CES 2008: iPod accessories abound

The big venue for all things Apple, including the company's iPod portable players, is MacWorld, which doesn't open until next week in San Francisco. But you wouldn't know it here in the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which is overflowing with audio accessories and other gizmos that sport docks for iPod. CES officially opens on Monday, but here’s an early peek at a few of the more interesting iPod perches you’ll see on store shelves this year:

Wireless wonder: iLuv i399. One shortcoming of wireless Bluetooth technology is that its range is limited to 30 feet or less. So if you're listening to a Bluetooth music player with Bluetooth headsets, you'll have to stay fairly close to the player. i399 BluePina 2.1 Channel Hi-Fi Audio System (Click on image at right for a closer look.) claims to boost that range to 300 ft. using a technology called BluepinII. With the detachable BluePin II, you can listen to music on Bluetooth headphones or send music from another stereo Bluetooth device to the i399. It includes speaker phone capabilities for incoming and outgoing calls, an FM radio, digital clock display and an auxiliary line input for older iPods and other portable players. Available later this year for an undisclosed price.

Cute as a bug. The VestaLife Ladybug ($110) portable docking station doesn’t claim any special technologies, but it has one characteristic that’s bound to captivate any kid—and at least one adult—who plays with it: Its speakers fold out like the wings of an insect (Click on image at left for a closer look), cleverly revealing the dock for inserting your iPod. It also has input jacks for other portable players. A rear-firing subwoofer claims to add oomph. The simple controls have a soft-touch rubbery finish. Powered by two AA batteries, or an adapter, which may or may not be included). Available during the first quarter of 2008 in red and silver. There will also be a $125.00 Element Skateboards edition.

—Mike Gikas

Comments

[Chris Giustizia]

I'm in the market for small, inexpensive mobile speakers for an iPhone 3G. Go anywhere, with internal rechargeables and a power cord for ac outlet would be nice. If it could also keep the cel fully charged that would be ideal. iPhone comparability is often more limited than the retail box says. Under $100. Any help?

[LD]

Hello. I'm looking for information about ipod docking devices for hooking you ipod up through your receiver. I want to play back music, video and movies using on screen programing. I have tried Denon ASD-3N and Onkyo DS-A2X. Both deviced started out fine, but both failed quickly. Both locked up and were returned and again both failed on a second and third try for the Denon. I liked the on screen displays for both until they failed.

Thanks for any information.

LD