New iLuv device echos the iMac G4

With a swivel arm that mounts the iPad and a wireless infrared remote that clips magnetically to the back of the device, iLuv's new iPad docking and audio station -- the iMM514, otherwise known as the ArtStation Pro -- has clearly taken some design cues from Apple's iMac G4 and G5 computers of the mid-2000s. The positionable arm turns the unit into a home entertainment center or a desktop mount for more serious iPad use.

The ArtStation Pro comes in both black and white to reflect the color options of the iPad itself, and is complemented with a free app from the App Store that uses a companion iPhone or iPod Touch both as a remote and offers other functions on the smaller device, including four different clock displays, an internet radio tuner and weather information. It can pass audio information such as the internet radio output or one's iTunes library to a variety of iLuv speaker setups.

The arm and overall design of the ArtStation allows those who might wish to use the iPad for movie viewing or app work (such as creating a slideshow in the iPad version of Keynote) the ability to position the unit on a desk and use their Bluetooth keyboard while still enjoying luxurious sound. It include a 3.5mm input jack for connecting other sound sources to it, and charges the iPad while docked.

The ArtStation Pro is expected to debut in early August for a retail price of $170 from iLuv directly or through select retailers. The unit can also be used with an iPhone or iPod Touch using an adapter.

By Electronista Staff