If you’re tired of being reduced to earphones to get your iPod groove on while travelling, Apple has come up with a new solution. The iP27 is the newest version of the iHome speaker line, a docking station that plays music directly from your iPod.
The iP27 has a nifty alarm clock functionality that allows you to wake up to your favorite tunes, along with remote volume and play/pause control. The speakers themselves fold down flat and slide into a carrying case, so all in all, the system is really geared for travelers.
The cons to this system are that the speakers lack a lot of bass, compromising the sound quality; and as well, there is no radio function (for those few times you want to catch up on your foreign news?). I’ve also heard that some older versions of iPod aren’t compatible, but the Nanos and iPhones work just fine.
On the upside, the unit has an AA battery option and a downsized AC cord, so it’s a bit sleeker and less space-consuming than it’s iHome counterpart. Users of the iH27 probably won’t notice too many differences in the two units.
Rationally, I can’t think of any traveler that would actually use this unit, much less want to carry it around all over the place in their luggage. Definitely a geek-ified piece of equipment, but it will probably find its cult following.