Last week the Playlist stafftraversed the dateless expanses of CESto find the belated and nifty in iPod add-on . But as immense as CES is , and as pop as iPod products were this year in Vegas , iPod fans know that the “ real ” show happens 550 miles away and a week later : the annual Macworld Conference and Expo at San Francisco ’s Moscone Center . We again did our safe to retrieve all the nerveless newfangled toys for iPod girls and boys , and have organize our theme by manufacturer . ( Keep an oculus on the Playlist situation for full reviews of these products in the near future . )
Altec LansingAltec Lansingwas point off new iMac / iPod - match snowy version of their $ 100 MX5020 and $ 199 MX 5021 speaker organisation . The MX5020 is a 2.0 ( left / right speaker system ) system the company classifies as an “ executive ” product thanks to its small size of it , gloss lily-white finish , stylish drivers , and hideaway controls . The MX5021 is a 2.1 ( left / rightfulness / subwoofer ) , THX - certified organisation that , like our deary , the $ 299FX6021 , include a pumped-up controller pod and a wireless remote control .
Altec Lansing ’s MX5021
Altec Lansing was also exhibit their two new iPod headphones , both sport an iPod - white finish . The $ 50 iM302WHT apply an over - the - head design that folds up to match into a protective case . The iM202WHT ( price not available ) are fashionable earbud / earclip hybrid — an earbud attach to an earclip for a secure convulsion .
Finally , the company was also showing the new $ 130 inMotion iM4 portable organisation , which we first observe in our CES reporting . Like the democratic inMotion , inMotion iM3 , and inMotion minisystems , the iM4 is a fold - up portable speaker system . However , whereas the other inMotion systems are compatible only with iPod , the iM4 can be used with any portable medicine player . enclothe in drear gray and white ( rather than the white / silver medal of the current models ) , the iM4 features a fold out , non - slip alkali that can conciliate any portable medicine player — from laborious drive players to CD / videodisk player to Apple ’s new iPod shuffle — via a received 1/8 ” minijack cable . The iM4 is due in March .
Altec Lansing ’s inMotion iM4
Better Energy SystemsEngland’sBetter Energy Systemsannounced the U.S. debut of its $ 120Soliocharger / barrage for the iPod and other electronic equipment . By unfolding the Solio and placing in lineal sunlight , you may either charge attached electronics directly — using available transcriber for the iPod and many mobile telephone — or buck the Solio ’s internal battery for later utilisation . ( If you call for a charge at midnight , the Solio also includes an AC wall adapter . ) Used as a battery charger , the Solio will saddle your iPod ’s stamp battery at the same rate as Apple ’s AC adapter / charger . Used as a backup electric battery , the Solio ’s 1600mAh rechargeable Lithium - Ion shelling can fully charge an iPod or provide up to 9 hour of additional iPod battery life if connected to the iPod while playing . ( It can also fully charge a mobile telephone while “ topping off ” a less - than - fully - run through iPod barrage . ) The Solio was awarded a Best of Show laurels by our sis issue , Macworld .
Better Energy System ’s Solio
Boom BagsIn the most interesting ( and perhaps only ) convergence of luggage and audio , Boom Bagsintroduced their new line of audio - equip carry - on baggage . The company has taken received rolling carry - on bags and equipped them with stereophonic loudspeaker system and a 10 - W amplifier — the audio components fit in the often - wasted place between the rails of a grip ’s collapsable handle . Once you achieve your terminus , you merely plug away in your portable audio player or computer , unzip the cushioned , protective panel that hides the speaker controls , and then zigzag up the volume . Two models are available : a smaller Office on Wheels that include a obliterable laptop computer shoulder bag and a large Rolling Suiter that let in a obliterable tri - fold garment bag . Both role model retail for $ 330 and include the expand stereophony system with 2 loudspeaker and a sub - woofer as well as cables to link up to your audio source .
Boom Bag ’s Office on Wheels Carry - On
CasauriA new entry in the iPod scene , fashionable bag makerCasauriintroduced their Modern Citra Collection iPod case . The $ 20 character , which fits all iPods , comes in a number of colors and designs — balmy orange , sky blueing , palm tree greens , pink , and sun grade insignia — to match Casauri ’s Citra Collection of laptop computer suit and handbags . The compositor’s case ’s vindicated front lets you see your iPod ’s full face and is thin enough to allow you to apply your iPod without removing it from the shell .
Casauri ’s Citra Collection iPod subject
ClarionHot off the CES debut ofClarion’snewVRX755VDiPod / car interface , the company was demonstrating the system at the Expo . Although Clarion is also offering an adaptor for using the iPod with their received CeNET Bus - equipped head unit , the VRXX755VD — which will adjust you back a cool $ 1600 ( plus $ 50 for the cable)—is a 212 - Watt heading unit featuring a 7 - column inch , pop - up liquid crystal display exhibit with touchscreen functionality . When connected to an iPod , the screen provides an iPod - like port that allows you to easily browse artist , song , and play list .
Clarion ’s VRX755VD
Dension USADensionannounced a number of new car / iPod integration production , all establish on their ice > contact . The $ 200 ice rink > Link : Plus , compatible with many aftermarket motorcar stereo system and most BMW caudex stereo system , provides new features such as compact disc text display , unlimited playlists , and soaked iPod integration — it adds unexampled menus to the iPod ’s factual showing for use with the crank > Link : Plus . The $ 400 MOST > Link : iPod , compatible with new Mercedes models and uncommitted in close to 4 months , provide similar features as the shabu > linkup : Plus but bestow a direct fiber visual association and full control of the iPod from the stereo and guidance cycle control condition . last , the Screen > Link : Plus , useable in February , interfaces with in - car LCD displays to provide full ascendancy of the iPod from the screen . ( No pricing entropy was provided for the Screen > tie : Plus . )
Fujitsu TenJapan’sFujitsu Tenannounced the U.S. entry of their Eclipe TD audio system . Available in a number of configurations , include 2.0 , 2.1 , and 5.1 , all admit speakers and a dedicated amplifier in topnotch - stylish enclosing — as well as a tidy price ticket . alas , “ U.S. availability ” is limited to a single U.S. trader : AudioVision San Francisco ( 415 - 614 - 1118 ) .
Fujitsu Ten ’s Eclipse TD 307 system
Griffin TechnologyWe coveredGriffin’snew iPod accessories in our cerium coverage last week — including our scoop on the raw SmartDeck cassette arranger — but it ’s deserving note them again here . The AirClick series of outside control system of rules include a simple five - button remote control that provides play / intermission , ahead , back , mass up , volume down occasion . The iPod and iPod miniskirt versions include receivers shape much like the company’siTripandiTrip miniFM sender ; you may then verify your iPod ’s playback when connected to your home stereo or iPod Speaker . The computer version , The AirClickUSB include a dongle , about the size of a USB flash lamp drive , that plugs into a USB embrasure on your calculator and directly controls iTunes , even when it ’s in the ground . Each AirClick system will retail for $ 39.99 , with a “ combo ” system of rules — which includes a single remote along with one USB and one iPod liquidator — to be uncommitted at $ 49.99 .
Griffin ’s AirClick Remote Control , AirClick Receiver for iPod , and AirClickUSB Receiver
After giving us the undivided details on their newSmartDeckadapter at CES last calendar week , the company unveil the $ 25 product publicly at the exposition . If your car still has a cassette deck of cards , a cassette adapter is often the easy — and best sounding — way to get your iPod ’s audio playing through your cable car two-channel . But Griffin ’s SmartDeck has some sea wolf features not found in other cassette adapters : It uses particular perception engineering science to allow you expend your railcar stereoscopic picture ’s controls to play / intermission , skip to the next or old lead , and stop . ( expel the arranger or switching to another stimulant even pauses the unit . ) You get much of the functionality of expensive adapters at a fraction of the price ; you also get better sound tone than other cassette adapter thanks to reflexive volume control . The SmartDeck was awarded a good of Show award by our babe publication , Macworld .
Griffin ’s SmartDeck cassette adapter
Also announce were the $ 20TuneJuice , a battery backing for iPod with a pier connector that uses a standard 9 - V bombardment to provide up to four hours of additional playback time , and the $ 150BlueTrip , which transmits audio from your iPod to any stereo or speaker system via Bluetooth .
iSkinMaker of some of the most democratic “ skin ” cases for the iPod , iSkinwas displaying a telephone number of Special Edition skins . The $ 34 Red Alert iSkin , nominate after DJ Red Alert , come in cryptical red and includes a free Click Wheel protector and a special crimson - tinted screen protector . The other Special Edition case , also $ 34 , feature an “ animal stripe ” mark and is useable in pink , fleeceable , and blue . These models also admit special tint interlingual rendition of iSkin ’s credit card screen protector , as well as limited edition “ convolution ” Click Wheel shielder . All Special Edition iSkins admit a endowment add-in good for two free Audible.com programs .
iSkin ’s Special Edition eVo case
JBLJBLintroduced one new product and novel versions of two exist products . In the new product section , the company declare the new $ 200 Encounter 2.1 , a leftover / right / subwoofer system that , like the pop Creature II ( which we’vereviewed favorably ) , features a completely alone design , but includes larger and more powerful planet and subwoofer . In the unexampled version department , JBL showed off a newfangled PowerBook- and iPod - mini - twin “ aluminum ” version of their $ 60Duet2.0 speaker system , as well as a U2 iPod - matching black version of the $ 100Creature II2.1 system . ( They also noted that their $ 100 On Tour organisation is currently the low iPod - targeted speaker system organisation , making it a perfect match for the young iPod shuffle . )
JBL ’s Encounter speakers
Power SupportPower Supportis one of the largest vendors of iPod accouterment in Japan , but has only lately start selling their merchandise in the U.S. The iPod add-on securities industry is all the better for that , as Power Support make some very cool products . Their $ 11Crystal Filmis among the most protective iPod concealment covers we ’ve seen and does n’t seem to be as susceptible to air bubbles as other projection screen protectors . The fresh 3-D Wheel Film for 4 G iPods ( just announced ) is unlike other Click Wheel protectors in that it also protects the Enter button in the midriff of the roulette wheel via a raise “ bubble ” in the pic . We also like their $ 20Crystal Jacketfor 4 G iPods andSilicone Jacketfor 3 G and 4G. The latter is one of the prissy meet “ skin ” case on the market — we were impressed by the quality of the silicone and Power Support even textures the inside of the Jacket to make it easier to insert and withdraw your iPod . ( The company sells Silicone Jackets in Japan for many small cameras ; they showed us one and we ca n’t wait for them to start selling these cases here in the U.S. )
Power Support ’s Crystal Skin vitrine
Power Support also let us in on their plans to spell other companies ’ products from Japan for sale in the U.S.—good new for iPod gadget lovers considering all the cool gearing available in Japan that we never see over here . They even provided us with one of the first Japan - only products they ’ll be selling , the topnotch - stylish Miyagi shell ( evidence below ) , which will be US$ 40 for 4 G iPods and $ 35 for iPod miniskirt . We see ahead to seeing more gravid stuff and nonsense from Power Support .
The Miyagi case , to be import from Japan by Power Support
Pressure DropAlthough not iPod - specific , Pressure Drop , Inc.previewed an interesting production that pique the interest group of many iPod - owning passersby . TheTrestleHubis a combo USB2.0 / FireWire designer hub ( fours embrasure for each ) that act as a “ digital lifestyle organiser . ” rendering : It has a number of shelves to hive away your iPod(s ) , PDA(s ) , etc . The TrestleHub should be available too soon this spring ; the price has yet to be check .
Pressure Drop ’s TrestleHub
Shure IncorporatedWe’ve long been rooter ofShure’sin - pinna - channel headphone , which admit the $ 99 E2c , the $ 179 E3c , and the $ 499 E5c . In fact , we ’ve called theE3cthe best business deal - off between high - ending sound and reasonable price . The only job with the Shure product line has been that if you wanted something near than the E3c you had to pass over $ 300 more to pass over up to the E5c . That will change with the newly introduced E4c , which Shure developed to fill the substantial price gap in the subsist model line . Shure call — and our abbreviated audition confirmed — that the $ 299 E4c provide better triplex detail and bass part than the E3c thanks to their high-pitched - Definition drivers and Tuned - Port technology , while keeping the price down compared to the E5c by using only a single driver per ear . ( The E5c use two number one wood per pinna . ) The companionship also contrive the E4c with the iPod in nous , using white , gray , and brushed metal cultivation with white cables .
Shure ’s E4c canalphones
Speck ProductsSpeckwas display their Modern ToughSkin Ruggedized iPod Cases . Like their stock skin cases , the ToughSkin protects your iPod from moolah . However , the thick skin and rubberized bumpers of the ToughSkin provide special protective cover from protrusion and drib . It also include cleared plastic protection for the screen door and scroll bicycle and a detachable swath clip . The ToughSkin is available in blue , cerise , black , orange , and clear , and is available for 4 G iPods and the iPod photo . It retails for $ 35 .
Speck ’s ToughSkin
STMAustralia’sSTMintroduced their new $ 40iPod miniskirt cocoon . Like the stock Cocoon , the mini version provide a knock cartridge clip - outfit hardshell case that holds an iPod mini and earbuds with enough elbow room for some immediate payment and an ID or credit wit . However , the mini version includes a silicone polymer skin with laniard that ’s nice enough to be used on its own . The mini cocoon is available in gray and lilac and is available in the U.S. from distributorRadTech .
STM ’s iPod miniskirt cocoon
TEN TechnologyIn one of the most exciting debut of the show — winning a effective of Show award fromMacworld — TEN Technologydemonstrated their farsighted awaited Bluetooth headphone system for the iPod , the $ 200naviPlay . The naviPlay ’s small transmitter fits any dockable iPod and transmit your tunes to a lightweight receiver / remote control ; you punch your pet headphone into the receiver . In our testing , we got serious , clear audio from approximately 30 feet forth . ( It also worked big — better than our wandering phone ’s Bluetooth headset — when the iPod was buried deep in our haversack . ) And although we loved the standard naviPlay , which lets you employ your own headphones , we liked the $ 239 version bundled with HP ’s approaching Bluetooth Stereo Headphones even better , as it includes playback controls right on the earpiece themselves for a totally cord - free experience . iPod user finally get a truly portable , wireless earpiece root .
TEN Technology ’s naviPlay radio ( Bluetooth ) headphone outfit .
The company also introduced the $ 50naviPro eX , an raise version of their democratic naviPod remote for the iPod . Compatible with 4 G , pic , and mini iPods , the naviPro eX provides the same play / intermission , skip forward / back , and book master as its predecessor , but adds the power to exchange playlists , album , and chapters ( in audiobooks ) , as well as to toggle shuffle and repetition mode , all from the remote . The ship’s company also anticipate distant control of photo slideshows when used with an iPod photo .
ultimately , the troupe debuted the $ 50FlexDock . Similar to Belkin’sTuneDock , the FlexDock miniskirt plugs into your car ’s appurtenance outlet and provides a stiff , articulating arm to declare ( and charge ) an iPod mini . An adjustable - floor audio output shit provides a way to get your iPod mini ’s audio frequency to your car stereo . ( The include cassette transcriber will do the trick if your stereo has a cassette deck . )
TucanoItalian bagmakerTucanomade their U.S. first appearance , inaugurate a number of stylish and sporty iPod case . The $ 20 Tuta 4 G and Mini Tuta , for 4 guanine and pic iPods and the iPod miniskirt , severally , provide a custom - set neoprene sleeve with a clear charge card screen protector ( the Click Wheel rest exposed ) . The $ 30 Muta and Mini Muta are also plod neoprene , but enclose the full front of the iPod in clear charge plate , offer better protection than the Tuta while allowing you to see the iPod ’s entire human face . The Muta models also provide a bang time . ( The $ 40 Muta + Armband and Mini Muta + Armband add an armband to the Muta and Mini Muta , severally , for use when exercising ; the $ 60 Muta Kit and Mini Muta Kit let in an armband , waistband , and storage pounch for earbuds . ) All Tucano case are uncommitted in a telephone number of unlike colors and prints and can be purchased from prize U.S. retailer , let in MacZone.com , Tower Records , Sam Goody , Fry ’s Electronics , and Barnes and Noble .
Tucano ’s Muta 4 gigabyte case
TUNEWEARJapan’sTUNEWEAR , who lately partner withMCE Technologiesfor U.S. statistical distribution , was display the a la mode add-on to their line of iPod accessory . The ICEWEAR 4 1000 and picture are the full - size adaptation of the company ’s ICEWEAR mini ( which we named our favorite open skin in our recentholiday natural endowment guidebook ) and retail for $ 20 . The Aluminum Clip is a $ 19 atomic number 13 belt clipping that check over the ICEWEAR miniskirt typesetter’s case . The PRIE product line of flip cases come in three versions , each offer a number of coloration option : The $ 25 PRIE Classic tally 4 1000 and mini iPods is made of leather - like material , while the $ 35 PRIE Lux and $ 45 PRIE Pearl are contructed of genuine leather and sheepskin leather , respectively .
The party ’s $ 55 PRIE HOOK example fit 4 G and mini iPods and provide a true leather compositor’s case along with a convenient carabiner - style draw for attaching the iPod to a belt loop-the-loop or bag . TUNEWEAR also show their new $ 25 WATERWEAR case , which provide rainproof protection for 4 G and mini iPods , and their $ 9 POPTUNE “ wearable wrappers , ” which let you habilitate your iPod mini up in one of eight patterns .
Tunewear ’s Poptune skins for the iPod mini
UpBeat AudioUpBeatintroduced their new Boostaroo Revolution phone amplifier . The Revolution processes traditional two - channel audio into three - television channel surround auditory sensation , with enough index to drive two sets of earpiece ( include high-pitched - impedance mannikin that are normally not drivable by the iPod or other portable audio reference ) .
UpBeat Audio ’s Boostaroo Revolution
XtremeMacOne of the first companies to provide accessories for the iPod , XtremeMacannounced three new additions to their production family . The $ 40AirPlayis a tiny FM transmitter that , like Griffin Technology ’s iTrip , plug directly into the phone / distant jack of 3 G , 4 G , mini , and photo iPods . But unlike the iTrip , the AirPlay provide the ability to change the FM program frequency ( 88.1 to 107.9 ) directly via up / down buttons and an lighted LCD display . ( The unit is also the small FM sender we ’ve picture . ) The $ 13Shieldz for iPod mini , useable in six colors ( Sky , Kiwi , Tangerine , Lilac , Rose , and Ice ) provide protective covering for the front and side of an iPod mini and are intended to be used with Apple ’s belt snip or armband , or XtremeMac’sAccessory outfit for the iPod miniskirt , to supply full - body protection . eventually , the companionship annunciate that theirSportWrap iPod Armbandis now available in red , blue , yellow , and bleak .
XtremeMac ’s AirPlay FM Transmitter
