Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"When it comes to speaker docks for iOS devices, apart from a handful of really unique ones, they all pretty much look the same. iLuv's ArtStation Pro is looking to be one of those really unique ones as its design has made its pairing with the iPad truly something out of the ordinary."

If you want to make your iPad look like a desktop, this is the device for you. It has a iMac G4 look to it doesn't it? To me it is a novelty item so I don't think I will be spending the bucks on this, even though I don't have that info since release date and price haven't been announced.

"We know that this next bit of information will most likely shock and upset you, but it has to be told: the current Engadget editor doesn't own an iPod dock. In fact, he doesn't even own an alarm clock. Of course, it would be nice to listen to Pandora or the BBC's Desert Island Disks without switching on the computer during those rare times when we weren't working -- but it was never a priority."

If you don't want something like the iHome with built in tuner, and need something a bit more compact, this would work well. This would work perfect on a desk or even bedside table where space was limited. I can also see an advantage to this over the iHome in that you could watch movies and videos whereas with the iHome it wouldn't work very well, unless I suppose you were to lay on your side and look at it sideways, then the iHome might take the win.

"Just in time for launch day, iLuv announced a number of iPad cases, sleeves, and screen protectors last week in various shapes, sizes, and colors, designed to give new iPad owners an array of choices when it comes to protecting their precious new tablet."

They have some funky designs, and sleeves as well as cases, pricing ranges from $19.99 USD on up. You can find out more at the iLuv website.

"iLuv today made available the latest generation of its iPhone- and iPod-ready clock radios. Unlike nearly any other alarm clock, the iMM178 has a "bed shaker" pod that vibrates to wake those who either don't respond to sound or need to keep the alarm quiet. The shaker also provides a less risky alternative to headphones in bed as it has a speaker for its own listening environment."

This supports 2004 or later dockable iPods and iPhones, and it will use the time from your device in case you lose power so that is a nice feature. It's available today according to the news, however at Amazon they show it as not released yet [affiliate link]. It sells for $99.99 USD, and you can have it in any color as long as it is black. If you want one that works with regular iPods (doesn't appear it works with iPhone or iPod Touch) you can still get the previous version at Amazon [affiliate link] for $41.02 USD.

"iLuv has announced they will debut the App Station-an app-driven rotational alarm clock dock for iPhone and iPod users-and showcase their award winning line of products at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week."

I really like this product, first one out of CES so far that I'd buy right now. Not sure yet of the price, but I really like the form factor and the fact you can listen to your music, watch your movies or just look at one of several customizable alarm clock displays via the iLuv application (which isn't available in iTunes when I checked).