Apple Announced High-End iPod Boombox Called iPod Hi-Fi and Leather Cases
The new iPod Hi-Fi that Apple says is the "home stereo reinvented" appears to us to be the best iPod audio dock out there (see image at right, courtesy of Apple Computer). 
We dubded it a boombox only because it has handles and can run off 6 D-cell batteries, as well as AC. It is a bit heavy at nearly 17lbs with batteries and the iPod is likely to fall off the dock if actually carried and played like a boombox. Unlike most other iPod audio docks the iPod Hi-Fi has fairly large speakers, a large 130mm woofer and two 80mm wide-range drivers, that should greatly improve its sound over rival audio docks. All iPods with a dock port fit on the iPod Hi-Fi and other iPods, including the shuffle, can use the audio-in port with an appropriate cable. It has an MSRP of $349 and is shipping now.
We dubded it a boombox only because it has handles and can run off 6 D-cell batteries, as well as AC. It is a bit heavy at nearly 17lbs with batteries and the iPod is likely to fall off the dock if actually carried and played like a boombox. Unlike most other iPod audio docks the iPod Hi-Fi has fairly large speakers, a large 130mm woofer and two 80mm wide-range drivers, that should greatly improve its sound over rival audio docks. All iPods with a dock port fit on the iPod Hi-Fi and other iPods, including the shuffle, can use the audio-in port with an appropriate cable. It has an MSRP of $349 and is shipping now.
Apple also announced $99 Italian leather cases for the iPod with video and iPod nano (image courtesy of Apple Computer). They will ship in 3-4 weeks. [Bill Fox]
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