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The higher-end version will sell for AU$1,299. It comes with a dual-core 1.67GHz Core Duo processor, an 80GB hard drive and a SuperDrive that burns CDs and DVDs.
Both models come with 512MB of memory, Gigabit Ethernet networking, FireWire ports and four USB ports.
"We think this is going to be a strong product for us," CEO Steve Jobs said at a special event at company headquarters here.
Note: Australian pricing for the iPod HiFi is AU$549
"It's really a home stereo reinvented," Jobs said. "It's home stereo reinvented for the iPod age."
The iPod Hi-Fi will sell for AU$549 and goes on sale today. The device can plug directly into the wall or run with six "D" batteries.
Jobs also introduced Apple-branded leather cases for the video iPod and iPod Nano. The cases will sell for AU$149 and will be available in mid-March.
Apple confirmed last week that it planned to introduce some "fun new products" on Tuesday in the US but declined to say more at the time about what those offerings might be.
Once details of the mystery products became public, CNET.com.au sister site CNET News.com readers were quick to respond. Some said they were perfectly happy with the news and others said the announcements were "boring" and fell short of expectations.
"Too bad Apple doesn't come out with a universal gaming platform that works with PlayStation, Game Boy and Xbox," wrote reader Mark Walinske. "Now that would be Apple's style... and definitely be FUN."
A reader who goes by the name Markdotnet lamented: "Yet another in a long string of disappointments from our friends at Cupertino. Steve Jobs is a master at making something from nothing. Somehow, I just knew this one would be no big deal."
But other readers pointed out that Apple usually saves its biggest-ticket products roll-outs for trade shows and chided other product watchers for letting their visions get too grandiose.
"Wow, what's with everybody?" Roberto Felgueiras asked fellow readers posting on CNET News.com's Talkback boards. "Apple never promised anything other than new fun products, and that's what they delivered."
Added Dexter Sampson, "I think the Mac Mini was long past due for an upgrade. The boombox is a nice added touch and thank goodness for a nice-looking leather iPod case that doesn't look like it was sold at a swap meet."
CNET News.com editor Leslie Katz contributed to this report.
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peterh_oz
01/03/2006 09:20 PM
US$349 ... I'd expect AU$499 in Aust but AU$549 - FAR too expensive! I mean, Apple stuff is expensive anyway, but with an additional $50 on top again - its just not right. I'll stick to more open items such as the new Creative M Video - why be tied to one system when others play multiple formats.
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Nick
02/03/2006 01:07 AM
The new Mini looks like a bit of fun, but, as has been pointed out on other sites, it has an integrated Intel graphics chip. Strike for Apple, considering it marketed the first mini as being graphically powerful enough to run games like Halo on its stand-alone 32MB ATi card, and even went as far as to mock integrated solutions. Mind you, this is being typed on a mini. I guess we have to wait for benchmarks before we can see the impact of this new graphics engine.
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