Chinon Corporation announces a complete music and TV solution today with the introduction of the AVi, the industry’s first portable iPod docking station with built-in LCD monitor and digital TV tuner. You’ll be able to view content, listen to music, and watch TV, all from a single docking station.

Features and specs include:

• Combines the look of a retro boom box with a modern rubberized black finish and silver trim
• 7 inch LCD monitor
• AUX input
• ATSC digital TV tuner with AV out
• Built-in telescopic radio antenna
• External telescopic TV antenna
• Digital FM and alarm clock
• Full-function remote
• Plays local TV channels, and content from iPod including music videos, pre-recorded movies, TV shows, and videos
• 3 hour battery life
• Plays and charges iPod at the same time

The AVi can be purchased for $199.99 only at www.chinonusa.com.

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Technorati Tags: Chinon Corporation, AVi iPod docking station

Tuffwrap:

• Form-fitting high-grade silicone cases for iPod touch and iPod nano
• Offers full access to all switches and jacks including the new video camera of the iPod nano
• Version for iPod touch comes with a screen shield

Tuffwrap for iPod touch is available in two assortments:

• Tuffwrap with colors including bright blue, pink and classic black
• Tuffwrap Tatu which features laser-etched designs and a viewing stand. Available in bright blue, pink and classic black two tone designs.)

Tuffwrap for iPod nano is available in three assortments:

• Tuffwrap – single translucent case
• Tuffwrap Plus – combination of silicone and hard plastic and includes 2 silicone cases and one hard plastic screen shield overlay. Also comes with carabineer
• Tuffwrap Tatu – available in black and white with a translucent etched pattern and includes a viewing stand

Prices range from $14.99 to $29.99

Microshield:

• Ultra-thin hard plastic case for the iPod nano
• Includes two backs, one with an integrated belt clip and one without a belt clip

Microshield Tatu features clear durable snap-on protection with integrated patterns including Flourish, Hex and Squares. It also comes with a viewing stand to watch movies

Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99

Sportwrap:

• Sport armband design
• Constructed with soft durable Lycra and neoprene
• Supports iPod touch or iPod nano
• Unique mask on the Sportwrap makes it easy to insert and remove the device
• Removable cord wrap and universal size
• Supports iPod touch and iPod nano

Price is $29.99

Tuffshield:

• Protects iPod touch screen against scratches, dust, and dirt
• Available in clear-gloss and anti-glare version
• Static cling adhesion for easy application and removal
• Each Tuffshield comes with three screen protectors and a cleaning cloth for the iPod touch
• Price is $14.99

Technorati Tags: XtremeMac, Tuffwrap, Microshield, Sportswrap, Tuffshield

The ASD-51W looks as follows:

The ASD-51N looks as follows:

Both docks support:

• Apple iPod command and control with support for iPhone, iPod or nano (audio and video)
• Stereo audio outputs, S-video output to display iPod pictures and videos on TV
• Offer IP Control (AMX/Crestron), Web Remote Control, and iPod audio streaming to new Denon networked products
• “Party Mode” feature for use with new 10 series Networked Denon A/V receivers which allows users to enjoy music throughout the home played simultaneously in up to five Denon devices on the network
• Stream audio files, pictures, Internet radio stations and more through connected devices
• Supports WMA, MP3, WAV, FLAC, and non-DRM AAC audio files, JPEG files
• Lets users stream music from Internet Radio sources (supports connections to Rhapsody and Napster music services)
• Windows 7 connectivity
• Dolby Coaxial Output and Last Function Memory
• IR pass-through
• Connects to almost any Denon receiver using dock control port
• Screen saver and newly designed GUI for displaying meta-information, full color album artwork, and user photos
• Includes remote control

The ASD-51W adds 802.11b/g connectivity and WPS compatibility.

The Denon ASD-51W is priced at $299.00 while the ASD-51N is priced at $249.00

Technorati Tags: Denon, Denon ASD-51W Network-Enabled iPod dock, Denon ASD-51N Network-enabled iPod dock

The new Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system is the latest iPod one-piece speaker system to come from Bose – joining the ranks of the SoundDock Series II and the SoundDock Portable system. Features of the SoundDock 10 include:

• Incorporates the latest version of Bose’s proprietary waveguide technology – developed specifically for the SoundDock 10
• New waveguide reduced from 75 inches to 52 inches without compromising audio performance
• Newly designed Bose woofer which delivers four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer
• Two proprietary Bose Twiddler transducers optimally positioned in front of the system to complete full range of music reproduction
• Proprietary digital signal processing algorithms improves sound reproduction
• Internal switching power supply eliminates the need for external transformer
• Proprietary vibration isolation structure used to maintain iPod and iPhone performance
• Made for iPod and Works with iPhone certified
• Compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod touch and iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone
• Optional Bluetooth dock allows you to stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth music phone. New docks will be made available to support new devices over time
• Auxiliary input
• Video output
• Infrared remote control
• Measures 9 x 17 x 10 inches

The Bose SoundDock 10 is available from Bose for a suggested price of $599. The optional Bluetooth interchangeable dock is available for $149. Both products will be available starting on September 21st.

Technorati Tags: Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

Yes, Steve Jobs took the stage and had this to say: “”As you may know I had a liver transplant. I have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash. Without that, I wouldn’t be here without that person’s generosity.”. He encourages everyone to consider being an organ donor. Kudos to that thought!

iPhone OS 3.1 is available as of today. It will be free for iPhone and iPod touch users who have the OS 3. 3.1 will include bug fixes, some new features such as Genius playlist which will now work with apps from the App Store.

Next up, we have iTunes 9 with new features such as iTunes LP, Home Sharing, and Genius Mixes. The app also features a redesigned store and improved syncing. Here’s a rundown of the features of iTunes 9:

• iTunes LP is a new way for artists to share their creativity with fans by allowing them to be “immersed in an entire album with art, lyrics, liner notes, photos, and videos.”
• Debuts today with albums including Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited,” Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” The Grateful Dead’s “American Beauty” and Dave Matthews Band’s “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King: iTunes Pass.”

• iTunes Extra is similar to iTunes LP except its for movies. You’ll be able to experience documentaries, deleted scenes, interviews, and interactive galleries. Select movies available with iTunes Extras include “Twilight,” “Batman Begins,” “WALL-E,” “Iron Man” and “The Da Vinci Code.”
• Home Sharing allows you to easily transfer music, movies, and TV shows with up to five authorized computers in your home. Family members will be able to view up to five iTunes libraries on their home network; see only the portion of the libraries that don’t already have; import their favorite content directly to their own libraries; and automatically add new purchases from other computers into their own library
• Genius Mixes is a new feature which is the end result of over 27 million music libraries with over 54 billion songs that have been submitted and analyzed by Genius.It’s like having a “Genius” DJ that automatically mixes up to 12 endless mixes of songs from your iTunes library
• Improved syncing in iTunes 9 allows you to organize your iPhone Apps in iTunes and have them appear the same way on your iPhone.
• iTunes Store on iPhone now features precut ringtone downloads with over 20,000 ringtones priced at $1.29 a ringtone.

OK.. so let’s talk about music players shall we? First up, Apple announces major price changes to the iPod touch product lineup. The 8GB iPod touch will now be available for $199. The 32GB model will be available for $299, and the 64GB model available for $399. No doubt some of these price changes were spurred on by the upcoming release of the new Microsoft Zune HD which will feature a 32GB model for $289. At $299, the 32GB iPod touch becomes a much more appealing player for the masses – especially with its support for the 75,000 app-large App Store.

It should be noted that the 32GB and 64GB models will offer up to 50 % faster performance and support Open GL ES 2.0 – basically bringing the specs in line with the latest iPhone 3GS. The 8GB iPod touch will remain the same as the previous specs.

Next up – price and model changes to the iPod shuffle. Apple will now offer a new 2GB iPod shuffle model for a starting price of $59 dollars. The 4GB iPod shuffle will go for $79 dollars with both models available in five colors – silver, black, pink, blue and green.

There will also be a 4GB special edition polished stainless steel model available for $99 dollars through the Apple Store and Apple retail stores.

Have a need for much more storage? The iPod classic gets a bump up in storage – with a new 160GB model available for a $249.

And finally, Apple introduced a whole new iPod nano player today with features such as a 2.2 inch color display, a built in video camera, built-in microphone, built-in speakers, a polished aluminum and glass enclosure, built-in FM radio with live pause, iTunes Tagging support, and a built-in pedometer.

The built-in video camera is perhaps the most interesting new feature of the nano. You’ll be able to capture H.264 VGA video (640 x 480) at up to 30 fps along with AAC audio. The new nano comes with 15 real-time special effects including Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl. The built-in video camera on the nano puts other companies that sell portable video camcorders on notice – who needs to buy a Flip Video if they’ve got a video recorder in their iPod nano? About the only thing missing now is HD video capture and video capture on higher end iPods including the iPod classic and the iPod touch. It’s only a matter of time folks.

The other notable feature is the built-in FM radio (about time Apple) with Live Pause – allowing you to pause live FM radio and then resuming it later on.

Oh yes – wonder how far you walk in a given day? The new nano comes with a pedometer which uses the built-in accelerometer to keep track of the steps that you take. You can also couple the nano with Nike+ shoes, and the Nike + iPod Sport Kit (which is sold separately) for a complete training experience.

The 8GB iPod nano will be available for $149 while the 16GB iPod nano will be available for $179. Both nanos will be available in nine colors including silver, black, purple, blue, green, orange, pink, yellow, and (PRODUCT) RED.

Is this a groundbreaking day in the Apple music business? In truth.. no. Apple made small incremental changes to the entire iPod product lineup – just enough to keep the lineup fresh and ahead of the competition. To me – the most important change came with the nano’s new video camera which makes the nano a very appealing device to take with you wherever you go. If only the iPod touch had a camera built into the device…

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPod shuffle, iPod classic, iTunes 9

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Technorati Tags: Apple, Music Event, Steve Jobs

There are iPod docks… and then there are iPod DOCKS and my friends – the newly announced Onkyo ND-S1 certainly classifies in my book as an iPod DOCK. The sexy silver ND-S1 connects directly to your A/V receiver either via an digital optical or coaxial connection. There’s a USB port allowing you to connect the ND-S1 to your PC and sync with iTunes. Other features include a bundled remote control and 16 bit audio playback. Here’s the bummer – no iPhone support – now that’s just silly!

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Technorati Tags: Onkyo ND-S1 iPod dock

Want to use a headphone other than the one Apple provides for the current iPod shuffle? Now you can with the new Belkin Headphone Adapter for iPod shuffle. Not only can you use any headphone with the new adapter, you’ll also be able to control the functions of the shuffle since the player doesn’t come with any controls itself.

The Headphone Adapter will allow you to:

• Adjust volume
• Skip tracks
• Toggle between playlists
• Hear a song title

Belkin’s Headphone Adapter will be available at the end of July in North America and in the middle of August in Europe, Asia, and Australia for $19.99.

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Technorati Tags: Belkin Headphone Adapter iPod shuffle

Sony Europe introduces two new compact home audio systems – the NAS-Z200iR and the CMT-Z100iR – both of which feature a built-in iPod dock, a slot-loading CD player, a USB port, and PC streaming capabilities. Here’s the low down on the two new compact, minimalistic systems.

NAS-Z200iR:

• DLNA certified
• Wi-Fi networking
• Access your music library on your PC
• Internet Radio support
• Remote control with 3.5 inch LCD color display, friendly user interface, and rechargeable battery
• Integrated CD player with support for audio CD and CD-R/RW discs with MP3 tracks
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• Audio-in port
• AM/FM tuner
• Two independent speaker enclosures rated at 20 watts apiece
• Wall mountable

CMT-Z100iR:

• Available in glossy black or white
• iPod dock
• Integrated CD player
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• AM/FM tuner
• Audio-in port
• Two speakers rated at 20 watts apiece
• Remote control
• Large display which shows the time and selected function
• Wall mountable

The CMT-Z100iR will be available in Europe starting in July while the NAS-Z200iR will be available in mid-September. No word on pricing.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Sony, CMT-Z100iR, NAS-Z200iR, Audio System, iPod docking station

Belkin announces two new TuneBase products for the Apple iPhone and iPod – the TuneBase FM and TuneBase Direct. Both products allow you to pick up phone calls on the iPhone in your car, hands-free.  When a phone call comes in, both TuneBase products fade out the music allowing you to pick up the call. Simply press a button on the TuneBase to answer the incoming phone call. The call’s audio comes through the car stereo system.

The TuneBase FM features:

• Push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• ClearScan technology which automatically searches for the clearest FM frequency to transmit over
• Transmit audio on multiple FM channels from 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz

The TuneBase Direct features:

• Push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• 3.5 mm cable for cars with built-in auxiliary inputs

The TuneBase FM has an MSRP of $89.99 while the TuneBase Direct has an MSRP of $69.99.

Technorati Tags: Belkin, Belkin TuneBase Direct Belkin TuneBase FM, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod

Do you have one of those new iPod shuffle players? Are you afraid of breaking it or losing it? If so then you’ll want to check out the newly announced Speck TechStyle Case built exclusively for the 2nd and 3rd gen iPod shuffle.

Shaped like a headphone case, the TechStyle Case stores both the small iPod shuffle as well as the earbud cords. Simply place the iPod shuffle into the cradle, wind the earbud cords around the organizer, and then zip up the case. You can carry the case with you or attach it to a purse or backpack thanks to the included carabineer clip. You can even use the iPod shuffle while it’s stored within the TechStyle Case – just route the cord to the outside and then zip the case back up.

Other features include a removable adapter making the case compatible with both 2nd and 3rd generation iPod shuffles, as well as an oversized zipper for easy opening and closing of the case.

The Speck TechStyle Case is available in purple, pink, blue, and classic black for an MSRP of $19.95.

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Technorati Tags: Speck TechStyle Case, Apple iPod shuffle

Pioneer Electronics announced that they are now shipping three new A/V receivers which seamlessly integrate the Apple iPhone and iPod into the home theater environment. The three receivers (the VSX-819AH,VSX-919AH, and VSX-1019AH) also feature proprietary technologies which attempt to “restore compressed audio data and recreate the dynamic listening experiences intended by the original musician.”

Common features on the new Pioneer A/V receivers include:

• Easily plug your iPhone/iPod into the receiver
• Full-color graphical user interface complete with album art
• Auto Music Mute function when an incoming call is received on iPhone
• Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) – designed for use with highly-compressed music files to ensure a more “dynamic audio experience when played through home audio speakers”
• Auto Level Control (ALC) – equalizes the fluctuating volume levels that can occur with digital audio tracks and other inputs

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three new models:

Pioneer VSX-819H-K:

• 5-channel A/V receiver
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 5 EQ bands
• TI Aureus Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $299

Pioneer VSX-919AH:

• 7-channel A/V receiver
• HDMI Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) for Jitterless Transmission from Music CDs
• HDMI video conversion
• Pioneer PureCinema video processing
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 9 EQ bands
• Freescale Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• HDMI 1080p video repeater
• Digital video converter to HDMI
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• 3 HDMI in/1 out
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $399

Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K:

• 7-channel A/V receiver
• 2nd Zone A/V distribution with Color On-screen Display
• HDMI with 1080p video scaler
• Pioneer PureCinema video processing
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 9 EQ bands
• Freescale Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• HDMI 1080p video repeater
• Digital video converter to HDMI
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• 4 HDMI in/1 out
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $499

Technorati Tags: Pioneer Electronic, VSX-819AH, VSX-919AH, VSX-1019AH, A/V Receiver, Apple iPod, Apple iPhone

Do you find most iPod nano cases boring? Perhaps you’ll be interested in the new PSYCLOPS iPod nano 4G silicone sleeves. Available in six one-eyed characters (and various other designs), the new silicone sleeves fit “comfortably around the nano 4G”. In addition, the purchase of each sleeve brings a unique secret code that unlocks access to a “VIP” experience on the PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters online music and dance experience site. The new silicone sleeves will be available for $19.99.

Ah yes.. one more thing. PSYCLOPS also announced a new sweepstakes to commemorate the launch of their new line of iPod accessories (as well as their expanded online store). The prize? a new iPod touch device and select PSYCLOPS accessories. The sweepstakes is open to everyone in the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec). One grand prize winner will win the iPod touch while 12 first prize winners can select either the nano 3G protective case or the nano 4G silicone sleeve. The contest ends on April 30th.

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Technorati Tags: PSYCLOPS iPod nano 4G silicone sleeves, iPod nano 4G case

Fans of Speakal will be happy to hear that the company is increasing their distribution channels. They’ve struck a retail agreement with J&R Music and Computer World which means folks in NYC will soon be able to purchase those cute Speakal iPod docking stations at retail J&R stores. Not in NYC? No worries – you’ll also be able to purchase the iPig, iPanda, and iBoo from the J&R website too. How cute.. Now the real question is – does anyone actually have one of these guys?

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Technorati Tags: Speakal iPod docking stations, J&R music World

V-MODA announced plans on releasing a “revolutionary headphone line with integrated controls” that are compatible with the new shuffle called the V-MODA Audio Volume Control (AVC) headphone line. Expect the first AVC headphones to be available in the second quarter.

And yes.. Monster also announced that their headphone lineup will soon come with integrated controls for the Apple iPod shuffle – including their Beats by Dr. Dre headset. Expect the new headsets to start appearing over the next few months Joy.

Technorati Tags: V-MODA, Monster, Apple iPod shuffle headphones

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Technorati Tags: Klipsch headphones, Apple iPod shuffle

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Yeah.. I know I’m a little late on this one. Had one heck of a long day at work..

As most of you know by now, Apple announced a new version of their iPod shuffle player – basically shrinking the device down to the size of an AA battery (actual measurements for the new shuffle are 1.8 x 0.7 x 0.3 inches with a volume of 0.26 cubic inches for those of you that care about such things). 

While they shrunk the player down in size, they upped the storage capacity of the shuffle to 4GB of flash space. That’s enough to store roughly 1,000 songs.

But wait.. it’s so small now you have to wonder where the controls went off to right? Well they’re now located on the right earbud. Don’t worry.. if you’re not of the Apple earbuds, third party manufacturers will be coming out with headphones that can control the shuffle (b/c those Apple earbuds do .. well suck). The only controls on the shuffle itself is a switch that has three options – shuffle, straight, or stop.

Now onto one of the more interesting new innovations on the shuffle – a feature called “VoiceOver”. VoiceOver basically “tells you” the artist, song title, playlist name on your iPod. You’re in the middle of listening to a song and you’re curious what this song is or who the artists is – no problem. Press a button and VoiceOver will recite to you the title and the name of the artist. VoiceOver’s core engine resides in iTunes which runs on your PC or Mac. According to Apple’s webpage, iTunes “reads your song information, then uses the new VoiceOver Kit to generate the announcements for the songs, artists, and playlists on your iPod shuffle.” You’ll hear different voices depending on what type of computer you own (a.k.a. PC and Mac users will hear different voices). VoiceOver currently supports 14 different languages.

With the introduction of VoiceOver, the shuffle now supports multiple playlists for the first time.

Other notable features on the shuffle include:

• A clip that allows you to well.. “clip” the player to your shirt pocket, sleeve, whatever you want.
• Built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Charge via USB – 80% charged in 2 hours, fully charged in 3 hours
• 10 hour battery life on a full charge
• 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack

Finally, there’s the price. Apple brings the Shuffle back to the price point of $79 dollars – but remember in doing so, they upped the storage capacity, shrunk the form factor, and added some cool new features. Those of you who lead an active lifestyle will probably appreciate the new iPod shuffle the most. Definitely might have to get one for our household now.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPod shuffle, VoiceOver

It’s nice to see Konami push the gaming platform on the Apple iPhone/iPod touch platform. They released screenshots last week of their upcoming game – Metal Gear Solid Touch and I have to admit the screenshots look pretty darn sweet – almost to the point where I might be willing to plop down some hard earned cash for the game. 

Fans of the Metal Gear Solid series will be able to play Solid Snake as he travels around the globe and dealing with old familiar enemies. A demo of the game will supposedly be coming out later this month featuring 12 playable levels.

[Check it out via MobileMag]

Technorati Tags: Konami, , Metal Gear Solid Touch, Apple iPod touch, Apple iPhone

If you’ve been desperately trying to locate a retailer who carries the Speakal iPod docking stations (come on.. you do remember that cute iBoo docking station from last month don’t ya?) then you’re in luck. The company announced today that their entire iPod docking station product lineup is available for sale on Amazon.com. Yes, I did say entire product lineup because there’s more than just the iBoo. There’s also the iPig and iPanda (but of course!).

These iPod docking stations have the following features:

• The “smiley” mouth hides a remote control sensor while the eyes are actually two mid- and high-range speakers. The subwoofer is hidden below and is downward firing. Each docking station comes with rubberized feet to prevent rattling while powered on.
• Patented humanized touch volume control and music navigation
• 4 speakers, a 4” subwoofer and 25 watts of sound
• Adjustable Bass Control with Bass Reflex Technology. 360° Sound Distribution. Onboard Hi-Fi amplifier, dynamic airflow optimizer, interior dynamic cooling exchange and high sound stabilization (some models feature varying audio features).
• iPod dock with numerous included cradles
• Standard auxiliary 3.5 mm input jack
• Includes remote control for managing audio controls and iPod menu functionality

The Speakal iPig and iPanda are both currently available at Amazon.com for $119.99. The Speakal iBoo is available for $89.99.

Technorati Tags: Speakal iBoo, Speakal iPig, Speakal iPanda, iPod docking station