OK, you're the type of person who simply loves to play basketball whenever he/she has at least a couple of minutes to spare, and you'd love to be able to indulge in your favorite past time whenever and wherever you feel like it. You also enjoy listening to your favorite music while shooting hoops. So, how about a device that lets you do both?

Well, this is exactly what Spalding is offering, with its iHoop, which is, in fact, one of the toughest and most complex iPod audio systems you've ever seen. Hence, the iHoop not only docks the iPod and play music, but it also sports its own hoop, which can be set up in a matter of minutes.

As Spalding informs us, the iPod/MP3 player storage compartment is located in the center of the backstop for easy access during game play, and the access panel door is made using an impact-resistant ABS material. The device also sports five easy-access buttons that allow easy control of the iPod when connected via Apple’s 30 pin cable.

What's really important to mention here is the fact that the docking unit uses the company's proprietary mesh Suspension Cradle design, which literally suspends an iPod/MP3 player in mid air. The Suspension Cradle is made from a soft mesh fabric and attached via stretchable chords, which absorb shocks, while the mesh fabric prevents scratches.

As far as the audio side is concerned, the iHoop is pretty cool, featuring two 3-inch full-range speakers with a maximum output of around 30 watts. The speakers provide good-quality audio with a rich, clean tone and stay protected behind high impact ABS grills. The iHoop also comes equipped with a 5-inch subwoofer, keeping the low-tones detailed and defined.

Unfortunately, no info has been provided for the time being regarding the availability of the Spalding iHoop speakers, but I'm quite sure that there are a lot of basketball fans out there who would simply love to get their hands on such a product, if the price is right, of course.


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