Customer loyalty and good timing pay off. Elizabeth Rodriguez comes into Apple Store Fifth Avenue last Saturday. Elizabeth becomes Apple Store's one millionth customer served since opening on May 19th this year. The rewards? Ms. Rodriguez walks out with a MacBook, an iPod, an iPod Hi-Fi and an Apple ProCare membership.

(Somewhere nearby, we'll bet Customer #999,999 must have gone "Oh snap, that should have been me!" So did all of us Apple fans at QJ).

One million customers in about four or five months... Apple's selling like McDonalds if this keeps up. And Ms. Rodriguez isn't the only lucky something-millionth customer of Apple's. Back in June, Amy Greer won herself 10 iPods, a 10,000-song iTMS gift card, 10 additional 50-song iTMS gift cards, and four Coldplay concert tickets and backstage passes just for dowloading the five hundred millionth song from iTunes. And that was just two weeks after the promo was announced.

We wonder what Apple Store's giving to their two millionth customer?

Griffin continues to expand its already impressive catalog of iPod accessories with the announcement of the Hi-Way, a versatile, custom fit, roadworthy carrying case for Apple's iPod Hi-Fi compact stereo.

The Hi-Way is a unique combination of convenience and innovative features, all designed to fit your Hi-Fi like a glove. It's got pockets upon pockets galore for storing all of your iPod cables and accessories. Its outer shell, made of durable ballistic Nylon material, is tough on the outside yet the Hi-Way has a soft inner lining to keep your Hi-Fi scratch- and scuff-free, and the power cord pass-through lets you use your Hi-Fi while it's all snug and safe.

What price for all these features? Well, $49.95 will get you a Hi-Way and all the protection it brings to your precious iPod Hi-Fi.

The Apple iPod Hi-Fi is a compact stereo system that has built-in support and a dock for the iPod. This product features a 130mm dual-voice core woofer, stereo 80mm mid-range speakers, and digital audio inputs and an analog.

The Apple iPod Hi-Fi is selling for as low as $309 in Amazon.com and in some retail sites (this is already considered a bargain), most of which are shipping the product for free.

This is powered by either six D batteries or via an AC adapter, and includes a remote control in the package.

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.

The IS201 is the newest iPod docking station to be introduced to the Apple-crazy community from Marantz. This is designed as a stand-alone product that will connect to a hi-fi system.

As this is an approved "Made for iPod" product, the device's cradle that connects to a hi-fi system is compatible with iPod Photo, Video, Nano, Mini, U2 and 3rd and 4th generation iPods with a dock adaptor. Oh, and it can be mounted on the wall too. The IS201's docking station and wall mount designs are ideal for custom-installing Hi-Fi systems. By just switching the "cover" of this device, you can then use it either on a desk top or on the wall.

Other features of this docking station include an RC-5 system control terminal, a discrete IR Command (OSD mode only), a built-in IR receiver that can also be used as an external IR eye, an S-Video output for video, OSD and photo data, a universal AC adaptor, a wireless remote commander, and, an IR Flasher Input.

The IS201 iPod docking station from Marantz will go on sale next month.

If Apple releasing computers based around Intel processors isn't strange enough for you, how about Sony showing off an iPod accessory at the CES? Sony's automotive division had this on display, although their representatives on the show stand were not able to give much information.

Named the Xplod, it's an iPod car adapter for Sony in-car entertainment units. As with similar adaptors form rival manufacturers, just plug your iPod in, stow it away, and control your music collection from the in-car hi-fi.

What's really strange is that Sony have produced this before producing similar units for their own range of Walkman or Network Walkman MP3 players, or even their old MiniDisc players.

[Via ATRAC life]