Apple debuts iPod Hi-Fi, iPod cases
updated 02:10 pm EST, Tue February 28, 2006
iPod Hi-Fi, iPod cases
Apple today debuted its new iPod Hi-Fi, a high-fidelity speaker system designed to work seamlessly with its iPod digital media player, as well as leather cases for fifth-generation iPods and the iPod nano. The iPod Hi-Fi features an innovative all-in-one design that can be powered by a wall socket or six D-cell batteries, and is easily controlled by an Apple Remote. A unique isolated enclosure system includes two custom designed wide-range speakers and a tuned, ported bass system to minimize vibration while maximizing sound quality and allowing users to listen to their favorite music with high sound clarity and deep bass. iPod Hi-Fi ships with the Apple Remote, a removable grille, an AC power cord, 10 universal dock adapters, and is available for $350. Apple's leather cases fit both 30GB and 60GB iPod models, as well as the iPod nano, and are available for $100 each.
The iPod Hi-Fi features handles to ease transport of the stereo, and a removable front grille with precision-mounting clips, touch-sensetive volume control buttons, and a universal power supply incorporated into the all-in-one design.
"Apple is reinventing the home stereo with the new iPod Hi-Fi, the first iPod accessory that adds true high-fidelity sound quality to the iPod," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said today at the company's special event in Cupertino. "iPod Hi-Fi's unrivaled acoustic performance and stunning design is at home in any room in the house."
The stereo supports all iPod models with a dock connector, and recharges any connected iPod while it is docked. The device includes a dual-purpose
3.5-mm auxiliary input port that accepts either analog or digital signals, allowing users to easily connect a wide range of audio sources to the unit.
Apple today also rolled out new leather cases designed specifically for the fifth-generation iPod with video and iPod nano models. The Leather Case for iPod is made with hand-crafted Italian leather and offers a soft, durable interior lining for a secure fit.
It is now available from the Apple Store.
Big deal
02/28, 08:32pm reply
For this they needed a special event? Even with the Mini intro, I think a press release would have sufficed...
bipto
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 1999
Better remote needed
02/28, 10:46pm reply
I am not impressed by this "announcement". If Apple really wanted to create a nice device they could have started with the remote. How about a bigger remote (this is for the home market) with a nice LCD screen comperable to the iPod's LCD. Black and white would be okay, but color would be NICE. The size of the Nano's screen would work. This screen would display all the ipod data information providing the user with more options than just basic CD controls...or forcing the user to stand close to the unit.
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
Thak god for the Hi-Fi
02/28, 11:09pm reply
I mean god knows we don't have nearly enough iPod accessories out there. The drought is over people. Rejoice.
SiliconAddict
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Where's the radio?
03/01, 07:20am reply
I bought the iPod Remote/FM Radio, and it's bad enough that you can't charge your iPod and listen to the radio at the same time. Now, you can't listen to your radio on this thing either. It seems that they aren't really putting any effort into making a complete audio entertainment solution (i.e. full AM/FM radio integration with the iPod experience).
exocomp
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2002
Price?
03/01, 03:17pm reply
$349?! Are you frikkin' kidding me?! You can get a fairly decent home-theater-in-a-box for that. This thing ought to be around $149. Only the most Apple-besotted design w**** would pay $349 for this -- and such individuals have other choices for this type of item, anyway. Watch the price come way down by summer.
notehead
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Where's the beef?
03/02, 12:58am reply
Exocomp... Apple could easily fix that one problem by stop being boneheads and just adding an internal radio. Most other decent mp3 players have them. I just don't understand why. My Cowon X5L and A2 can not only let me listen to the radio (NPR mainly) but let me record a show when I cannot listen - such as during class.
WOW. $350.00 for that piece of junk? I basically ignored this thing and didn't even look at the price.
Why couldn't Apple have gone with an intel based Mac mini with a built in iPod dock?
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
One word
03/06, 03:44pm reply
Klipsch
www.klipsch.com
MUCH better audio Quality. Range of solutions depending on your budget.
nbtsf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2004