Sony adds its first iPad dock, revamps iPhone dock
updated 09:45 am EDT, Wed September 14, 2011
Sony X500iP and CS15iP tackle iPad and iPhone
Sony tackled its home audio in multiple directions Wednesday, starting with two iOS speaker docks. The RDP-X500iP is its first intended for iPad owners and has a pyramid-like design that can fit any iOS device or iPod in its dock without blocking the speaker. Bass is uncharacteristically deep: it has both a dedicated subwoofer and two passive bass radiators to go with tuning that improves the sound stage while bolstering vocals.
The design is purely for audio and has few extras, but it does have an aux-in for non-iOS hardware.
Also coming is an update to Sony's mainstay iPhone and iPod dock. In moving to the ICF-CS15iP, Sony brings in a slimmer and easier to understand design to the clock radio dock. A new flexible dock also makes it possible to cradle an iPhone or an iPod even while wrapped in a third-party case.
The alarm clock remains the specialty and can set two weekday, weekend, or all-week alarms.
Either speaker dock will ship in October. As the conventional dock, the CS15iP will cost $100, while the more powerful X500iP will cost $300.
