I can't be the only one who thinks the Sharp DK-AP2 speaker system for iPods looks a little too much like a stealth bomber. With the huge triangular main unit mounted onto some sort of base station -- and let's not forget that the entire thing has been coated in black -- the Sharp dock looks pretty darn stealthy. I'm not so sure about the bomber part. Anyways, they say that this "Avery triangular design makes it unique and distinct." That's certainly true, because I have yet to come across another speaker system that looks quite like this. Despite its rather foreboding shape, the Sharp DK-AP2 is supposed to be quite compact and easy-to-use, boasting complete plug-and-play functionality. Included in the bundle are a whole whack of iPod adapters, making this speaker system compatible with everything from the old school iPod mini, right up to the current iPod nano.

First Grope of the Flash Zune Hardware

Brian Lam of Gizmodo got his greasy hands on a new Flash Zune and he was more than happy to take the multimedia player out for a test run. And yes, he once again tries to stuff the thing down his pants. To make matters worse, he selected the tightest pair of jeans he could find... and then he took a video. In terms of general impressions, Brian is fairly impressed with the new hardware, especially with the touch-sensitive Zune Pad. This means of menu navigation is a significant step in the right direction compared to the first generation Zune. He also notes that the Flash Zune is quite thin, but it's not as thin as the new iPod nano. Because of the extra length, it's also not as pocketable. Other things that he mentions include his love for the "slickest paint you've ever seen on a gadget", the fact that the headphone jack is on the bottom, his appreciation for the raised profile on the D-pad, the dullness of the aluminum back, and how the black border "helps the screen pop nicely." He also says that the chassis does have some flex to it.

Refurbished iPod nanos priced from $79

Apple's online store is offering a variety of iPod nanos in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB capacities at discounted rates. The company's 2GB iPod nanos are available in silver for $79, storing up to 500 songs and offering up to 24 hours of music playback on one battery charge. Reconditioned 4GB iPod nanos are priced at $99, hold up to 1,000 songs, and are available in silver as well as blue and pink. Apple's 8GB iPod nanos, avialable in black for $149, holds up to 2,000 songs while offering the same battery life ad the company's 2GB and 4GB models. Apple's latest iPod shuffles are also available with 1GB of storage capacity in silver, pink, blue, green, and orange for $49 each.

GEAR4 debuts iPod case, touts BlueEye accessory

GEAR4 has unveiled its LeatherJacket Flip case (site not updated) for Apple's latest generation iPod nano, and simultaneously announced that its BlueEye Bluetooth phone accessory is compatible with the latest iPod models. The LeatherJacket Flip is a premium leather case for Apple's new iPod nano featuring a brushed suede interior with "debossed" patterning. A 'Flip-Clip' closure covers the click-wheel when not in use, and provides full easy access when playing tracks. The case is available in black and pink for $32, and is due to ship at November's end.

GEAR4's BlueEye Bluetooth phone accessory makes as well as receives calls on an iPod, and offers plug-and-play connectivity with most Bluetooth phones. Caller ID displays on the iPod's screen for incoming calls, and the device automatically pauses during each call to resume playing after hanging up.

iLuv launches new docks, Bluetooth headset

Accessory maker iLuv has released three new products for the iPod and iPhone. Leading these is the i166, a stereo dock with clock functions. Users can listen to their iPods or AM/FM radio, and set two separate alarms for different purposes. The dock has two 2.5W (RMS) speakers, but owners can output both video and sound to a TV, or connect a subwoofer for better bass. In either case separate cables are required. Officially supported iPods include all Video and Photo models, all Minis, plus first- and second-generation Nanos. The dock costs $70 and comes in white or black.

The i189 is a speaker dock with the same general power and support of the i166, but with added Classic, Touch and iPhone compatibility, as well as simulated surround-sound. The main constraint is the lack of a subwoofer jack.