Guillemot division Hercules has announced its i-XPS 120 Outdoor speaker for the iPod. It’s the first compact speaker system for the iPod that’s “officially” certified as resistant to water and dust particles. The speaker is expected to be available at retailers this month for $129.99.
The speaker has received IP 53 certification for its resistance to water sprays and dust, according to Hercules. It features a watertight chamber that houses the iPod. The speakers themselves are magnetically shielded with protective grilles, a dust evacuation system and a shock-resistant rubber frame.
The speaker sports power, play/pause and next/previous track buttons, along with a “3D effect switch” that enhances sound depth. The speaker system outputs 12 watts RMS (24 watts peak). The i-XPS 120 runs off four C-sized batteries and it can also work off of an electrical outlet or a vehicle cigarette lighter with the supplied adapters.
It’s designed to work with dock connector-equipped iPods, and can also support iPod shuffle and other MP3 players using a line in connector.
Hercules’ Web site had not been updated with information about the i-XPS 120 as Macworld posted this article.