http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/01/22/ik.ships.stompio/
IK finally ships StompIO floor controller
updated 03:00 pm EST, Tue January 22, 2008
IK ships StompIO
After numerous delays, IK Multimedia has at last begun shipping the StompIO, a combination USB floor controller and audio interface for guitars. The unit is designed to mimic traditional floor controllers, and once set up, can thus be used without touching a computer. The unit specifically functions with IK's AmpliTube-based software, which lets users replicate numerous amps, mics, stomps, cabinets and rack effects on the fly.
Bundled in the package are several such applications, including AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix and AmpliTube X-GEAR. AmpliTube Metal is also included, but only for previously registered AmpliTube 2 owners. The StompIO costs $1,050, and on Macs requires an 866MHz G4 or better running Mac OS X 10.4.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2003
Way overpriced vs. ....
... alternatives.
I get just about everything it offers, plus more, in a more solidly built Roland machine [either a VG-88 or my newer VG-99, which rivals the price but offers more], and I never need to involve a computer at all [though the VG-99 comes with basic software for sound editing or managing a library of stored sounds]. Their machines are tough, gig-ready, don't need a computer [and thus, cost less overall]. I don't see the attraction of laptop-based guitar rigs for stage players. Home/studio use is different -- they seem awesome for that -- but gigging requires tough machines that keep working, don't fail, and don't require computers to set up.