Archive for August, 2008
As we’ve seen, Sony sure doesn’t hold back on its exclusive-to-China line of PMX PMPs, and it’s just tossed yet another new model into the mix, with the PMX-U55 helping to fill out the low-end of the spectrum (and pick up where the PMX-U50 left off). This one apparently comes in only a 2GB version, and packs a decent enough 2.4-inch 320 x 240 display, a built-in FM tuner, and support for all the usual audio and video formats, not to mention a 7.5mm slim form factor. Of course, like seemingly every other entry in the line, there’s no word of a release outside of China, but those there can apparently pick one up right now for 498 Chinese yuan, or just over $70.
Altec Lansing joins the wireless iPod dock fray with the M812, an elegant music system consisting of one wireless stereo speaker, a remote, and a dock for $399.95. The system is also sold with two speakers and two remotes for $699.95. You can expand up to eight units, with each additional speaker adding $299.95 to the total price tag—a considerable investment. In fact, it seems overly expensive to me, especially since the speakers distort at higher volumes.
The basic M812 package consists of an iPod dock/transmitter (1.2 by 4.7 by 5.2 inches, HWD), the large but slick-looking wireless speaker (10 by 17.9 by 4.5 inches), and a remote control, which runs on two (included) AAA batteries. You also get an FM wire antenna, which connects to the back of the transmitter dock, as well as a 3.5mm cable for connecting outside sources—like another MP3 player—via the dock’s aux input on the rear panel. The dock’s power is provided by the included 9-volt adapter. Various plastic inserts ensure that your particular iPod model will sit firmly in the dock.
The PodSpot is one large industrial sized speaker system designed for your wee iPod - or any other Mp3 player for that matter. It’s splash proof and designed to be rugged enough for outdoor events. Surprisingly it’s battery powered pushing a multitude of tweeters, horns and two 10″ subwoofers good enough for 24 hours. If the 115 db don’t attract enough attention, I’m sure the sight of 50 people dancing their asses off will.
Designer: Edelweiss Industrial Design
As you’ve probably garnered from the picture, this is one behemoth of an all-in-one audio unit. It’s not as attractive as those crystal-y speakers we saw earlier from Harman-Kardon, but it does pack some serious all-in-one audio goodness. This isn’t some kind of lame trick from Harman-Kardon either, attempting to dupe you into buying something you believe does a multitude of things - it actually does. It’s an iPod dock, a CD player, FM radio, speaker system and a clock radio. It’s a whole lot of convenience rolled into one, as well as being a great space saver.
For added convenience it comes with a remote control and has S-Video and composite video outputs in case you want to show off your iPod pics and vids on TV. And to sync your best tracks for your iPod from iTunes, simply connect it to your PC via USB and let the head bopping begin. As it’s got three auxillery inputs, you’ll be able to hook it up to non-iPod music devices, or your turntables, or some kind of other audio source, if you find its five main features aren’t enough for you.
The MS100 (its official name) will make its presence in shops known in October. We’re forced to omit the price as it hasn’t been revealed to us yet.
Undoubtedly Star Wars: The Clone Wars was the lamest movie in the franchisee yet, however this has not stopped Lucasarts from releasing movie merchandise. The ISpeaker uses a flat panel speaker and is compatible with iPod, iPhone and other MP3 players. It features Captain Rex from the Clone Wars and is powered by 4 x AAA batteries. Worthless unless you are a serious Star Wars collector. The Clone Wars iSpeaker is available for $19.