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.

The UK may soon legalize gadgets which convert MP3 audio output into an FM radio signal. These signals are then picked up by devices such as car radios. Though widely available (and popular), low-power transmitters, such as the iTrip, are banned in Europe as signals coming from the transmitter can interfere with legal stations.

The ban is based on the the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949, which forbids the use of radio equipment without a license. But with communications regulator Ofcom holding a public consultation over the issue, these low-power FM transmitters are expected to become legal to use without license by 2007.

Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster welcomes the proposed legalization, "I am delighted Ofcom have ended this ludicrous ban, based on 1940s legislation... which threatened two years imprisonment to music lovers using iTrips."

Gadget magazine T3 deputy editor Jason Jenkins is also delighted with the proposition and said, "They are nifty little things and an easy way to listen to your iPod tunes in your car."

I don't know what it is about mixing old with the new when it comes to the iPod, but there have been numerous numbers of retro and vintage inspired docks and speakers that have been featured here on the site. Now, how about just skipping all that era and making a classy antique speaker for your iPod. Hopefully, the price value for this project will be like that of a certified antique.

1. Obeyken bought an Art Deco 1947 National Union G-619 for $25 at a flea market. A good buy considering that all the knobs, feet, glass and dial windows are original. The mahogany cabinet may be a little scuffed and the grille fabric a little frayed, but we are gunning for the antique look aren't we?

The rest of the steps await after the jump!

The ABC Family is busy promoting their new series, Kyle XY. Recently, ABC inked a deal with iTunes Music Store wherein starting June 20, six days before the show makes its linear network debut on ABC Family at 8 p.m., users will be able to download the pilot to their video iPods via the iTunes Music Store.

Kyle XY follows the story of a family who takes in a formerly institutionalized teen savant (Kyle) who is missing standard human behaviors such as anger, joy and love. After June 27, installments of Kyle XY will be available for purchase at $1.99 per episodes, according to officials at both ABC Family and iTunes.

To support the free sneak preview on iTunes, ABC Family has secured a multimedia schedule, including on-air promos, a flash ad on its own Web site, radio spots, banners of aol.com and msn.com, and a print ad in Rolling Stone magazine. Paul Lee, ABC Family President said that "a free preview on iTunes is a fantastic way to build buzz and increase awareness of 'Kyle XY...It gives our aggressive tease and reveal marketing campaign a major broadband element, that will help drive viewers to the premiere on the 26th."