iPod Hi-Fi appeared in the news earlier this week as we received information that Apple would launch a new accessory for its iPod players. Accessory is perhaps a mild expression here as iPod Hi-Fi i suppose to be used together with Apple’s portable MP3 players. iPod Hi-Fi is a combined docking station and stereo for your iPod. You put your iPod in the docking station and then you get a digital stereo. iPod Hi-Fi is a single unit housing everything from speaker elements to power supply. To create a rich and enjoyable sound iPod Hi-Fi uses two 3″ mid range elements and one 5″ bass element.
This results in a frequency range from 53Hz up to 16kHz with a maximum peak sound pressure level at 108dB. Not great for a Hi-Fi stereo, but if you compare it to other docking systems for iPod things are looking a lot better. You can also connect iPod Hi-Fi to other units through the combined analog/digital input. The package is then controlled by Apple’s minimalistic remote.
Exactly how well Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi really sounds we will know soon, but the question is if function has been prioritized here. Apple’s clean design is onbvious but iPod Hi-Fi’s design still feels very clumsy and not at all as well designed as they usually are.
iPod Hi-Fi costs $349 and then you get a universal docking station and remote. But then you also need an iPod…
