Very Exclusive Gadgets & Gizmos

The only thing better than an iPod dock is a dual-iPod dock. The JVC NXPN10 will play from, and charge a pair of iPhones, iPods or iPod-Touches. On top of all that it’ll give you video where needed, has a pair of 10W speakers, remote control and there’s a motion sensor that will switch it on if someone comes close. Golly. US$199.95

# 10W Total Power
# Source: Tuner, Audio Input
# Back-Illuminated LCD (White)
# “Dual Play” Two iPods (or iPhone) can be charged simultaneously or separately
# Works with iPhone 3G
# Video Out for iPod/iPhone
# Motion Sensor to turn the power on

We actually featured the Parrot Zikmu audio system almost a year ago, when Philippe Starck first crafted this sculptural stereo sound system. However, these have been around in the market for quite some time now and also with a new addition - color. But, that’s not it. Philippe Starck have also announced some upgrades like a new web interface with browsing mode to select music in the iPod along with an equalizer that offers pre-settings according to the chosen music themes.

Many car manufacturers have started to include USB plugs in their car stereo systems to accomodate connecting MP3 players. That’s a cool thing, but the driver still has to deal with the quandry of where to put the iPod? Check out this new car stereo system which not only lets users sync their iPods for playing iTunes, but also has a pull down iPod Dock to store and charge it at the same time. Very cool.

Griffin Technology, the company who created the first iPhone controlled hardware with the iTrip, has also made another version of this device with the iTrip Auto. Designed for both the iPod and iPhone, it uses SmartScan technology to transmit your playlist to your car stereo.

All the user has to do is plug in the iTrip Auto to their Apple device with the Apple connector, then start their music. The other end of the cable gets plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter, which will power the transmitter.

Apple’s iPod has revolutionized the world of music since its launch in 2001, and it is still the prized gadget of millions around the world. The latest on the list of iPod gadgetry is the world’s biggest iPod speaker called “Wall of Sound,” that weighs 102 kilos (225 pounds), stands almost a meter tall and 1.25 meters wide, and can pump up to 125 watts. Completely handmade, the wall is made up of 28 individual speakers, each housed in their own chamber, and it boasts its own tube amplifier hidden away inside. The monstrous wall speaker belittles the iPod dock on the side.

It is a iPod Boombox. The Lasonic i931 ($120) is a portable music system in true retro ghetto blaster style, you can play this Boombox via an iPod dock.

The Alpine iXA-W407 is an in-car entertainment system with a 7″ touchscreen, double DIN audio head unit with AM/FM radio and a four channel 50W max amplifier. It’s designed to communicate with iPods so it will read the track information, album art etc as well as letting you drive the iPod while it’s tucked safely away.

Sanyo has introduced a couple of new audio systems to the masses, with the DMP-P1 a Cube Alarm Clock Radio with an iPod docking station and the DMP-692 Dual Dock Music System, with two docking stations allowing two iPods or an iPod and iPhone to be played and recharged simultaneously. These stylish systems are sure to sell if the price is right which we’ll reveal at the end of the post, but in the meantime, do take a look at what both devices are able to offer to the consumer.

The NovoThink Surge is an all-in-one case, extra battery and solar charger for your iPhone 3G/ or iPod Touch. How is this possible? It’s made possible by technology! Yes, the Surge is a clip-on case similar to the Mophie Juice Pack that provides extra power via its internal battery as well as being able to recharge via the solar cells on it’s hardened exterior. It has a pass-through for the 30-pin connector, as well as the camera of course, so you can use it normally without having to remove it from the case.

Although Sharp isn’t well known for their iPod docks, you might want to check out their new one. Sharp has recently released a brand new docking station that will not only play your music off of your iPod, but look great doing it. It doesn’t stand out a ton for the design, but the red and black version of the dock is bound to attract at least a little attention from your guests.