kerstinne25
7th May '07 Mon, 23:25
10 Weirdest iPod Docks
By Jennifer L. DeLeo
With 100 million iPods sold, there's no shortage of (strange) iPod docks designed for your bed, dining room table, and more.
Since the iPod's inception in November 2001, Apple has sold more than 100 million iPods. Add that number to the 2.5 billion songs downloaded from iTunes and 4,000-plus accessories made for the iPod, and you've got the makings of a full-blown iPod craze.
What's not to love about the iPod? It has a unique UI, comes in a variety of vibrant colors, and dons that cool click wheel. We take it with us to work, on long trips, and to the gym. But when your iPod is stationary at work or at home, you need a docking station to keep your little buddy charged up. There are plenty of great iPod docks on the market today, but they're so, well, plain. Instead, treat your iPod to a docking station that's a little more extreme. In today's roundup, we introduce some of the weirdest iPod docks we've ever seen.
1. Design Mobel's Pause
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174372,00.gif
What's the world's most comfortable iPod dock? That distinction goes to Design Mobel for its Pause collection. It consists of a Pause queen frame, "bodyfit" active mattress, Bose speaker system, and—you guessed it—an iPod dock. Crafted from New Zealand Rimu with aluminum detailing, your bedroom can be as customizable as your iPod's playlist. And for every bed sold, the company plants a tree. Pricing starts at $4,317.
2. iRocker 250
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174367,00.gif
Do you worship your iPod as much as you do your Xbox 360? Then your heart will palpitate at the site of this gaming chair. The iRocker 250 from Adonis Furniture is an interactive rocker with a built-in iPod docking station, which lets you enjoy surround-sound tunes while trying to master Gears of War. The iRocker is made of durable microfiber fabric and includes a wireless remote control, a multi-position reclining back, 4-inch high speakers, a plastic drink holder, and audio inputs. Rock on for $299 from LivingInComfort.com.
3. FUNKit DJ
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174374,00.gif
An iPod dock wouldn't be weird without some flashy LEDs and animation, right? The FUNKit DJ from KNG America can get any party started. Designed to resemble a robotic DJ, it's an iPod speaker system that lights up and animates to the beat of your music. It even scratches a record! Insert your iPod into the built-in dock for a booty-shaking time. Pick one up for $49.99 at Amazon.com.
4. Story Log
ttp://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174369,00.gif
We learned to accept the existence of wooden iPod cases, but a wooden iPod dock? Designed by artist Ben Durrell, the aptly-named Story Log is described as "something out of a dream" that measures 18 by 6 by 12 inches. It consists of a log with a speaker on each side, held by four legs and a docking station on top. It ships assembled (to avoid splinters) and sells for $600.
5. Razer Pro Type Keyboard
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174375,00.gif
Is your iPod looking a little lonely sitting on your desk? Then keep it docked in your keyboard. It may look a bit weird at first, but at least you'll reduce cable clutter! The Razer Pro Type Keyboard is compatible with all iPod models, and features 10 customizable keyboard tasks, a music button that opens iTunes, and a one-touch hub with two USB ports. $129.99
6. ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174368,00.gif
Can't imagine docking your iPod in a keyboard? Then connecting it to your monitor probably won't change your way of thinking. The ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock ($455) features a 22-inch screen, an 8-in-1 media card reader, four USB ports, two 2.5-watt speakers, and built-in iPod dock. With a glossy black finish, the VX2245wm has a 1680-by-1050 resolution and 700:1 contrast ratio.
7. Digital Electronic Stethoscope with iPod
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174371,00.gif
Doctors may find this cool, but we think it's super strange. ThinkLabs' Digital Electronic Stethoscope with iPod lets doctors record heart and lung sounds directly onto their iPod. Basically, the stethoscope acts like headphones which are probably more comfortable than the earbuds that ship with your iPod! For $495, you get the electronic stethoscope, a 2GB iPod nano, and a MicroMemo iPod recording accessory. Who knew the iPod could save lives?
8. The Concerto Table
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174370,00.gif
The next time you're hosting a dinner party, make sure your iPod is on the guest list. The Concerto Table, designed by Nicholas Lovegrove and Demian Repucci, is a piano-like table with an integrated iPod docking station. Lift the top of the table slightly to reveal two 50-watt speakers. But wait, there's more! A drawer along the table opens to reveal a place to keep your cutlery. Compatible with all iPod models, it measures 70 by 58 by 29 inches. Choose from either a bright-white or black high-gloss finish for $8,000 plus shipping.
9. Belkin's In-Desk Dock for iPod
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174376,00.gif
Ever think about cutting a hole in your desk to dock an iPod? Belkin's In-Desk Dock for iPod ($39.99) fits into a 3-inch hole in your desk, paving the way to a clutter-free space. But if your desk doesn't already have a pre-drilled hole, you may want to make sure you can safely operate a drill! The In-Desk Dock also includes a stereo-out jack and a mounting ring to secure your iPod. Look for it this month at www.belkin.com.
10. Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174373,00.gif
To coincide with the upcoming theatrical release of Transformers, Japanese toy manufacturer Takara-Tomy created a toy tractor trailer that transforms into a convoy with stereo speakers and an iPod dock. The Convoy stands 6-inches tall when in robot mode and is compatible with all iPod models except for the shuffle. It won't be available until July, but you can preorder it now for $144.99 from BigBadToyStore.com.
By Jennifer L. DeLeo
With 100 million iPods sold, there's no shortage of (strange) iPod docks designed for your bed, dining room table, and more.
Since the iPod's inception in November 2001, Apple has sold more than 100 million iPods. Add that number to the 2.5 billion songs downloaded from iTunes and 4,000-plus accessories made for the iPod, and you've got the makings of a full-blown iPod craze.
What's not to love about the iPod? It has a unique UI, comes in a variety of vibrant colors, and dons that cool click wheel. We take it with us to work, on long trips, and to the gym. But when your iPod is stationary at work or at home, you need a docking station to keep your little buddy charged up. There are plenty of great iPod docks on the market today, but they're so, well, plain. Instead, treat your iPod to a docking station that's a little more extreme. In today's roundup, we introduce some of the weirdest iPod docks we've ever seen.
1. Design Mobel's Pause
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174372,00.gif
What's the world's most comfortable iPod dock? That distinction goes to Design Mobel for its Pause collection. It consists of a Pause queen frame, "bodyfit" active mattress, Bose speaker system, and—you guessed it—an iPod dock. Crafted from New Zealand Rimu with aluminum detailing, your bedroom can be as customizable as your iPod's playlist. And for every bed sold, the company plants a tree. Pricing starts at $4,317.
2. iRocker 250
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174367,00.gif
Do you worship your iPod as much as you do your Xbox 360? Then your heart will palpitate at the site of this gaming chair. The iRocker 250 from Adonis Furniture is an interactive rocker with a built-in iPod docking station, which lets you enjoy surround-sound tunes while trying to master Gears of War. The iRocker is made of durable microfiber fabric and includes a wireless remote control, a multi-position reclining back, 4-inch high speakers, a plastic drink holder, and audio inputs. Rock on for $299 from LivingInComfort.com.
3. FUNKit DJ
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174374,00.gif
An iPod dock wouldn't be weird without some flashy LEDs and animation, right? The FUNKit DJ from KNG America can get any party started. Designed to resemble a robotic DJ, it's an iPod speaker system that lights up and animates to the beat of your music. It even scratches a record! Insert your iPod into the built-in dock for a booty-shaking time. Pick one up for $49.99 at Amazon.com.
4. Story Log
ttp://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174369,00.gif
We learned to accept the existence of wooden iPod cases, but a wooden iPod dock? Designed by artist Ben Durrell, the aptly-named Story Log is described as "something out of a dream" that measures 18 by 6 by 12 inches. It consists of a log with a speaker on each side, held by four legs and a docking station on top. It ships assembled (to avoid splinters) and sells for $600.
5. Razer Pro Type Keyboard
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174375,00.gif
Is your iPod looking a little lonely sitting on your desk? Then keep it docked in your keyboard. It may look a bit weird at first, but at least you'll reduce cable clutter! The Razer Pro Type Keyboard is compatible with all iPod models, and features 10 customizable keyboard tasks, a music button that opens iTunes, and a one-touch hub with two USB ports. $129.99
6. ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174368,00.gif
Can't imagine docking your iPod in a keyboard? Then connecting it to your monitor probably won't change your way of thinking. The ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock ($455) features a 22-inch screen, an 8-in-1 media card reader, four USB ports, two 2.5-watt speakers, and built-in iPod dock. With a glossy black finish, the VX2245wm has a 1680-by-1050 resolution and 700:1 contrast ratio.
7. Digital Electronic Stethoscope with iPod
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174371,00.gif
Doctors may find this cool, but we think it's super strange. ThinkLabs' Digital Electronic Stethoscope with iPod lets doctors record heart and lung sounds directly onto their iPod. Basically, the stethoscope acts like headphones which are probably more comfortable than the earbuds that ship with your iPod! For $495, you get the electronic stethoscope, a 2GB iPod nano, and a MicroMemo iPod recording accessory. Who knew the iPod could save lives?
8. The Concerto Table
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174370,00.gif
The next time you're hosting a dinner party, make sure your iPod is on the guest list. The Concerto Table, designed by Nicholas Lovegrove and Demian Repucci, is a piano-like table with an integrated iPod docking station. Lift the top of the table slightly to reveal two 50-watt speakers. But wait, there's more! A drawer along the table opens to reveal a place to keep your cutlery. Compatible with all iPod models, it measures 70 by 58 by 29 inches. Choose from either a bright-white or black high-gloss finish for $8,000 plus shipping.
9. Belkin's In-Desk Dock for iPod
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174376,00.gif
Ever think about cutting a hole in your desk to dock an iPod? Belkin's In-Desk Dock for iPod ($39.99) fits into a 3-inch hole in your desk, paving the way to a clutter-free space. But if your desk doesn't already have a pre-drilled hole, you may want to make sure you can safely operate a drill! The In-Desk Dock also includes a stereo-out jack and a mounting ring to secure your iPod. Look for it this month at www.belkin.com.
10. Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=174373,00.gif
To coincide with the upcoming theatrical release of Transformers, Japanese toy manufacturer Takara-Tomy created a toy tractor trailer that transforms into a convoy with stereo speakers and an iPod dock. The Convoy stands 6-inches tall when in robot mode and is compatible with all iPod models except for the shuffle. It won't be available until July, but you can preorder it now for $144.99 from BigBadToyStore.com.