ASUS AIR3

ASUS has chosen Christmas Eve to upgrade its AIR Internet radios with a new, range-topping model. The AIR3 is both larger and more powerful than the original at 36W total but centers around a new iPod dock that lets the stereo charge and play any music from any dockable iPod up to and including the iPod touch. It also carries RCA and S-video output that support video from most or all iPods that can display movies and photos. An aux-in jack catches sound from both the iPod shuffle and any non-Apple player.

The tabletop system's namesake Internet radio feature is accessed over 802.11g Wi-Fi and supplies a pre-defined library of roughly 10,000 stations browsable through a small front LCD. ASUS takes advantage of the wireless to support UPnP for streaming MP3 and WMA songs from any compatible computer or device on the local network; it can also check the weather independently of any computer.

Characteristically of ASUS launches, no pricing or specific availability has been given for the AIR3, though the original AIR is available internationally.

by MacNN Staff