New iPod Boombox

Looks like a microwave oven.

by billb_msn (See profile) - March 1, 2006 2:04 PM PST

Apple sure knows how to turn off third party vendors. Do they really have to get in to the assessor market?

by vidyman (See profile) - March 1, 2006 12:56 PM PST

Disregard the previous post by whoever that person is that can't read properly. Verbatim from apple.com... "Analog/digital input" and "Input port accepts analog 3.5 mm stereo minijack or S/PDIF optical digital miniplug(3)"
The bit about an additional cable isn't for old models it's for dockless models - which go back quite a way so unless you've got a first or second gen that doesn't mean anything. And no, it doesn't have connection for shuffle but, being a shuffle owner, I really have no desire to plug my little gum pack sized mp3 player into that - I'd just use my laptop...

by bigmc6000 (See profile) - March 1, 2006 11:03 AM PST

Just looked over the literature at Apple there is no mention of a direct digital audio input anywhere in the literature, and older models require "audio cable, sold separately"
The combination of 8cm mid/tweeters and a 13cm woofer means the bass is not going to be all that extended, and high treble will probably be quite beamy - can't defeat the laws of physics, although with enough money and amplifier power you can bend them. Oh, and IMHO and yeah, 15 yrs in the audio industry.

by KevinK (See profile) - March 1, 2006 10:24 AM PST

This should be viewed in the same market space as the XM radio portable speakers. These items are coming available to allow users of these new audio devises flexibility. This is for more established electonics owners. Lets say for the office or a bedroom where there is not a dedicated Speaker system. Also for users with smaller spaces or less electronics in their life this would be a great system to use for their computer and Ipod.

by S&W (See profile) - March 1, 2006 8:44 AM PST

I realize the market for iPod accessories is hot, but I am getting burned by the lack of foresight by Apple and most third party manufacturers. Most everyone is aware that the iPod scratches easily, so everyone has gone out and bought a $25 case. Having a case makes using your iPod while jogging, walking to work, riding the train, etc, very worry-free. You don't have to worry about scratching it and it can survive a drop or two. But everywhere else where you want to use your iPod, it is a hassle. The accessories available to for car and home use require you to REMOVE your protective case. I am sick of it!! You cannot use ANY of the cool iPod accessories without removing your case. It is time Apple and the third party manufacturers step up an develop products that allow you to keep your iPod in its case. The new iPod Boombox OFFERS NOTHING NEW. iPod customers need to speak up and demand products that make using your iPod easy!!

by nateh6 (See profile) - March 1, 2006 6:25 AM PST

Why don't you say something about how it sounded so we'll be able to put the "sounds ok" vs "sounds amazing" argument to rest. You said you got to hear it so...

by bigmc6000 (See profile) - March 1, 2006 6:22 AM PST

Why spend 400+ when you can get better sound for under $200. This is what I did and I love my set up. I bought the Ipod wireless remote, it goes threw walls and everything. I also bought the logitech z-8200. Sweetest set of 2.1 speakers I have ever heard. Who cares if I dont have a big screen that shows what song is playing. Who doesn't know what song is playing!? You were the one that put the song on the ipod in the first place! I have many friends that dished out mega bucks to have official Ipod speakers (bose) and all of them wish they would have saved money and get better sound. I think this boombox is a horrible attempt at sucking more money out of a bad idea. If they are trying to replace the home stereo it needs to be better than a home stereo. Give me fm/am.

by shlurpee (See profile) - March 1, 2006 5:14 AM PST

There are a number of comments about just plugging your iPod into your system via a headphone jack well 1) the quality isn't as good because once it's in the headphone line it's analog and thus has losses, 2) you already have a home stereo. They really aren't selling this is a home stereo replacement - it's more like an addition and honestly - if the sound is as good as they say don't be surprised to see them flying off the shelves at your nearest apple store. Why? you ask - because teenagers and college kids generally don't have amazing how speaker systems and quite a lot of them have iPods. On top of that they can just plug their computers into this thing and now they have amazing sound from the only two sources they really care about (trust me - I've seen it first hand...)

by bigmc6000 (See profile) - March 1, 2006 4:57 AM PST

I'm not an iPod owner but if I were the iPod Hi-Fi would be very very low on my list of accessories.

Portable speakers for the iPod, nice idea but what's with the prop-ya-pod dock on the top of the unit? How stable, secure and strong is it?

The value in it will ultimately come down to the quality of the sound but I'd be inclined to go with the Altec Lansing InMotion iM7 that C|net's own Jasmine France names as a top pick. My reasoning comes down to the more secure looking iPod cradle. With the iM7 there's less chance of your iPod hitting the deck when you're (shock, horror!) moving your portable speaker system.

by j3st3r (See profile) - February 28, 2006 11:59 PM PST