With its new offerings catering to the iPod market, Logitech has its eyes set on providing the best-sounding most powerful speaker with the AudioStation brand. The AudioStation and the AudioStation Express are scheduled to be released in Europe and the US this October.

The AudioStation is a boombox-sized speaker system designed to function as a home stereo measuring 16 inches long, 4.5 inches deep, and 7.25 inches tall.  For that wide frequency response, installed in it are high-power long-throw woofers at four inches, and an 80-watt bi-amplified design.

It sports an integrated AM/Fm tuner and features a large LCD where the station information, track information and a spectrum analyzer are displayed. Peculiar to its design is that the AudioStation fashions no buttons, switches or knobs as its font panel is touch-sensitive. The controls emit white LEDs when the unit is powered on.

It also comes with a remote, 3D stereo imaging, sleep timer and more. iPods charge while playing aboard the AudioStation, and it is compatible with any iPods that offer Universal Dock connector.

The AudioStation Express on the other hand is more portable, offering flexible power options, a protective case and wireless remote. It can be powered with either an AC adapter or 6AA batteries. The wireless remote offers volume, track-hopping, play, and pause controls. At the back of the speaker system is a storage slot where it can be stored when not in use. Like the AudioStation, it supports any iPod with a Universal Dock connector, and offers a 3.5mm jack for older iPods and other audio sources.

The AudioStation Express is priced at $129.99, while the AudioStation is offered at $299.99.

Oh yes, folks! It's another iSomething! Just perfect to match your iThis and your iThat!

Cain Laboratory Japan is set to release the i2 sound system for your trusty iPod. And what sets it appart from the bajillions of iPod sound systems out there? See that little UFO-looking blue dude on top? That's a vacuum tube amplifier, just like the iBlueTube! This amplifier has a sub-woofer and can accomodate two satellite speakers, making it a 2.1 channel system. But what I really like about the i2 is the fact that they incorporated an iPod wheel on the face and on the remote control.

The i2 will be sold for 30,000 Yen ($260) in Japan by the end of this month. The amplifier measures 160?25?65mm and the satellite speakers are 80?5?60mm. The whole set weighs in at 4.5kg.

Razer Pro Solutions announced its upcoming USB multimedia computer keyboard with an integrated iPod dock. The Pro|Type Multimedia Keyboard, dubbed by the  company as the world's most intelligent keyboard (after beating other keyboards in a Braniac Olympiad, we guess), will have the following features:

• 32kb of onboard memory
• Specialized keys for programs such as iTunes
• 10 programmable hot keys for storing macros and keystrokes
• Ergonomic design
• Two USB Ports
• Line-out ports for other devices

We heard Razer will release a version for MicrosoftÂ?s upcoming Zune player. But we didn't see that on the company's website  so we'll treat that as a rumor for now. Meanwhile, the very real Razer Pro Multimedia Keyboard with iPod Dock's pricing and availability is not yet available at this time.

This next item that we are about to feature pretty much confirms just exactly how deeply the iPod has already embedded itself into everyday life and most probably society in general.

These days, car docks and sofas are being created to accomodate your precious music pod, but this clutch wallet is a sign that the iPod has not only become an accessory or a luxury, but rather as a necessity.

Pacific Design's stylish Uptown Clutch is made of quality leather, and has compartments for money, IDs, credit cards, and your iPod Nano. It also comes with a removable wrist strap. The bag is also formal enough to bring to dinner parties or meetings, so that just in case things get a little too dull, you'll have your music to come to your rescue.

This all-around clutch is currently being sold on eBags.com for $26.96 a pop. A tenth of each sale will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

There's already a glut of accessories for Apple's iPod floating around in the sea of consumer consciousness out there, so what's the big deal about another new speaker system? Well, nothing much. It's just that this particular one has got to be one of the more weird-named iPod accessories ever.

The i-Steroid is a new range of iPod speaker systems from Sonic Gear. The iPod-like wooden enclosure houses a unique 2.1 speaker system with a Vacuum Valve Amplifier. And just so there are no doubts that it's using old-school valve amplification, Sonic Gear designed the enclosure so you can actually see the vacuum valve. These babies come bundled with Sonic Gear's U100 iPod universal dock colored to match the main unit and a matching infra-red remote control.

Right now, Sonic Gear has three models out: The i-Steroid 1, the i-Steroid 1FM, and the i-Steroid 2. The only difference between the i-Steroid 1 and i-Steroid 2 is that the latter packs a bit more punch than the former. The i-Steroid 1 has an output of 28 watts while the i-Steroid 2 has an output of 50 watts. The i-Steroid 1FM, on the other hand, has a built-in FM reception circuit with a precision dial channel scanner. It has the same output as the i-Steroid 1.

All three models are available in black or white.

Just when you thought that the letter "i" can't be attached to anything else anymore, here comes yet another item that has been more than happy to jump in on the concept of the Age of the iPod.

Pottery Barn has recently started selling a line of furniture known as the "iChair" - and as promised, they do more than provide a  comfortable cushion for your behind.

The iChair comes with a pocket that you can place your precious iPod into, and then hook it up to the sound system that has been assembled into the chair itself. The semi-wrap-around headrest actually comes with a pair of high-quality speakers that are positioned on either side of your head, and a set of subwoofers right below your gluteus maximus makes for a VERY comfortable sound trip. A wood frame with a weighted base will keep you from tipping over to the side, and the cushions themselves are finished in faux suede for the luxurious feel.

Other features include a standard audio jack that makes it easy to connect to any game system or MP3 player, and a control panel at your right hand so that you can easily control the volume.

The iChair currently comes in Charcoal and Light Blue, and retails for $399. Now, if they just remembered to add a drink cooler, a remote control pocket and a massager somewhere in there, they may soon be running La-Z-Boy out of business.

The funky musical memorabilia from the 50's/60's era known as the jukebox has just become funkier and hyped up with iPod. You can now play and view whatever's in your iPod in this Jukebox Station equipped with amplifiers and a 5-speaker system which produce quality sounds to let you listen to your music loud and proud, without the sound of skipping CDs.

However, don't put another dime in the jukebox just yet because...well, you don't have to! Gone are the days of dime-dropping to listen to the songs in the box. The JukeBox Station is operated with an IR remote control so you can set the volume and select the songs you want to listen to from across the room. All you need is your iPod dock connector and you're ready to go.
Use your Universal Dock to plug your iPod in the JukeBox station and listen to up to 10,000 songs which are loaded in your iPod. Another cool thing about it is that the JukeBox Station has an LED Lighting System thus giving it a more vintage touch.

The JukeBox Station has a Wood Enclosure Jukebox Style 2.1 Stereo System and can also access FM/AM radio stations. It's a meter tall, making it perfect for your game or music room. It also comes with a 17-function IR Remote Control, which allows you to select songs and set the volume from across the room. The JukeBox Station has RCA Input and RCA Video Output Jacks which you can use to connect to your TV set to view photos and videos.

If you want to listen to your music real LOUD and not have the neighbors sue you for disturbing the peace, the JukeBox Station also has 3.5mm mini-jack input where you can plug in your headphones. Cool, huh? Unfortunately, iPod fanatics and vintage ravers would have to wait 'til October 2 of this year to get a hold of the JukeBox Station, which will be exclusively distributed by Pacific Rim Technologies in North America.

You can also read our article on how to view videos and photos from your iPod on to your TV.

 

Wanna protect your iPods while still keeping them looking cool as hell? If so, then Axio">Axio's got your back. The hard-shell backpack manufacturer has introduced new cases for the fifth-generation iPod and iPod nano.

For the nano, Axio has the Thump case. It's got a clear vinyl screen protector and a textured silicone body with precision-molded side bumpers for extra impact protection and grip. The Thump case is available in blue, light blue, green, pink, orange, yellow, red, black, and white.

The Axio Deluxe case, available for both the 30GB fifth generation iPod and iPod nano, features an ultra-clear polycarbonate body and a silicone round-edged bumper. The Deluxe case comes in a variety of colorful designs including Digi-Camo, Hibiscus Flower, RockinÂ? Stars & Hearts, Robot, or plain black and white.

The Thump case goes for $20. The Deluxe case for the iPod carries a price tag of $30, while the nano Deluxe case goes for $35.

Griffin Technologies has an impressive history of making accessories for PC, Mac, PSP and Ipod that make our lives easier and add capabilities to our already multifunctional devices. Once again Griffin has announced a product designed to make our lives easier.

The PowerBlock is a USB charging system that helps extend your battery life when travelling. It comes complete with adapters that make it compatible with the power supply on most continents, a dock for charging your Ipod and a pouch to hold your adapters.

Most portable device owners will agree that battery life is the most important factor when taking your portables on the road. The PowerBlock comes with an Ipod charging dock, but it can be used with any device that is charged using a USB port.

When you consider the mind numbing boredom inherent in long trips by air, some type of battery extending solution is a must for all your favorite handheld gaming devices, portable media players and the like. At $34.99 USD, the PowerBlock from Griffin (which is available right now) should quickly become a standard piece of kit for most portable owners.

As a user and supporter of EV-DO, I have watched with great anticipation as the technology has moved slowly towards maturity over the past few years.

With Verizon and Sprint signed on as EV-DO supporters and both companies well on their way to completing nationwide EV-DO networks of their own, the question is no longer if EV-DO will be the most widespread wireless broadband technology in the US, but if there will be any other technologies coming to compete with, complement or replace EV-DO any time soon?

The most recent sign that EV-DO has come of age is the USB modem released by Franklin that will bring Internet connectivity to a while new class of devices.

Tablet PCs, lightweight laptops, some PDAs, and many of the recently released UPMCs and other ultra tiny portables that run XP, but yet are too small to sport PCMCIA slots or other wireless equipment, are being given the unexpected opportunity to get online using their USB ports.

Known as the CDU 550 USB modem, this tiny device will only be available for use on the Sprint wireless network. The package comes complete with the modem itself, a carrying case, Y-shaped USB cable, an owners manual, and a Windows setup CD. Once you get your CDU 550 in hand, you'll need to do an ESN swap to move your active Sprint wireless account from your EV-DO wireless card to the new modem. The new USB modem works with all Macs (with a few caveats), but it cannot be used to create a network using the Kyocera KR1 EV-DO router under its current firmware.

Then all you have to do is use the Sprint connection manager (included on the setup CD) to activate your account and tweak your settings. The average speeds for an EV-DO network are from 500Kbps to 800Kbps when downloading and 80Kbps to 180Kbps in the other direction. I would imagine that the lack of an external antenna port on the tiny modem could potentially limit its speed a bit, but since it is the only available EV-DO option for Sprint customers with machines that have express slots alone, I guess they won't mind.