BrianKonarsMac -
There's more to life than having a subwoofer. If all you want is thumping bass, fine, but thumping bass is not the same as good sound. I too have a 5.1 system - its "entry level" but it sounds wonderful for movies. That said, it cost probably $600+ total, and it isn't all that for music. Music tests speakers a lot more than movies. I wouldn't be surprised if the iPod HiFi sounds better for music.
You are comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of reasons people might want one of these: a music system for a different room in the house, people who don't want (or more often, who's spouse won't agree to have) speakers and speaker wire all over the living room, people looking for a system for the office, and so on. Just because *you* don't have any need for this product doesn't mean it sucks.
You also state there are other things that sound better and cost less. You are making a pretty stupid assumption there, unless you've been to the Apple store to take a listen.
As for the price, IF this produces high quality, "room filling" sound of the type you would not expect from such a small device, it may well be worth $350. That's not a lot to pay for a speaker setup. As I said above my 5.1 setup, which is what *I* would consider entry level, costs in the $600+ range (and yes, I recognize that trashy home theater "kits" exist, I just choose not to discuss them since they are generally hideous). If, on the other hand, the sound is just average, then this is overpriced.
I guess all I'm trying to say is... I'm sick of people complaining because its not the product they wanted Apple to release. Let the product stand on its own and get some reviews before you decide its crap.
There's more to life than having a subwoofer. If all you want is thumping bass, fine, but thumping bass is not the same as good sound. I too have a 5.1 system - its "entry level" but it sounds wonderful for movies. That said, it cost probably $600+ total, and it isn't all that for music. Music tests speakers a lot more than movies. I wouldn't be surprised if the iPod HiFi sounds better for music.
You are comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of reasons people might want one of these: a music system for a different room in the house, people who don't want (or more often, who's spouse won't agree to have) speakers and speaker wire all over the living room, people looking for a system for the office, and so on. Just because *you* don't have any need for this product doesn't mean it sucks.
You also state there are other things that sound better and cost less. You are making a pretty stupid assumption there, unless you've been to the Apple store to take a listen.
As for the price, IF this produces high quality, "room filling" sound of the type you would not expect from such a small device, it may well be worth $350. That's not a lot to pay for a speaker setup. As I said above my 5.1 setup, which is what *I* would consider entry level, costs in the $600+ range (and yes, I recognize that trashy home theater "kits" exist, I just choose not to discuss them since they are generally hideous). If, on the other hand, the sound is just average, then this is overpriced.
I guess all I'm trying to say is... I'm sick of people complaining because its not the product they wanted Apple to release. Let the product stand on its own and get some reviews before you decide its crap.
