On the iPod Boombox...

Apple Tries To Reinvent the Boombox and the Social Listening Experience

Earlier this week, Apple introduced their newest iPod accessory: the iPod HiFi. The idea is that now users can pop their iPods into a speaker box, and now hear and control their music. I have a few thoughts on this latest white clad accessory with an Apple logo.

Remember the 1980’s? You know, the decade of excess when greed was good? Well, not exactly, but Reagan was our President, and George W’s father was Vice President- alas I digress into some history. What’s relevant is that in the 1980’s every teenager wanted their own boombox, and the bigger, the better. Powered by packages of D cell batteries, you could share the music with everyone around you. Even folks that didn’t want to listen would be blasted out by the deafening tones within a large radius. This earned them the nickname “ghetto blasters” among the inner city urban youth. Remember the past time of “dueling boomboxes” as users tried to blast each other out with their music?

The boombox had its day, but Sony’s Walkman killed it. The idea of portable, and personal music was much better than lugging around pounds of electronics to listen to music. Now users could go deaf on their own, without involving all of those around them. MP3 players, exemplified by Apple’s iPod now allowed us to take a whole CD rack of music with us, available on a scroll wheel’s notice. I’m also quite certain that none of us missed buying all those D batteries constantly.

As the iPod gained popularity, we all now had the now trademark white headphones dangling from us at all times. However, along the way we lost the social aspect of music. You know, listening to that previously unreleased track gathered around with our friends.

So Apple introduces the iPod HiFi. Everything old is new again. Have we come full circle? Perhaps Apple is trying, but I don’t think so.

Many of us have more than one 80’s boombox around the house. We rarely listen to it. Why? We don’t listen because, the sound is loud, but not especially spectacular. In order to have stereo separation, you need to have the left and right speakers at least a few feet apart. Probably about four to six feet is ideal. This creates a “sweet spot” where you can get input from both the left and right with some crossover in the middle. Great bass is felt as much as it is heard. In order to achieve that, a subwoofer needs to be on the floor, preferably near a wall. In between the stereo speakers will not achieve real earth moving bass. The iPod HiFi is limited by the 17” length, and 6+” height and depth. There can’t be real stereo separation across less that a foot and a half of distance. This is also a formula for substandard and anemic bass.

For listening to music around the house, a home stereo with top notch components is always a solid choice. A computer with a good sound card, and a 2.1 (good) or 5.1 (better) speaker setup is another option. In a pinch, or for the space conscious, plugging the MP3 player directly into the speakers is another alternative. I don’t see where the iPod HiFi fits into this setup. I’m pretty certain that after the thrill of the new product wears off, users will realize that their old setup sounded better. At least if it included an AM/FM tuner it would add some functionality, but it doesn’t.

As for portability, it’s a good thing that it has handles. Without batteries, it weighs over 14 pounds. Add in the D cells, and it’s up to 16 pounds! The novelty will wear off quickly as you drag something that heavy around.

So it’s inadequate for the house, and not portable enough to go anywhere. Maybe it could be used on a boat? I doubt that’s what Apple had in mind. Perhaps the iPod Boombox will be the “must have” item among college dorm dwellers. But, they should probably use their headphones and let their fellow students study anyway.

The iPod HiFi does have two things going for it. First, it does charge the iPod which makes it darn convenient. Secondly, it does have a remote control to cater to the lazy couch potatoes.

I also find it curious that nowhere on the Apple site does it list the power of the boombox. I know that more power sometimes only means more distorted sound, but I would like to know what type of power we’re talking about here. Then again, powered by D cells, I’m pretty sure we’re not talking about 200 Watts here.

I sincerely doubt that Steve Jobs is trading in his stereo equipment for the iPod HiFi, as he stated. I still can’t get over the price. For $100, it would be cheap enough to put in a garage or basement for serious enjoyment. For the $349 suggested price tag (and when was the last time that you saw Apple discount anything?) I really don’t think this is worth it.

Ah, the 80’s. Apple just can’t go home again. Perhaps they should just stick to the iPod instead, and leave the accessories to someone else.

Link to Apple's HiFi here.

--Jonas