Docks and remote controls

So let's say you waited till the last minute and, in a panic, caved and got a pink Nano to give for Valentine's Day. Fine. Just don't get too carried away with accessories for it, because this is living proof that there's definitely such a thing as too much pink.

U.K.-based Intempo has created a 12-watt speaker dock to go with the latest iPod, according to Tech Digest, but--judging by the photos--it has taken the pastel palette in a disturbingly neon direction. We pray that Apple isn't planning a kelly green version for … Read more

What better way to put your iPod Touch on a pedestal than an actual pedestal?

That's what Bird-Electron has created with its EZ-18 speaker stand made of black steel, which gives it kind of a futuristic Vader-esque look. The stand includes a built-in 60mm speaker, though sound quality will undoubtedly be sacrificed for the sake of wireless portability.

In fact, it may not look very portable, but that may be a tradeoff because it's designed to be "durable and hard to tip over." And never fear: Uncrate says the stand has silicone padding to keep its … Read more

Among the cooler products coming out of Macworld 2008 is DLO's iBoom Jukebox, an iPod-ready speaker dock expected to ship this spring. Style-wise, this unit certainly lives up to its name: It's shaped like a mini jukebox. It's a fun design, though the iBoom isn't all about form over function. Hidden beneath the grille wrapped over the speaker's arch, you get two 1-inch tweeters and two 3-inch woofers. The unit also includes a super sweet-looking RF remote that can be used from up to 100 feet away (even through walls) and features its own screen … Read more

This is one case when a line of audio equipment should be seen, as well as heard. Cresyn, which normally toils behind the scenes while making components for products marketed by other companies, is apparently tiring of the anonymity and is breaking out with a brand of its own called Phiaton--and it's eye candy at its best.

Even without playing a single note, the "Moderna" series of iPod docks, headphones, and other gear is most notable for a unique design that features hand-stitched leather and a red-and-black color scheme, according to Mobile Magazine. If these products … Read more

A new kid on the block named Vestalife is set to roll out a new iPod speaker dock at CES named Ladybug. Realizing that no self-respecting man will ever buy something called a Ladybug, Vestalife is partnering with Element Skateboards to create a limited edition version, clad in black, chrome, and skulls.

The Vestalife Ladybug includes two 1.5-inch tweeters that fold over the face of your iPod, making a tiny sonic cocoon for your precious MP3 player. The back of the Ladybug houses a single 3-inch sub, along with an auxiliary input, USB port, AV output, and an external … Read more

In an ideal world, there should be a wonder box that does everything under the sun. Perhaps something like Doraemon; a Japanese anime robot cat and his magical pocket with its endless supply of gadgets and tools. That may be light years away but, in the meantime, SE2 Labs has an entertainment super-machine that looks like a mini-computer server.

Dubbed ITC One, it packs an Xbox 360, HD personal video recorder, surround-sound processor, digital audio amplifier, 4.3-inch touchscreen, iPod dock, and remote control system all in a single box, according to Chip Chick. Pricing-wise, you will need to fork … Read more

DLO's TuneStik handily combines an FM transmitter with an RF remote for the iPod, and now that remote will feature an LCD screen for displaying the FM frequency. In addition to allowing users to adjust the FM band, the remote controls basic playback functions of the iPod, offers a 25-foot range, and comes with a clip for attaching to a steering wheel. The transmitter portion, which connects to the bottom of any docking iPod (including the newest models), is a low-profile black rectangle that is suitable for both in-car and at-home use. It includes a pass-through dock for attaching … Read more

Even though the whole gadget galaxy sometimes seems to be going retro, every once in awhile we come across a product that actually doesn't want to stay stuck in the past. Case in point: The makers of the iMep video boombox have come up with an updated version of the portable multimedia player that has a more streamlined look and is built to withstand the rigors of today's rough-and-tumble personal entertainment world.

Like the earlier disco model, this new mobile system has a 7-inch LCD, iPod dock, DVD player, and other features, but it also has a "… Read more

Something of a novelty only a year ago, devices that waterproof the iPod are almost too many to count today. But we're willing to give credit to the "iConcepts Shower Radio" for originality of design if nothing else.

The oval-shaped dock will work with other MP3 players as well, according to 7Gadgets, as long as they fit in the space behind the mirror. But in case you have any thoughts of using it as a Christmas tree ornament, be aware that it weighs 3 pounds. If you paint it green, though, it might pass for toy grenade.… Read more