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GEAR4's HouseParty Blu system handles iPods and A2DP streaming
There's iPod sound systems, and then there's Bluetooth streaming music stations, but GEAR4 is looking to meld both worlds together with its new HouseParty Blu. The multifaceted speaker station allows dock-connecting iPods to flank the top and recharge its battery while cranking out the jams, and moreover, it doesn't shun the elegant A2DP audio streaming capabilities of your BT-enabled music phone in the process. As with most portable sound systems, this one also includes a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input for every other music source in the world, and specs wise, you'll find a pair of stereo drivers, 30-watts of amplification, touch-sensitive backlit buttons, and a wireless remote. So if you've been keeping an eye for a noise maker that would natively play nice with your Pod and mobile, you can snap up GEAR4's latest for a reasonable £79.99 ($159) right now.
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]
Samsung offers up DS200 speaker dock for YP-K3
Just days after Samsung's uber-slim YP-K3 DAP got all official on us, here comes news of a docking speaker attachment to give it the built-in sound projection capabilities that the YP-K5 already has. Although Samsung has also announced that the K3 will be landing in lime green and red flavors here shortly, the DS200 apparently only comes in black, and while it's admittedly less sexy that the integrated speaker on its larger sibling, it'll still get the job done when push comes to shove. We wouldn't expect this here horn to deliver anything awe-inspiring, but the battery-powered DS200 should provide your ears with a little rest when you're tired of wearing those earbuds. Reportedly, the speaker adornment should hit shelves sometime in March, but since it'll run you right around $50, it's probably a bit much for an impulse buy.
Logitech announces X-240 PC speaker system / DAP dock
It seems that Logitech has exhausted its efforts on DAP-centric speaker docks (not really), as its latest creation is a 2.1 PC speaker system that just so happens to double as a docking station for your PDA, DAP, PMP, or other PC-connecting gizmo. Sporting an all black motif, the system features twin 5-watt stereo speakers, a 15-watt subwoofer, headphone jack, "convenient volume and power controls," and a stowaway device cradle that allows you to sync up your gadgetry with your PC while it recharges. The package also includes a standard 3.5-millimeter stereo cable, "cradle trays" for your iPod, iPod video, iPod nano, and Microsoft Zune, and when the dock becomes too much hassle for what it's worth, you can simply disconnect it without interfering with the speakers. Slated to hit retail outlets in the US in April, Europeans can look for these come May, and while we doubt audiophiles even read this far, you budget-minded folk should enjoy the fairly reasonable $49.99 pricetag.
Altec Lansing to launch inMotion iM510 speaker dock for SanDisk Sansa
If you've settled on picking up a SanDisk Sansa e200 or c200 but feel a bit left in the cold in terms of specialized accessories, Altec Lansing is rushing in to heat things up. In what appears to be a spinoff of the "Made for iPod" agenda, Altec Lansing has partnered with SanDisk to create a lineup of accessories geared specifically towards the Sansa music players. The flagship device -- dubbed the inMotion iM510 -- is a black docking speaker station that doesn't veer too far from the company's iPod-friendly versions, save for its Sansa compatibility, of course. While details thus far are a bit slim, we do know the portable system will dock, sync, and charge the e200 and c200 series DAPs, and will play nice with the (optional) BB2001 subwoofer. Although no word on pricing nor availability has been given, the coinage should be a tad lower (we'd guess, um, 10 percent or so) than the iPod-conforming units when it hits the street. [Via MobileWhack]
