NEWS: Give your iPod a blast outdoors

See yourself as a bit of a karaoke star, do you? Then cast your eyes over this rugged little aluminium iPod dock, complete with PA system and microphone.

If you think you can sing better than the latest X Factor contestants (not hard, admittedly), but don't want to run the risk of a withering put-down from Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and the rest of the gang, give this a whirl.

Described as mobile PA system with an iPod dock built-in, the Ion iPA03 has a sturdy aluminium case, rechargeable battery (good for up to 12 hours play) and four inputs for connecting a microphone, musical instruments and a CD or MP3 player.

Inside the case is a two-way speaker system that it's claimed can project sound up to 150 feet away, making the unit suitable for use outdoors, whether it be a barbecue, school sports day or a wedding reception.

An integrated handle and wheels mean it's easy to move about, and the dock will play and charge all iPods except earlier-generation iPod Shuffles.

Fancy one for Christmas? The Ion iPA03 costs £150 and is available from John Lewis, PC World and www.jbsmusic.co.uk.

Technorati Tags: iPod, iPod Classic, iPod dock, iPod nano, iTunes

Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.