Despite the fact that SanDisk's slotMusic format has not really managed to become as popular as its developer probably hoped it would, it seems that the company's constant pushing and innovations in this direction have had some results. So, to everyone's surprise, Sharp launched at this year's CES two micro-audio systems that actually incorporate a USB port for slotMusic, as well as an iPod docking system (probably as a safety net, in case the whole slotMusic thing proves to be a bust).

Thus, the new 160-watt XL-DH258NH system and its 64-watt version, the XL-DH228NH, come equipped with a top-mounted iPod dock, which allows users to both play the music stored in the memory of any iPod (pertaining to any generation, Sharp claims) and charge the player's batteries at the same time. However, they also sport a USB port for connecting microSD memory cards, the physical format of choice for SanDisk's slotMusic.

Besides the iPod and slotMusic related features, the new systems from Sharp also deliver some of the more “standard” characteristics one might expect from products in this range, such as the possibility of playing MP3 and WMA files via a USB jump drive or a Slot Music USB drive, as well as a single-tray CD player compatible with multiple formats and music codes including CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 and WMA. Plus, for even greater versatility, this thing packs an audio input, allowing users to easily hook up any 3.5-mm compatible portable player to it.

Additionally, both devices come equipped with an AM/FM digital tuner that offers 40-station random preset memory, as well as a 6-mode Preprogrammed Electronic Equalizer that allows users to adapt the playback to their preferences. Moreover, as expected, both of these systems include clock and sleep timers, plus a full function remote control.

Unfortunately, both of these micro audio systems from Sharp are still a long way from actually arriving on the market, since the XL-DH258NH will be available solely in June for a MSRP of $199.99, while the XL-DH228NH will only hit the shelves in July, for a MSRP of $179.99.


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