Nope, that's not an '80s boombox accessory for your iPod (although such a thing would be way cool). That thing to the right of this block of text, the one that looks like a cassette deck, is the HouseParty 24/7, Gear4's new speaker system for apple's iPod. Now, we've covered a lot of iPod speaker systems here on QJ since we first started, and we guess you guys have seen quite a lot of these newfangled iPod accessories yourselves. So maybe you're asking yourself, "What's so special about this thing, then?"

Well, for one, it's a 2.1 stereo speaker system featuring two two-inch six-watt magnetic shielded speakers and an ActiveBass 2.1T twelve-watt sub-woofer. This thing'll keep you and your neighbors up til the morning. So, okay, maybe now you're saying, "So? A lot of speaker systems have more output than that." Yeah, but although those speakers may be able to keep you up longer than the HouseParty 24/7 can, can they wake you up after you collapse from exhaustion?

Yes folks, the HouseParty 24/7 has a built-in alarm clock. Set your alarm and when it kicks in, the HouseParty 24/7 bursts into radio life. Yep, it's also got AM/FM radio with 5 preset stations and a snooze mode between 5 and 20 minutes. Aside from the alarm clock and the radio, the speakers also come with a three-stage dimmer LCD screen and a 16-function remote control allowing direct access to your iPod's menus.

Getting interested? Luckily, the HouseParty 24/7 is available now. It's available in sexy black or cool white and will set you back £99.99 (around $190 US).

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.

In the age of thumb-sized storage drives, tiny mobile phones, and even tinier MP3 players, one would think that the grand, old boombox has met its end. However, thanks to iLive's IBCD3816DT you'll never again have to argue with your elders as to what was the better music player; this grand dame has managed to make everyone happy.

Armed with a 2.1 Channel Speaker System which allows everyone to join in the music, your playlists are then loaded from your iPod, which is docked into the IBCD3816DT. This modern boombox accommodates the iPod Video, iPod Photo, iPod, the iPod nano, as well as the iPod mini. A port is also provided for iPod Shuffles, though this isn't quite as snug as the main dock in the middle of the body.

Other features of the IBCD3816DT are:

- Built-in audio CD drive
- An AM and FM radio tuner which can be controlled via the LCD screen which defaults as a clock when not in use
- An infrared remote control
- An arm carrying strap for those days when you feel taking your beat to the streets.

All in all, old school meets new school, and the result is music for everyone - and most probably one great party as well.

If the Memorex's iMove is a boombox designed for your iPod.

Much like in the Hi-Fi, just slide your iPod into the dock and let her rip. It supports iPod Video (5th generation with click wheel), iPod Photo/U2 (with click wheel), iPod/U2 (4th generation with click wheel), iPod Nano and iPod Mini.
   
It also functions as an AM/FM radio with station presets. So not only does it play your favorite tunes it also helps you find new ones. The 15.7" x 6.0" x 7.9" boombox, comes with a user manual & warranty card, universal iPod adapters, AC adapter and wireless remote control.

Although, I personally feel that it defeats the whole purpose of the iPod being a compact device, iMove breathed new life to the 80s boombox retro design by streamlining the product, thus, eliminating corners making it easier to put on your shoulders like in the old days. 

iMove is for the mobile audiophile (who doesn't mind the extra weight), who would want to share to their music in a different way. Loud and clear that is.

There were a lot of rumours around after the 2006 MacWorld keynote that something big had been missed out of the presentation - some new product or products had been removed from the presentation, because it wasn't (or they weren't) ready for launch yet.

Apple Insider, Think Secret and other Apple rumour websites were convinced, mostly thanks to a story on Wired News with a mysterious source telling them something "much cooler" than the new Intel-based Mac computers was omitted at the last minute.

Apple Insider are betting their reputation on this secret something being a range of companion devices to the iPod - devices which could extend Apple's reach into the living room and home entertainment. They predict that one of these will be the iPod Boombox, a name which Apple recently registered as a Trade Mark in some territories.

They claim to have some details on what the iPod Boombox might actually be - a sort of super-dock for your iPod, incorporating not just speakers but also a large-capacity hard drive for storing massive music and video collections. The story goes that content on this Boombox could be updated from your computer via iTunes, just like your iPod.

So, basically, what Apple Insider are claiming is that the iPod Boombox will be a giant, non-portable iPod. Which you can dock your regular iPod into, to take away whatever portion of it's massive content will fit.

I'm not convinced. That doesn't sound "much cooler" than what we already have, to me. Maybe Apple have something more up their collective sleeve.

[Via Apple Insider]

Klipsch has announced their newest creation, the iJam boombox. The system features an iPod cradle, FM tuner, two 4.5 inch woofers with coax mounted tweeters, and a passive radiator to deliver Â?hard-hitting bass response.Â? From their website:Â?

Perfect for the beach, the garage or a backyard barbeque, the Klipsch iJam is a high-end portable digital music system that allows iPod and other MP3 users to easily share their tunes with anyone anywhere.Â?

You can check it out at their website [here].