Amp Pack for iPod

Anonymous Coward writes "iPodlounge is reporting that Burton/Apple will soon be introducing an Amp Pack backpack featuring the very cool SoftSwitch Technology to control your iPod via internal cabling. Like the Amp Jacket introduced at Macworld SF 2003, there is a pocket for iPod and it's controlled using a built in remote control. Here's the kicker, it will cost $200! Yikes."

Comments

Money

[isorox]

Thats a lot of money, but when you consider that an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs, you'll be owing the RIAA $600 million dollars if you fill it up. After that, the $200 doesnt seem too bad

Re:Money

[NSObject]

"an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs"

Whoa. Pianist Envy.

Note...

[Otter]

Here's the kicker, it will cost $200!

Which wouldn't be out of hand, except that despite Burton's involvement, this isn't a snowboarding pack, it's a carry-your-books-to-high-school pack. Don't try strapping an avy shovel to this thing.

Naturally, when you merge the hype machines of Apple and Burton you get stuff like "Double Polyurethane (PU2)" coated fabric.

Re:remote?

[ElGanzoLoco]

Isnt that what the remote can do already? all you gotta do is clip it to your jacket and boom! dont need to spend 200$ for a jacket, when the remote does the same thing basically.

This stuff sounds pretty useless indeed: I still have to see the iPod's screen to select my playlist/album... and with the iPod in the backpack, well, I'm not sure how I'm going to do that.

Still it marks the -humble and overpriced- first steps of "wearable computing" everybody's been raving about.

It's only about music for the moment, but this could be big. When wearable screens (luminescent textiles) hit the market, I sure would like to stick a PDA in my pocket and see its screen on my sleeve. (main reason why I don't use a PDA is that you actually need both your hands to use it, not even mentioning the lousy text input method which needs some serious refinements...)

If only they'd make a car unit

[pauljlucas]

The only places I listen to music are my home and my car. I wish Apple would partner with somebody to make an in-dash unit into which you'd insert an iPod (almost like inserting a casette). The iPod would then be controlled via a panel on the in-dash unit and would receive power from the car's power system.

In the mean-time, I bought one of these.

Yes, I am aware of those things that allow you to broadcast iPod output on an FM frerquency, but (1) they're awkward and bring back bad memories of CD/cassette adapters with wires all over the place, and (2) they don't work very well from most accounts I've read.

Re:If only they'd make a car unit

[tbmaddux]

...those things that allow you to broadcast iPod output on an FM frequency... bring back bad memories of CD/cassette adapters with wires all over the place...

I currently use one of those lousy cassette adapters. All the FM adapters are just as annoying and wiry, except for the iTrip made by Griffin Technology.

It's the first FM transmitter device that looks well-suited to the iPod -- so far I've only seen its pictures in magazines and haven't seen one at a local Apple Store or in online stores yet.

Re:If only they'd make a car unit

[Theaetetus]

Got another one for you - I use an AIWA in-dash CD player that has a line-level aux input jack on the front (1/8" stereo unbalanced).

I run a simple 1/8" stereo to 1/8" stereo cable from my iPod's output to the input of the AIWA and presto, sound. Much better sounding than the car adapter, plus I now have an in-dash CD player (replaced my stock Toyota cassette/radio for $150 from Best Buy)

-T

Not a US product sheet?

[Duck_Taffy]

Why would the price be $199 US if the measurements are in cm? Perhaps this is a Canadian or Australian product sheet, in which case the US price would be considerably lower.

Re:Whoo---ie that's an expensive backpack

[Golias]

It seems like every time some new yuppie gizmo gets mentioned on Slashdot, there are dozens of people whining about how it's too expensive.

Look, if they really are gouging their customers so badly, and it really is possible to make any money selling it cheaper, then bring a product just like it to market yourself and become rich by selling it cheaper than them. Otherwise, would all the price whiners, including the one who submitted the article, kindly STFU.

Personally, I wouldn't be that interested in an iPod amp in a backpack. Now, a guitar amp in a backpack, that would get my attention!

Another reason for price

[G3ek]

Not only does this back pack have a pretty slick shoulder strap oriented set of controls for your iPod, with the pocket for the iPod between you and the back pack (which I find comforting, no way to lose it or have it stolen), but it also has a side entry compartment for your laptop. It's a back pack, laptop case, and iPod companion/remote. I know people who have spent $200 plus on a laptop case alone and that's a case that screams "hey look at me, I have a laptop!" I'm pretty sure they didn't skimp out on the padding and protection for the laptop either.

Something this cool (did you SEE the remote buttons on the should strap?) is worth $200 IMHO.

The last straw

[Megs]

You know, ever since the 5 GB iPod (which IMHO has had a terrible price point when compared with the 10 GB and 20 GB models, which gave you so much more iPod for proportionally little more money) stopped being available at the Apple Store, which was, oh, three months ago, I have gone into fits every time Apple updated every damned aspect of their product line besides the poor iPods, which I want to see updated or at least reduced in price so very very much.

And now, this...thing, while the 5 GB iPod is still advertised (starting at just $299!) and yet still "temporarily unavailable" ... it adds insult to injury. Except that I no longer have the capacity to feel either insult or injury.

*shakes fist at Cupertino*

Damn you, Apple! You've devoured my soul! Are you happy now???