iPod Hi-Fi Introduced

[MacinDoc]

Reality check

All right, how many of the naysayers making disparaging comments and voting negative on this thread have actually listed to the iPod Hi-Fi? I don't have the time to read the whole thread, but the one poster who seems to have listened to it bought one - what does that say about it?

I may actually be in the market for something like this. I have a great home theater set-up in the basement, but I would like to play some music in the kitchen and family room, and don't want to clutter them up with wires and components. I just want something better than the the inMotion I used to use to play my iPod's tunes in those areas (it doesn't produce much sound, has a lot of distortion, and doesn't work with my 5G iPod). My wife listened to and loved the Bose SoundDock, so I am curious how this sounds compared to it.

Someone commented that the iPod HiFi should have been designed to look more like the iHome. Having seen the iHome at my local Mac dealer, I can wholeheartedly say I'm glad that the iPod HiFi doesn't look like the iHome.

The discussion of Bose on this thread is interesting - it seems as if Apple is trying to go after the same market as Bose here - simple, elegant solutions that just work without a lot of mess or fuss.

 

[asphalt-proof]

I haven't the time to read all 24 pages so if I ask the same question as some one else... sorry.

Who the H#LL are they marketing the iPod leather case to!? This is just.... stupid!! Is anyone seriously interested in spending $99 on a leather case???

The boom box... meh.

I was saddened that the mac mini was pushed more as a home media setup. This is where everyone wants Apple to go and they could do it very well.

 

[balamw]

The discussion of Bose on this thread is interesting - it seems as if Apple is trying to go after the same market as Bose here - simple, elegant solutions that just work without a lot of mess or fuss.

Apple has been pursuing the same market segment at least since 1984, and just like Bose, B&O, BMW and other "premium brands" that target that segment they're in little danger of going the way of the dinosaur. They don't need to be the absolute best in terms of performance, appearance or price as long as the overall package is seen as simple, elegant, capable and is perceived as a decent value.

Those who think they can't afford it*, and those who don't drink the kool aid will always pooh pooh these kinds of brands.

* (I think that many of those who think they really save money by buying a cheap products are really fooling themselves in terms of TCO. That's not tru for all products, but does apply to more products than one initially might think.).

B

 

[yac_moda]

I just set my iPod HiFi down next to my BeoCenter 2 ...

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/web2/systems/i_tv/beocenter2/beocenter2-intro.jpg

iBAD !!!

 

[macidiot]

Apple has been pursuing the same market segment at least since 1984, and just like Bose, B&O, BMW and other "premium brands" that target that segment they're in little danger of going the way of the dinosaur. They don't need to be the absolute best in terms of performance, appearance or price as long as the overall package is seen as simple, elegant, capable and is perceived as a decent value.

Those who think they can't afford it*, and those who don't drink the kool aid will always pooh pooh these kinds of brands.

* (I think that many of those who think they really save money by buying a cheap products are really fooling themselves in terms of TCO. That's not tru for all products, but does apply to more products than one initially might think.).

B

Good point. Except that Bose is hardly a premium brand. They just have a premium price to middle America. And the other brands you mention have some justification other than hype for their premium standing.

Bose is like a $400 Gucci watch. It's a $75 watch with a $325 logo.

Besides, the difference is that unlike Apple and BMW, there are at least 20 other major speaker brands that are superior and often cheaper than Bose. And all would be considered "premium" brands. Bose is considered "premium" because they are expensive for Circuit City and they spend a lot on marketing. Most consumers have no idea what a premium speaker is. As evidenced by people claiming that Bose sounds great...

 

[macidiot]

So could the Hi-Fi be used as the center channel of my 5.1 system? IE can it also be hooked up to a stereo?

Without speaker-in posts, I would say no.

 

[Demon Hunter]

This does nothing to attract non-apple users to their product line. The whole thing made Apple like like a bunch of elitist snobs. It pissed me off.

The hifi will experience mediocre sales until apple discontinues it in shame.

So in other words, your dollar is too good for Apple. Oh, the irony.

Who the H#LL are they marketing the iPod leather case to!? This is just.... stupid!! Is anyone seriously interested in spending $99 on a leather case???

Yes, me. It's Italian leather, c'mon.

 

[macidiot]

When I looked more closely into the "HIFI" system, one thing that caught my eye is how attractive it is to my wallet.

(1) I haven't sunk the money into a surround-sound system ($200-400)
(2) I haven't purchased a Airport Express ($50-100)
(3) My sound system is aging
(4) Only have an analog connection to current sound system

The total cost to purchase the speakers, receiver, and what I need for surround sound and tie-in with my iMac would cost $350, similar to what I would pay to purchase the hardware (not including wiring) for my theater surround sound. So, if I can get something that will receive and transmit via optical digital (one wire), I'll have all the sound my house needs. My music and theater could conceivably be wired up for $350 to $450. Sounds competative and reasonable to me.

If it does have incredible sound, and if it reduces the footprint of the system, those seem like even more reasons to consolidate and purchase.

Also, from Apple's perspective, it gives more reason for folks like me to keep purchasing Mac products if I choose this system... Methinks this imay be savvy, slick, and worthwhile...

IMHO, this might be a good deal for audiophiles in waiting...

I'm not sure what kind of home theater your talking about, but surround sound is 5 channels plus a sub. The Apple hifi is 2 channel. It's pretty useless for suround sound.

Speaking of which why in the world is there an optical in?

 

[LaMerVipere]

Two questions:

• Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod when it's docked?

• If the iPod is docked, and you set an alarm, will it play a music alarm via the iPod Hi-Fi?

 

[Macnoviz]

http://www.apple.com/ipodhifi/hifiyourhome.html

There is some type of media center located in on the photos featuring the ipod hifi. Do you think its a sign?

The whole setup is really a sign to what apple is planning to do over the next years, bringing the home computer home: a media hub in the center of the living room, supplying your audio system with music from your iPod and computer, showing movies, TV shows and music clips on your television, and everything wireless and without setup thanks to bonjour.
They would definitly not include (part of) a future product in a photo like this, but it does give a look at how life might look like in the years to come

(of course, in a few years, we will all laugh at our current systems, and turn away from the current designs with a )

 

[MacinDoc]

Two questions:

• Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod when it's docked?

• If the iPod is docked, and you set an alarm, will it play a music alarm via the iPod Hi-Fi?

Yes (even will do a quick charge while on battery power), and yes.

 

[dicklacara]

Two questions:

• Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod when it's docked?

• If the iPod is docked, and you set an alarm, will it play a music alarm via the iPod Hi-Fi?

The iPod is charged while in the dock of the iPod HiFi (battery or wall outlet)

Don't know how to set an alarm

Dick

 

[LaMerVipere]

AH, fantastic, thanks guys!

 

[jrussell6]

things to come

i don't get it,, development seems to be at glacial pace, everyone know's what we want,, but when will we see it? and why do we have to look at slow useless iterations to sell us as much crap as they can, instead of just releasing the one thing we want. which is a real media center, my 2.3 dual g5 with 2 or 3 terrabytes storage (dvd/vid_ts are still 9 gigs a peice) untill dual layer dvd prices go down i've got two full lacie 500's ,, full a/v receiver workup in the back,, 200 watts per channel 7.1 channels, dsp,a decent dac, component video out, any/all video in (with the ability to record) and why do i have a tv and a computer monitor, just make it a 50 inch plasma or projector, gaming, skype, and service to go with it.
so, here's what i just replaced with one box and a screen,,,
cd player
dvd player
a/v reciever
amplifier
the maze of optical/audio/video cord running around my apt that my cat chews on
lacie drives
tivo
xbox
vcr (if anyone still has one)
alarm clock
tv
cinema display
heating system (just crank it up and turn a movie on,, it'll heat your apt)
home phone,
comcast cable and internet (boycot them anyway)
and if you bluetooth your airconditioner,, your center can control on/off and temp(programmed)
maybe there's a reason i'm an industrial designer,,, i'm gonna make the apple killer,,, add some klipsh reference speakers to it,, and then you could call it hi-fi and then add the real ipod/pda/phone to it,, and you have a total digital living solution. and one bill to pay every month instead of 10. if anyone has feedback on this idea,, jrussell6@mac.com it might be my graduate thesis and i could use feedback

 

[Demon Hunter]

I'm not sure what kind of home theater your talking about, but surround sound is 5 channels plus a sub. The Apple hifi is 2 channel. It's pretty useless for suround sound.

Speaking of which why in the world is there an optical in?

Optical in... so I can hear optical audio. Why is there optical out?

 

[MonkeyClaw]

Two questions:

• Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod when it's docked?

• If the iPod is docked, and you set an alarm, will it play a music alarm via the iPod Hi-Fi?

Yes and yes.

 

[powerbook911]

Ordered online as soon as the store reopened.

Thanks for the good wishes... it is refreshing to read an upbeat post.

Dick

You bet. I think you'll like it. I'm really tempted to buy. I want it, but I need to save a little more money, after just getting my imac.

 

[dicklacara]

i don't get it,, development seems to be at glacial pace, everyone know's what we want,, but when will we see it? and why do we have to look at slow useless iterations to sell us as much crap as they can, instead of just releasing the one thing we want. which is a real media center, my 2.3 dual g5 with 2 or 3 terrabytes storage (dvd/vid_ts are still 9 gigs a peice) untill dual layer dvd prices go down i've got two full lacie 500's ,, full a/v receiver workup in the back,, 200 watts per channel 7.1 channels, dsp,a decent dac, component video out, any/all video in (with the ability to record) and why do i have a tv and a computer monitor, just make it a 50 inch plasma or projector, gaming, skype, and service to go with it.
so, here's what i just replaced with one box and a screen,,,
cd player
dvd player
a/v reciever
amplifier
the maze of optical/audio/video cord running around my apt that my cat chews on
lacie drives
tivo
xbox
vcr (if anyone still has one)
alarm clock
tv
cinema display
heating system (just crank it up and turn a movie on,, it'll heat your apt)
home phone,
comcast cable and internet (boycot them anyway)
and if you bluetooth your airconditioner,, your center can control on/off and temp(programmed)
maybe there's a reason i'm an industrial designer,,, i'm gonna make the apple killer,,, add some klipsh reference speakers to it,, and then you could call it hi-fi and then add the real ipod/pda/phone to it,, and you have a total digital living solution. and one bill to pay every month instead of 10. if anyone has feedback on this idea,, jrussell6@mac.com it might be my graduate thesis and i could use feedback

Politics, Logistics, $, believability...

Politics:

There is a lot of infrastructure supporting the status quo-- Record Companies, Telcos, TV Networks, governments, artists, unions, stockholders, analysts, investors, consumers, and, yes A/V & computer hardware software mfgrs.

Logistics:

What you want to do/are doing (to some extent) is technically possible, but you can't make everybody change at once. Example: TV was invented in the 1930's but wasn't widely available until the mid 1950's... baby steps...

$:

You've got a lot invested & so do I (2 LaCie 1 TB Bigger Disks plus a 160 & a 200, Tivo & 7 Macs, boucoups iPods, TV, LCDs, CDs/DVDs, cables, AirPorts, etc).

What you want is a one-size-fits-all solution... it doesn't exist! I would guess that 90% of the American public doesn't play video games... yet we techies insist that a meets-min system include this, that (or the next) best graphics card... who is willing to pay for a OSFA solution... not me!

Believability:

Even if you could deliver everything you want for $500-$1000... nobody would believe/accept it. Apple intro'd 2 out of 3 good, solid, reasonably-priced products yesterday... and all we hear are people mitching and boning that this or that is missing/underpowered/insulting/not-as-good-as-something-I-can-imagine/not-what-I-need-or-want/I-can-build-a-better-HPDell-out-of-compost-and-terra-cotta.

So, you take itsy-bitsy baby steps & make everybody unhappy (while moving the ball forward).

SJ has it right... aim for those who care, but hit those who matter (qualified buyers)!

Dick

 

[theheadguy]

I don't want to get into the pitiful ranting and raving that I have seen going on here. What I'd like to say is, please, give us a break. I work for Apple and I know several people who are working feverishly hard on things to be announced. Our 30th anniversary is not far away. Period. Those of you who were around with us 10 years ago get what I mean.

Secondly, I am listening to the iPod hi-fi as we speak (no I did not have it ahead of time). It is absolutely hands down the best standalone speaker system I have ever heard in my life. It has a full range of sound from low to high tones with no distortion even at very high volume levels. I encourage you to buy it (or go to someone who bought it) and experience it. Be positive people. I've refrained from commenting on here for months but this negativity was pretty bad.

Thanks for supporting us, we really do want to please you.
(P.S. Everything I said is on my behalf, not Apple's, although Apple wants to please you, too.)

 

[MacsomJRR]

I don't want to get into the pitiful ranting and raving that I have seen going on here. What I'd like to say is, please, give us a break. I work for Apple and I know several people who are working feverishly hard on things to be announced. Our 30th anniversary is not far away. Period. Those of you who were around with us 10 years ago get what I mean.

Secondly, I am listening to the iPod hi-fi as we speak (no I did not have it ahead of time). It is absolutely hands down the best standalone speaker system I have ever heard in my life. It has a full range of sound from low to high tones with no distortion even at very high volume levels. I encourage you to buy it (or go to someone who bought it) and experience it. Be positive people. I've refrained from commenting on here for months but this negativity was pretty bad.

Thanks for supporting us, we really do want to please you.
(P.S. Everything I said is on my behalf, not Apple's, although Apple wants to please you, too.)

Amen. Apple rules.

But not the iPod Hi Fi. That thing is fugly.

 

[dicklacara]

Amen. Apple rules.

But not the iPod Hi Fi. That thing is fugly.

Its not that bad... kinda' like a bread machine laying on it's side (with an iPod sticking out).

 

[iMeowbot]

Optical in... so I can hear optical audio.

Wow, I can hear blue, man!

Why is there optical out?

Satellite speakers?

 

[Demon Hunter]

Now that I think of it, iPod Hi-Fi is a radio. You just need the $49 Radio Remote. Yes?

Then you have that nifty radio tuner on the screen. I think that's pretty sweet.

I work for Apple and I know several people who are working feverishly hard on things to be announced. Our 30th anniversary is not far away. Period. Those of you who were around with us 10 years ago get what I mean.

YES! I love you! Be careful what you say/suggest/imply so vaguely as to fire a synapse. I was fired from Apple because of my freedom of speech. Long story.

 

[theluckyone]

I don't want to get into the pitiful ranting and raving that I have seen going on here. What I'd like to say is, please, give us a break. I work for Apple and I know several people who are working feverishly hard on things to be announced. Our 30th anniversary is not far away. Period. Those of you who were around with us 10 years ago get what I mean.

Secondly, I am listening to the iPod hi-fi as we speak (no I did not have it ahead of time). It is absolutely hands down the best standalone speaker system I have ever heard in my life. It has a full range of sound from low to high tones with no distortion even at very high volume levels. I encourage you to buy it (or go to someone who bought it) and experience it. Be positive people. I've refrained from commenting on here for months but this negativity was pretty bad.

Thanks for supporting us, we really do want to please you.
(P.S. Everything I said is on my behalf, not Apple's, although Apple wants to please you, too.)

If what you say is true, no need to worry. Steve knows what he's doing and it's not marketed at the people who are ranting on here.

 

[iMeowbot]

Now that I think of it, iPod Hi-Fi is a radio. You just need the $49 Radio Remote. Yes?

That remote plugs into the iPod dock connector, so it really won't integrate with the iPod Breadbox very well.