The Marantz IS301 is a wireless iPod dock

The Marantz IS301 is a wireless iPod dock

Sure, you know of the numerous iPod accessories available to keep you engaged in music to even waking you up each morning, but how about one that uses Bluetooth to stream audio and video around your house wirelessly. The Marantz IS301 features three parts; the receiver, with various outputs to connect to your stereo and/or TV, the transmitter that the iPod slips into, and the recharging base, which the iPod and transmitter sleeve, can be docked into. This enable you to carry the iPod around to change tracks, rather than leave it plugged into your sound system and then try to remotely navigate using what’s probably a screen less control. The IS301 uses the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) to manage playback. It also features outputs that include component and S-Video, among others. You can have several docks wirelessly hooked up to one receiver. The dock has a USB connection allowing you to connect it to your computer for iTunes synchronizing.

The Marantz IS301 launches in Japan in January 2009 priced at around $276; there is no word on a US release.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Scosche Passport FireWire-to-USB iPod adapter gets reviewed

Scosche Passport FireWire-to-USB iPod adapter gets reviewed

Okay, so this adapter doesn't directly convert a FireWire 400 socket into a USB port, but for all intents and purposes here, it does as much. You see, Scosche's Passport was designed to channel the energy from older FireWire-based iPod charging gear into the USB prongs that the newer iPhone / iPods only accept. Macworld was able to get ahold of one for review, and in testing, it found that everything worked well when toying with new iPods, and while it was designed specifically for in-car applications, critics found that it even worked (albeit inelegantly) with dock-cradle accessories. Was it worth $30? Absolutely, so long as you'd rather burn $30 than replace that mess of wires you've got behind the dashboard (and you would).

(Via Engadget.)

Otterbox Impact - for iPhone 3G

Otterbox Impact - for iPhone 3G

Otterbox, which makes the pretty-much indestructible Defender series of cases for iPhones and iPods now has a new line, dubbed the Impact Series which offers protection without the bulk.

Available in black or white, the Impact Series features durability, impact absorbing features and style in a single, slim-fit Silicone layer. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, of course. The ergonomic design also has a function - the inner corners have been engineered to dissipate impact AWAY from your device in case of an accidental fall.

If you're prone to dropping your electronics, stick with the Defender, but if your favorite gadget has never met the floor, feel free to switch to the form-fitting Impact case.

(Via Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women.)

iPod Cigarette Case

iPod Cigarette Case

Do you smoke like a chimney, and yet are a purveyor of gadgets? Well, chances are you have a derelict iPod lying around somewhere, so why not spend some time and turn it into a cigarette case? Of course, you can always do the more altruistic thing and pass it on to someone else, but alternatively, you can remove the innards of the old iPod and turn it into a secret cigarette case. Talk about a smokin' iPod mod!

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Incase Power Slide for 3G iPhone: Case, Battery pack all-in-one

Incase Power Slide for 3G iPhone: Case, Battery pack all-in-one

External battery packs have always been the bane of the iPhone’s beauty. It adds an unflattering accessory to the plush, sophisticated look of Apple’s slender mobile phone. Thank God someone finally come out with a battery pack that won’t exactly make the iPhone look ridiculous while attached to it. What looks like a protective case at first glance is actually the Power Slide battery pack. It provides protection and extends battery life as well as sync/charger capabilities all in one stylishly designed product. It has a 1330mAh 4.2V rechargeable battery that’s roughly equivalent to up to 330 hour standby time, 26 hours audio playback, 5 hours talk time on 3G,10 hours on 2G and internet usage of up to 5 hours on 3G and 6 hours on WiFi. Now this is one accessory I wouldn’t mind being seen attached to the iPhone anytime of the day. Look for it to become available starting November 28.

(Via PMP Today.)

Speaker Makeup Stand

Speaker Makeup Stand

Store glosses, shadows, brushes and more in this all-in-one organizer designed with an iPod dock so you can rock out while you get ready.

(Via 7Gadgets.com.)

Xpod: Tiny speakers, presumably tiny sound

Xpod: Tiny speakers, presumably tiny sound

These portable Xpod speakers are about the size of the iPod nano. As such, they couldn’t possibly sound any better than two wires connected to a dirty penny. The two-channel 770mW amp hardly belies that metaphor.

Moving on. Any USB port can charge them, so, at the very least, you won’t be scrambling to find batteries when they die during the ‘good part’ of that one Grateful Dead song.

They’re only available in Korea.

(Via CrunchGear.)