iPod Hi-Fi: We will, we will, rock you

An Apple-branded speaker system is kind of like the Sasquatch of the iPod accessory kingdom. Long-rumored but rarely sighted, and you always knew that it could exist. Well, today we get to see it in the flesh. Dubbed the iPod Hi-Fi, Apple is clearly going after the high-end market with a product that would seem to double not only as a portable speaker system, but could serve as the only sound system in an apartment or small home.

According to Apple, the iPod Hi-Fi produces a large soundstage, precise imaging, and a wide frequency range. According to iPoditude.com, it looks cool, too. Two 80mm drivers provide highs and mids, while a single 130mm woofer rounds out the bottom end. The enclosure is a trick sealed/vented hybrid that took some serious engineering. The iPod Hi-Fi speaker system also features AC or DC (via 6 D-cell batteries) power modes, built-in handles in its double-walled plastic shell, comes with a remote control, and there is a combo analog/optical audio input jack on the back. It sells for $349 and is available from the Apple Store immediately. Extra coolness points when coupled with a wireless AirTunes to create a whole-house streaming music system.