Chestnut Hill Sound's the George

Getting Even More Out of Your IPod

I remember seeing this episode of The Simpsons that ended with a nightmare view of the future where iPods had somehow taken over the world. A man is whipped by a giant iPod, and after he has the gaul to ask why, the mammoth-sized iPod responds: "We have no reason. We just like whipping things".

I can't help but wonder if we're on our way to make that future a reality. After all, it seems that our lives are revolving around that little scroll wheel on our iPods, and our youth is completely in love with it.

It looks like companies are responding to meet this craze with products specifically designed for iPods. For example, the George, a new product from Chestnut Hill Sound is a high-end iPod speaker system that is part stereo, part AM/FM radio, part alarm clock, all cliché.

Like similar products, it is designed to match the color with iPod white. However, it does come in optional cherry, mahogany, and maple wood panels for your customization needs. George has a cradle on top for quick plug-in functions. Not only can you blast your favorite tunes from your favorite iPod, but you can play your favorite station on the AM/FM radio with twenty-four presets. This device also functions as an alarm clock, and you can wake up to a tune on the iPod, radio, or old-school alarm chime. Not only that, there is a dual alarm function which can either soothe you asleep or rouse you awake. The George is definitely designed so you wake up with the iPod, take it out, then come home, and put it back in.

I have even talked about it's prime feature: the lovely remote. This remote uses Zigbee wireless technology to operate the system from a distance of twenty-five feet away. The window on the remote is designed to match that one on your iPod. This is different then most remotes on iPod devices, which only have a few buttons. The remote is designed to double as the unit's front panel, and so it can recharge when it is not in use.

The stereo two-way stereo speakers and four-inch downfiring subwoofer can produce a terrific sound for something as small as the George. I can't help but wonder why it is called the George, hopefully it's not after the president.