iPod Hi-Fi no longer sold through Apple Store
updated 08:10 pm EDT, Wed September 5, 2007
iPod HiFi gone from store
Apple has quietly stopped selling the iPod Hi-Fi speaker system through its online store, prompting concern that the company has discontinued the product. Introduced a year and a half ago with claims from CEO Steve Jobs that it delivered "audiophile-quality" sound, the Hi-Fi carried a price of $350. Despite its absence from the online store, the iPod Hi-Fi's section of Apple's site is still up and running, describing the device as follows "Just slide your iPod into the built-in Universal Dock to turn on and tune in to digital music as you’ve never heard it before. From pumping bass to bright treble, iPod Hi-Fi delivers natural, room-filling sound." Clicking the "Buy Now" link leads to a page that says "Sorry... The item you have selected is currently not available from the Apple Store. Please note that Apple cannot guarantee availability of any product."
In March of last year, a Stereophile senior contributing editor, said the device produces "glorious sound." A review on NewJersey.com noted that while the iPod Hi-Fi may not live up to Steve Jobs' claims of replacing a high-end stereo system, it delivers high-quality sound along with some nice extras -- despite some misgivings with its weight and aesthetic appeal.
News of the iPod Hi-Fi disappearance from the store and other retail outlets was first noted by Mac website AppleInsider.
