The Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod Dock.
(Credit: Buy.com)As a child of the '80s, I can distinctly remember a time when decorative electrostatic plasma lamps were very cool. They were also very expensive and--for the most part--useless. These days, though, I can't look at one without thinking of that creepy, evil, wizard crystal ball thing from Lord of the Rings.
Whatever side of nerd nostalgia you fall on, the Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod dock has you covered. You get an iPod dock, clock radio, USB port, and a bitchin' plasma lamp--all for $34.99. I'm not sure how they shield the speakers from interference, or protect your iPod from the constant static-electric charge, but I know wouldn't risk putting an iPhone in there. Anyway, I wouldn't want Saruman the White reading my e-mail.
(Via Techfresh)
(Credit:
Scosche)
Despite the fact that I finally caved and purchased a second-gen iPod Touch, history will tell you that I'm no iPod fangirl. Still, one thing the iPod has going for it that no other MP3 player can match is a seemingly endless array of third-party add-ons.
There are hordes of cases; gaggles of speakers; and a shocking supply of docks, recorders, FM transmitters, and other feature-adding devices...not to mention all those apps for the Touch and the iPhone.
Over the past several years, there have been a number of iPod accessories that tempted me to bow to the pressure of the 'Pod. I've rounded up the top 10 choices here for your viewing pleasure. Maybe some of them will entice you in the same way.
The iLuv iMM183 will not protect your iPhones from tornado damage, but it will greet you in the morning with a gentle rising volume feature.
(Credit: iLuv)Taking a page from the boombox trend of the 1980s, iPod-docking alarm clocks are taking on an absurd amount of features in an effort to stand out from the herd. Case in point: the iLuv iMM183, a dual-dock alarm clock capable of ...
Read the full post at CNET's CES 2009 blog.
(Credit:
Amazon)
If there's one thing iHome specializes in, it's figuring out how to fit an iPod in any space.
Various docks have done everything from rotate to combine with lamps and speakers to save space wherever possible. And where does one build when real estate is scarce? Up, of course.
The "Spacesaver Alarm Clock" curves backward in a yoga-like position apparently to make as much surface area accessible while maintaining a minimal footprint. It also has LEDs on the sides and adjustable brightness so you can use it as a nightlight.
(Credit:
iHome)
Call us shortsighted, but we'd always assumed that people would watch video on a mobile phone or portable player only while on the go, not at home or on the desktop--if at all. But if recent products are any indication, that doesn't seem to be the case.
There have been an increasing number of docks and speakers for the iPhone and iPod Touch, for instance, that are meant to accommodate their displays in a horizontal viewing position. The latest example comes from iHome in the form of its "iH41B Rotating Alarm Clock."
Not only is this gadget designed to be turned on its side for watching video on the players in its dock, according to 7Gadgets, but its clock will also automatically rotate to match its new position. Or, if you're at home, you can just skip the portable altogether and watch a Blu-ray DVD.
(Credit:
iLuv)
Everyone knows that there are virtually no products designed to work with the iPod, so iLuv has bravely decide to step in and fill the gaping void with an HD radio that includes a built-in dock for the media player. The i169 stereo can function as an alarm clock as well as receive HD transmissions, displaying song information and other data, though it looks fairly uninspired considering all the competition out there.
iLuv has made yet another bold move and produced a version that has no iPod dock whatsoever, providing the same functions as its sibling without the media player. The i168 does include a 3.5-millimeter jack to plug one in, however, so you won't have to go cold turkey.
To see our Chumby photo gallery, click the above photo.
Looking like the lovechild of a Tribble and an iPod Touch, the Chumby is an adaptable little do-anything box that can stream internet radio, browse YouTube videos, serve up newsfeeds, wake you up in the morning, and generally distract you from doing anything productive with your life. In short: the Chumby is a blast.
Want the full low-down? We've got our own Chumby photo gallery, along with the official CNET review.
(Credit:
ChipChick)
With so many iPod colors coming out all the time, it can be difficult to coordinate them with their docks and speakers. The "iSoundSpa Fusion" is designed to take the angst out of coordinating accessories with your media player by providing the option to mix and match faceplates.
The Fusion combines a dual alarm clock, AM/FM radio, and "six soothing nature sounds" with an iPod dock, Chip Chick says. But what makes it different from so many other docks is its interchangeable facades, which come in four colors in addition to the original white for $5 apiece beyond the $60 base price.
We must caution, however, against excessive color coordination. It could easily be overdone, like those matching shirt-tie combos that come in the same package at certain unnamed department stores.
(Credit:
XtremeMac)
Not content with the generally good marks it received for its first-gen Luna iPod clock radio, XtremeMac is back with the Luna X2. Boasting two separately programmable iPod alarms and a slew of customizable options such as volume control and play duration, the X2 can tailor to almost any specific wake-up preference. Also included in the package is an eight preset AM/FM tuner, remote, an adjustable brightness LCD display, and an auxiliary port for connecting other audio devices. The X2 is compatible with all of the new iPods including every previous model with a dock connector. The Luna X2 will retail for $120 and will be available at retailers nationwide in the coming weeks.
- prev
- 1
- next
