Apple may have the market cornered on iPod style, but that hasn’t stopped dozens of companies from creating their own stylish iPod speaker systems and docks. Tannoy is of course up there, as is JBL. But today, Vestalife threw its hat into the ring at CES with a slightly “different” take on style, showcasing an iPod speaker dock it’s calling the Ladybug.
The Ladybug captured the CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award back in November, but the actual CES show floor is providing the first chance for consumers to get their hands and ears on the device. When closed, the Ladybug resembles, well, a ladybug, that’s about the size of a cantaloupe. The speaker “wings” fold out and down to expose the iPod dock. A center-channel subwoofer faces backward to project and reflect bass, while the ladybug’s “wings” provide two-channel stereo sound (one speaker is on each wing).
The Ladybug iPod Speaker Dock has LED volume level indicators and a metallic soft-touch rubbery finish. It’s available in both red and silver, as shown above. Not shown above are a third and fourth Limited-Edition version, both of which are co-branded with Element Skateboards and include eye-catching graphics that look, well, “skateboardy.”
The Ladybug includes a universal dock that’s compatible with any dock-connecting iPod, and it charges most dockable iPods whenever it’s plugged into the wall with its AC adapter. It comes packaged with dock connectors for the iPod nano, iPod mini and 4D iPod. It also has an auxillary-in jack to connect non-docking iPods, CD players and other MP3 players.
Rounding out the Ladybug’s accessories are a USB connector for synchronizing with a computer, a remote control and a tote bag…because carrying around a cantaloupe-looking accessory isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do.
Priced at $110 for the red and silver Ladybugs and $125 for the Element Skateboards Limited-Edition designs, the Ladybug will be available during the first quarter of 2008 in retail locations nationwide.