Docks and remote controls

When we first saw the Polk Audio I-Sonic, we dubbed it a "home theater in a shoebox." But now the all-in-one I-Sonic finally looks to have some competition in the form of the Cambridge SoundWorks i765. At first glance, the product looks like a doppelganger of the company's Radio CD 745i, but adds DVD playback and a top-mounted iPod dock to the AM/FM radio, CD player, and dual-alarm system found on that earlier model. The price is a hefty $500, but that's $100 less than that of the I-Sonic, which lacks the iPod dock but includes digital HD Radio and support (with an add-on antenna dongle and monthly subscription) for XM satellite radio. … Read more

When we first plugged the Sharp DK-AP2 speaker system in and turned it on, we didn't know whether it was going to play music or take off. This iPod dock looks like something the Millennium Falcon should be avoiding.

The triangular DK-AP2 works with your iPod and is easy to use and compact. Essentially it's a plug and play machine. It's just a case of docking your iPod and plugging the system into the mains and away you go.

The DK-AP2 comes with a standard AC/DC power lead and a series of iPod adaptor connectors that … Read more

Like it or not, the cubist period may be here to stay for music devices, at least in the U.K. That's where Logic3 is continuing the angular trend by introducing its "JiveBox," an all-in-one device for the iPod that manages to pack several components and patented technologies into its compact frame of less than 6 inches cubed.

It's no cheapo speaker dock, SlashGear notes, retailing for more than $300. But you do get an LED bar that lights up in different colors on the outside of the case--which, it seems, may be a requirement.

Starting sometime around the last holiday season, it seemed for awhile that the USB turntable was at the top of gadget lists everywhere. So it makes sense that Ion, one of the original manufacturers, would look to repeat that success again this year with a new model.

Enter the "iPod USB Turntable," which not only connects to the computer but turns vinyl tunes into digital files and transfers them directly to the fifth-generation iPod and second-generation Nano through a built-in dock. It's yet another excuse not to throw out those moldy LPs in the basement. Besides, you … Read more

When it rains, it pours. Only a few minutes ago we were taking note of the rising trend for digital radio in MP3 players, and now we've come across something that provides just that for the iPod.

The "Robi" from U.K.-based Roberts Radio obviously isn't ideal because it requires a second device, but it'll do in a pinch if you must have a DAB tuner for the media player. It helps that the Robi can double as a remote for the iPod (thereby helping to justify having a second gadget), but it unfortunately … Read more

Someone over at Nike's product design team must be a fan of the crazy watch site Tokyoflash, because the new "Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control" looks as if it could have come directly from the Japanese retailer's catalog. At least Nike's product goes beyond just the usual indecipherable flashing LED lights, providing "instant voice feedback of a runner's time, distance, calories, and pace" when used with Nike+ Ready shoes and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, according to Electronista.

It controls the music, of course, and has a dedicated button that plays the &… Read more

It may not have a Wi-Fi computer or a waterproof GPS unit, but this motorcycle will still manage to turn heads--in a good way.

The "Victory Vision 2008" has iPod navigation controls built into the handlebars and a dashboard display, according to Chip Chick. That in and of itself is handy, but there are other bikes with similar features. What sets this one apart is a four-speaker system in higher-end models, with an option for XM Radio.

If the bike is anywhere near as fast as it looks, however, we'd suggest skipping the speakers. As we've … Read more

You know a toy has reached rarefied status when dishwashers are designed specifically to clean it, an honor that's been bestowed upon the almighty Lego. And now that the little plastic bricks have reached a point of ubiquity matched by the iPod, it seems only fitting that the two cultural icons combine forces.

South Korea's 10x10 is offering just that, in the form of what looks like a Lego that's really an iPod dock. It even has "some scrawny little speakers built in," according to Technabob--just don't expect concert-quality sound, especially for $16. We … Read more