Alarm clocks and iPods span the aural spectrum -- from the noisemaker that most of struggle to live with to the iconic music player that many of us just can't live without. I guess merging the two was inevitable. Logitec performed the deed with its LDS-iALARM, making use of the i designation. It looks vaguely like an old fashioned circular-faced alarm clock, with two stubby little legs and a couple of big round bells on the top. But instead of a standard clock face it has a rectangular receptacle into which you insert any one of various permutations of the Apple product -- including the nano and the video iPods. When combined with the Logitec gadget the iPod becomes a more melodious method of waking up. The iALARM comes with a pair of 6W speakers and is available in either plain white- or black-colored faces, keeping up with the iPod decor. Check it out at: www.logitec.co.jp/press/2007/0404_02.html
Beefing up the iPod: Even Apple rival Sony seems to be forced to acknowledge the power of the iPod. Its new TDM-iP1 is a stylish iPod dock that connects the music player to Sony Bravia home theater systems, allowing you to play both music and videos from your iPod. It connects to the theater system, and some audio receivers, via Digital Media ports. The dock is compatible with the iPod nano, the fourth and fifth generation iPods and the iPod mini. While your iPod is docked its battery also gets a recharge.
Singing in the shower: Tokyu Hands is serving up a different kind of addition to the iPod universe with a series of stylish raindrop-shaped speakers. Your iPod is put inside the mist-proof speakers, which can be hung inside the bathroom by their plastic straps. Available in orange, a bright acqua blue and the mandatory white, they offer yet another way of making use of Apple's wundercreation.