPod accessory. Read on for part 2 of Design your own super dock! If you're an iPod owner you'll be glad you did, this thing does it all, and we're almost there!
Will O'Brien04.25.2006
How-To: Design your own iPod super dock (Part 1)
Look for resident hackers Will O'Brien and Eliot Phillips (plus many other crazy projects) April 22-23 at the Maker Faire in San Mateo, CA!This one goes out to everyone that has an iPod or two laying about and an itchy soldering iron and thinks that the standard USB or Firewire dock just isn't quite good enough. The tiny thirty pin dock connector on the bottom of later model iPods contains quite a few connections and we want to take advantage of all of them: audio, video, serial, USB and Firewire. Today, we're bringing you part one of a How-To series on designing and building your own iPod super dock.
Will O'Brien04.18.2006DLO begins shipping HomeDock Deluxe
This is what Apple's Universal iPod Dock should do. When connected to your TV, the HomeDock Deluxe by DLO offers on-screen navigation of your iPod's music library (C.K. took a look at the original HomeDock in January). It works with all iPods that have a dock connector, and will also let you watch stored videos/photos via S-video or AV. The included 20-button remote may lack Apple's minimalist elegance, but you can use it to search album, artist, title genre and so on, as well as skip, replay, pause, etc. Plus, it charges your iPod while docked.You can pick one up for $149.99US.
Dave Caolo04.13.2006
Adimos wireless iPod dock
Engadget brings us this Admios wireless iPod from the wilds of CES. In theory, this thing sounds great. It will stream video content from your video enabled iPod to your television using the power of invisible waves. Magic!Sadly, it is proprietary magic. Now, we Apple fans are no strangers to proprietary gear, however, here's the clincher: in order to use this dock you need to have a television that supports this proprietary protocol. Who makes one? Sony perhaps? Or Panasonic? Nope, no one is making them at present though one model is slated to be available in the future.Seems to me that this dock is both wireless and worthless.
Scott McNulty01.05.2006