First Looks
Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. For additional peeks at new iPod accessories, check out our Free iPod Book 3.3 and 2008 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, already available online. Here’s what’s hot right now:
Company: SDI Technologies/iHome
Website: www.iHomeaudio.com
Model: iP47
Price: $200
Compatible: iPhone, iPod 4G, 5G, classic, mini, nano, touch
iHome iP47 Wireless Speakerphone and Alarm Clock Radio for iPhone + iPod
You may or may not remember last year's iHC5, iHome's early and little-publicized attempt to fuse an alarm clock radio with a mobile phone-ready speakerphone. This year, iHome has completely overhauled that design from top to bottom, replacing its matte silver paneling, separate iPod/iPhone dock, and Bluetooth 1.2 support with more sophisticated iPhone-ready components. The result is iP47 ($200), which includes internal iPhone interference shielding, a top-mounted dock, and Bluetooth 2.0 support to let you take calls using the iPhone's phone functionality. Dialing keypads are featured on the iP47 and its included remote control, as are buttons to handle AM/FM radio tuning and presets, as well as playback from a docked iPod or iPhone. Thanks to the Bluetooth functionality, you can actually dock an iPod on top and still use an undocked iPhone to wirelessly make and receive calls. Of course, iP47 features iHome's standard dual alarm clock radio functionality, though both the alarms and the integrated screen are of pre-iH9/iP99 vintage, using a bright blue background with dark text, and lacking the 7-5-2 week, weekday, and weekend alarm settings of these models. We'll have to see how all of the other features actually perform during testing, but given that the iPhone hasn't received a proper speakerphone up until now, we're excited to see what this one can do.
Company: Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO)
Website: www.DLO.com
Model: TransDock Deluxe (2008)
Price: $130
Compatible: iPod 4G, 5G, classic, mini, nano, touch
DLO TransDock Deluxe (2008)
Recently updated to provide video-out compatibility with the late 2007 iPod lineup, DLO's TransDock Deluxe ($130) otherwise takes a detour in the evolution of the family. Unlike the $100 TransDock, this Deluxe version omits the new styling and flexible gooseneck mount in favor of last year's antenna-focused design and older twin pipe mounting system. But it adds a steering wheel-ready RF remote control to the package, as well as AV cables that need to be purchased separately for the standard TransDock. Second- and third-generation nano inserts are included this time, as are last year's silver and black replaceable faceplates, and Deluxe is the only unit in the family with a pass-through USB port for charging a second device.
Company: Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO)
Website: www.DLO.com
Model: TransDock (2008)
Price: $100
Compatible: iPod 4G, 5G, classic, mini, nano, touch
DLO TransDock (2008)
As the most impressively overhauled addition to the TransDock family, DLO's 2008 version of TransDock ($100) has finally received the gooseneck feature that we've been waiting for years to see as a part of this in-car FM transmitter, charger, and mounting system. With streamlined body styling and open sides, the new TransDock includes an optional stabilizer for the iPod touch, as well as a pop-out circular rear pad to fit various iPod models. In addition to manual tuning, it also supports IntelliTune, a feature that can automatically hunt for clear FM stations to broadcast on. On the bottom are AV Out and Aux-In ports, enabling you to connect another device for audio purposes, or connect TransDock to an in-car video or audio system via cables (sold separately).
Company: Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO)
Website: www.DLO.com
Model: TransDock Classic
Price: $80
Compatible: iPod 4G, 5G, classic, mini, nano, touch
DLO TransDock Classic
Based upon a considerably earlier version of the TransDock/TransPod, DLO's new TransDock Classic ($80) is a rounded iPod car mount with an FM transmitter, line-out audio port, and car charger built in. The biggest addition to TransDock Classic is IntelliTune, a feature that enables the unit to find clear FM stations to broadcast on; manual tuning buttons are still available. TransDock Classic otherwise preserves past family features, such as twin plastic pipes that can be joined together to let you position the iPod at different heights and angles; aux-in is also available for connection of non-iPod devices.
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