Vers 2x

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In a world of plastic and aluminum electronics it’s nice to find that there are still those that embrace the always-in-style wood. In this case, a hand-crafted cherry iPod dock.

The Vers 2x plays and charges all iPods (sans the Shuffle) with it’s included 8 iPod adaptors and produces gorgeous room-filling sound via two 3″ 15 watt full-range drivers. The drivers are complimented by dual bass ports for surprising bass performance from such a small cabinet. It has a removable speaker grille which we prefer removed and a full functioning remote which controls all iPod functions.

What this means to you: A small stylish package that doesn’t compromise on serene sound.

Cost: $180 @ Vers


SnūzNLūz

snuznluz.jpgHow many times do you hit the snooze button in the morning: twice? three times? sixteen?

If you need help or motivation for your New Years resolution to stop slapping the snoozer before you roll out of bed then the SnūzNLūz may be the best $40 you ever spend on an alarm clock.

Simply put the clock connects to your back account thru your wireless network and will automatically donate a pre-set amount of money to an organization you hate every time you hit the snooze bar. 1600 banks are supported with over 6200 charities and non-profits available. Democrats can donate to the GOP and Republicans to the ACLU. Good times.

What this means to you: Hear that sound? That numbing silence is the sound of cash being withdrawn from your account and handed over to the people you loathe. Now, wake your arse up.

Cost: $40 @ ThinkGeek


Numark iDJ2

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Ever been to a party or event and wondered why the music was so awful it made you wonder what era the DJ was from? How many times can one listen to “Crazy” in one year?

Well, if you’ve got a current generation iPod and about $600 then you can share with the world your inner beat-meister. It won’t make you Moby but you will be able to cut one kick ass mix - a la you.

The iDJ2 has the ability to play two songs simultaneously from a single iPod or from a variety of other memory sources including additional iPod’s, memory sticks, and external USB hard drives. You can use the line inputs for any audio source (microphone, cd player, turntables) and has a large LCD display for full control. Best part is it has pitch control, unlike all the other poseur iPod mixers. Some other features we like are the keyboard functionality, scratch and search jog wheels, real-time visuals and waveforms and XML playlist support.

What this means to you: Kiss terrible mixes and your old turntables goodbye.

Cost: $600 @ SamAsh


Eclipse AVN2210p

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Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten is one of the top dogs in car and mobile audio. TomTom is just the same in the mobile navigation realm.

We suppose it only makes sense that brands as successful as these two are decide to get frisky and come up with a co-branded device lovingly referred to as a: In-Dash Portable Navigation with CD/USB Multi-Source Receiver.

Say it again and you’ll be done with your morning workout. Simply said, this is a mobile navigation, entertainment platform that brings together a TomTom portable navigation device alongside Eclipse’s high-performance audio, connectivity and system expansion capabilities. We’ll let the specs speak for themselves after the jump.

What this means to you: Mobile everything for your car.

Cost: ~$500 @ Various Retailers


Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphone

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If you’re like us, those pesky iPod headphone wires are always in the way. Rid yourself of the hassle these Bluetooth 2.0 based wireless headphones. The wireless receiver attaches to any 3.5mm headphone jack instantly giving you freedom of movement without interruption of music. The headphones feature:

  • Integrated controls: Volume controls and Bass Boost put you in charge of the music.
  • Cordless freedom: Rely on advanced Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) wireless technology for clear, interference-free audio from up to 33 feet away.
  • Compatible with most music players: Position the patented stereo plug for compatibility with almost any music player.
  • Soft-touch comfort rings: Make listening easier with thin flexible rings that cradle your ears.
  • High-carbon spring-steel headband: Ultra-lightweight, rugged construction ensures a secure, reliable fit.

What this means to you: No hassle music enjoyment. Anywhere.

Cost: $99 @ Logitech


Apple iPod Touch, Classic, and Nano

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The iPhone is a groundbreaking device. The iPod was an even more groundbreaking device. Throw those to into a virtual blender and you get the new iPod Touch. Long spoken about and anticipated, it’s finally here along with an updated iPod and iPod Nano for you to behold.

Like the iPhone, the new iPod Touch uses a touchscreen to allow you to navigate through it’s interface, using the same gorgeous interface as the iPhone. It’s also enabled with wi-fi to give you on-the-go YouTube and internet browsing capabilities. Available in 8gb or 16gb form with 22 hours of music (5 hours video) playback.

Interestingly, Apple’s also launched a mobile version of their iTunes store so you can buy that song you just heard playing somewhere. Right. Then. That alone is worth the price of admission.

What this means to you: It will ship this month, order yours now. Oh, and if you didn’t notice, you can buy an 8gb iPhone for two hundred less than before.

Cost: iPod Touch $300-$400, Classic $249-$349, Nano $149-$199, Shuffle $79 @ Apple

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UDG Producer Bag

udg_producerbag.jpgThere are a lot of guys out there who have to carry a lot of gear. Sometimes this gear is for work and if you work in the creative industry, then electronic and media centric. If that’s the case then the UDG Producer Bag is for you. It’s a bag specifically designed to carry your electronic and media equipment in one bag with everything easily accessible.

The Producer Bag is constructed from ballistic nylon, has padded walls, electroplated zippers, integrated combination lock and body contoured shoulder straps. Weights 6.1 lbs.

Features:

  • Doubles as standard carry-on or convenient backpack.
  • Two large divided main compartments and three external pockets
  • Side exterior accessory pockets with velcro secure tabs to hold cables in place
  • Large front pocket features an organizational panel with a PDA pocket, pen slots, key fob and zippered mesh pockets
  • Comfortable easy grip hidden handle located on the top stash pocket
  • Back-access music center with CD sleeves and headphone cable exit port
  • Ergonomic contoured shoulder straps with removable iPod holder

What this means to you: On the go with everything in tow.

Cost: $230 @ 101 Case


Sony ES Series Receivers

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Sony’s bringing the heat with their ‘elevated standard’ series of receivers. Seemingly forgotten for the past few years, the ES receivers will be bringing some capabilities little expected from the electronics giant, especially not at this price point. We don’t have space to list all the specs on the new Sony ES line of receivers but here are some highlights:

  • Faroudja Cinema Scaling
  • 100 watt x 7 Amplifier
  • 1080/60p and 24p capable HDMI signal
  • Sirius and XM connect-and-play ready
  • Multi-room audio

What this means to you: 7.1 Channel surround sound served up with a graphical user interface for even the most electronically ignorant boffins. Impressive. Make this the centerpiece for your new home theater.

Cost: $999 - $1699 @ Sony Style


iWorkout

iworkout.jpgThe concept of having a personal trainer isn’t limited to only those with spare change primarily made up of benjamins. It’s also available to those if you with a video iPod. The iWorkout brings some of the best certified fitness experts in a video based fitness guide you can take with you to the gym. Or you can pipe it to your TV if you workout at home.

The iWorkout includes:

  • 101 workout videos
  • Trainer tips
  • Illustrated fitness guide
  • Nutrition & Dieting essentials
  • Exercise metronomes to time your reps
  • Fitness charts
  • Workout routines for every body region

What this means to you: Sure, the Rocky theme works well - but that’s only going to get you so far. Get fit with the iWorkout.

Cost: $20 @ Helmes Innovations


Bose Companion 5 Speakers

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Bose’s flagship computer speakers are engineered to bring a lot more sound than you’d ever expect possible from two satellites and a subwoofer.

The Companion 5 speakers bring 5 speaker surround sound through two small speakers and an Acoustimass module driver that process two or multi channel content into enveloping sound using TrueSpace surround digital processing circuitry. The handy pod controls volume, single touch mute and has a headphone and aux line in for any MP3 players you might want to plug into it.

What this means to you: A touch pricey? Yes. Overmarketed? Yes. Sound that defies size, cost and critics? Absolutely yes.

Cost: $399 @ Bose