2. iPod Hi-Fi: A Real Revolution?

With a name like this, you might expect a real mini-stereo. But the iPod Hi-Fi is more like the successor to high-end radio-cassette players or boom boxes - with the latest in chic design added. Much care has been taken with the esthetics, and the finish is superb.

The controls are pared down to the basics - the unit itself has only a volume adjustment that uses touch-sensitive buttons. A few tone adjustments are possible with the iPod itself. Aside from the cradle for the iPod, there's a line input with a 3.5 mm jack on the back. And that's it for the controls and inputs. Power on/off is automatic. A small remote control is supplied, as we'd hoped. The power source can be AC (there's a socket for a power cord) or batteries, which, of course, is an advantage if you like to take your music with you. The unit uses six D batteries, which should make for good battery life.

Technically speaking, the iPod Hi-Fi is a 2.1 sound system with a very traditional-looking 3.1" (80 mm) full-range speaker using a synthetic membrane for each channel and a 5.1" (13-cm) woofer for the bass. Naturally the acoustic load on these transducers is separated. The full-range speakers use a sealed load and the woofer is bass-reflex, with two ports opening on the front. What seems less reasonable is Apple's claim of creating a full stereo image with speakers that are only 12" (30 cm) apart.

Technical Characteristics

Bass power output: Not specified Satellite power output: Not specified Frequency response: 53 Hz - 16 kHz (+-3 dB) Maximum peak sound pressure level: 108 dB at 1 m (AC) Inputs: iPod cradle, line Headphone jack: No Midrange/treble: 3.1" (80 mm) full-range Subwoofer: 5.1" (13-cm) woofer Dimensions: 17.0" x 6.6" x 6.9" (431.8 mm X 167.6 mm X 175.3 mm).