iPod Dock Gets Shelved.... Literally

[Michael Essany]

While most popular mobile gadgets of our generation (like the iPod, for example) continue to get smaller and smaller, the docks that house such devices seem to be going in a different direction. And in recent months, we've seen everything from iPod dock-style boom boxes to iPod stools that actually vibrate when you sit on them. And even though the sound quality might be superior, the idea of an iPod dock being subtle and unobtrusive seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way.

That's probably why so many people are excited about the new - and much more discreet - iPod dock that's getting a lot of attention these days. Check out the Finite Elemente Hohrizontal 51. If you're looking at this shelf and wondering where the dock is, gander just a little harder and you'll notice that the shelf, in fact, is the dock. With both the speakers and electronic guts housed inside the shelf, the Finite Elemente Hohrizontal 51 makes it look as though your iPod is sitting all alone atop a neat and uncluttered shelf.

Incredibly, the shelf proves quite durable itself. The manufacturer notes a 55 lbs. load capacity, which is certainly sufficient to place a variety of other gadgets or decorations alongside the iPod. One advertising depiction shows a modest flat panel TV on the shelf next to the iPod. Of course, you don't even need an iPod to enjoy the shelf dock, as you can tap into its auxiliary input to capture audio from the TV. And, yes, there's also a USB input.

The Finite Elemente Hohrizontal 51 has not been introduced to the marketplace yet, which is probably a good thing since many of us who actually want one will likely have to save up for it. The shelf dock is far from a cheap alternative to the dock you may presently have. The Hohrizontal 51 will come with an asking price of about $660.

Image via Finite Elemente

[StealthBravo]

Thats pretty cool actually

[tremerone]

......That is extremely pimp!
Now all I need is a home ......with walls..... to put something like this on!

[moon#pie]

probably end up breaking the dock connector off because of moving stuff off and on the shelf. cool never the less....

[DisneyRicky]

It looks different, but I like it!

[lolcats1]

not versatile. if you don't have the exact right setup, well, you can't exactly cut it to size.

[se23]

niceeeeeeeeee and lol @ tremerone

[whereswaldo]

great idea, just a little bit pricey for my likings

[JoeStorm]

Hasn't anyone every broken an iPod with a mount like this? Manufacturers like to put the iPod on top, out in front, in the middle, and completely unprotected. I don't expect manufacturers to build a vault around the iPod, but when the iPod is on top of the item, it just looks like it is in a precarious position.

[Imsorussian]

Good idea but the design is crap. Needs some super futuristic design and u might have the good item to sell. Oops forgot to patent it. Damn

[sabersurfer]

I'd buy one

[k.nitsua]

Too expensive. I'd rather make one.

[lolcats1]

Too expensive. I'd rather make one.

as in take a piece of wood, build a set of USB and other inputs into it, and wire through the speakers?

you'd rather do that?

[extremzocker]

why not elevate the dock put it in a corner and design a fitting elevation opposite. put (mac)books inbetween.

[Excel Wiz]

Legit.

[Windmeel]

I think this is great. Until I saw the price.

[CMOSlabs]

I like it. Will build one myself though. Wow 600 bucks ? What kind of wood is it? I got a Philips Dock for 99.00 from wall-mart. Has sub-woofer, remote, usb, sd card, swivel dock, sounds great!!. I made the wood shelf on 2 milk crates

Here is a pic http://www.cmoslabs.com/sale/iPoddock.jpg

[winvargh]

Dam that's hot!!!

[niqolas619]

Hahahahaha - a $600 Ikea shelf - hahahahahahaha!!!

[staleand]

Lol.

Still amazes me how cheesy some people are. Make one? Seriously?
You know, taking your jigsaw and "moding" some speakers into a piece of wood isn't the same thing as a stylish, well done and perfectionized shelf. You guys do realize that this product is targeting people where a) money is not an issue and b) people that have an eye for detail?

Ahhh, some people.