iPod Hi-Fi scores high

Apple's recently-released iPod Hi-Fi speaker system, designed to complement its entire line of iPod digital media players, was dubbed "very impressive" by CNET.co.uk's Crave column, despite widespread disappointment surrounding its introduction. "We've been playing with the iPod Hi-Fi for a day now, and considering the price of the unit (£249), sound performance is very impressive." Apple "massively overstated" the Hi-Fi's capabilities by describing sound output as "audiophile quality," but it will impress casual listeners, according to the column. An Apple engineer talked about the design of the speaker enclosure and amplifier stage, which led Crave to believe that the system was designed specifically to replace the living-room or bedroom mini-system. "Judging from our cursory tests so far, it may have succeeded."

SiK debuts lix for iPod nano, 5G iPod

SiK today announced that it is accepting pre-orders for lix for iPod, a patent pending ultra-thin hard shell case available in Crystal (clear) or with high resolution, full-color designs. "lix provides protection, style and versatility in an impossibly thin polycarbonate case. Engineered to precisely fit the geometry of your iPod, lix is virtually imperceptible to the touch. The two piece design offers seamless display and Click Wheel protection and makes putting your iPod in or taking it out of the case easy. Compatibility with virtually all iPod accessories means your iPod never needs to leave the safety of lix." SiK is currently accepting pre-orders for lix for iPod nano, iPod 5G (30GB) and iPod 5G (60GB) in Crystal ($20) or one of dozens of decorations ($25) Pre-orders are expected to ship by early May 2006.