There are dozens of speaker systems already available for the iPod, but Apple has finally decided to get in on the act with its own, the iPod Hi-Fi.
Typically for Apple, it’s at the top end of the market. The iPod Hi-Fi is essentially a very classy (white with black grille) “boombox” - and the kids will love it. Measuring 17 inches wide, by 6.5 inches high and 7 inches deep, it contains a sub-woofer and two stereo speakers in a single unit. It weighs a fairly hefty 15lbs, but it has handles built in so it’s not too difficult to pick up and move around.
You can insert an iPod into the little docking slot on the top of the unit and play your music straight from the iPod. Most models will fit into the docking slot, but the Hi-Fi also has a separate input socket at the back, so you can connect other audio devices such as a CD player, or simply hook it up to a computer if you need a good set of speakers for presentations or multimedia projects. It also includes a handy little remote control, so you can stick it under a desk and control it from a distance during presentations or lectures.
Cramming a complete three-piece speaker system into such a compact case does present potential technical problems, particularly with the “separation” of sound – being able to clearly hear the separate left and right sound channels. However, Apple has done a good job with the Hi-Fi, and it delivers a crisp, clear sound that can fill a pretty big room, hall or lecture theatre.
Ideally, you’ll run the Hi-Fi from a mains power supply, but it can also work off batteries, allowing you to take it out into a playground or gym if you need to. You should be able to get between 5 to 14 hours of battery life, depending on how high you turn up the volume.
Of course, coming from Apple, it’s not cheap. At almost £250 it’s more expensive than most iPods, but that price is still in line with other top-of-the-range iPod speakers such as the Bose SoundDock. There are less expensive alternatives from companies such as Altec Lansing, but the iPod Hi-Fi is a good choice if you need a versatile, high-quality sound system that can easily be moved from classroom to classroom. The additional audio input connector also means that it can be used as a general-purpose speaker system, rather than just tied to an iPod. And it charges your iPod when it's connected.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Price: £249
Contact: Apple UK
Phone: 0800-039-1010
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