The Sharp DK-AP2 Looks Like a Space Fighter. Will the New iPod Dock Take Off?

Well, I guess the new iPod docking station from Sharp can be the perfect not-that-cheap gift, at least if you're willing to buy someone a neat present and if your budget is not that scarce. The DK-AP2 dock from Sharp is one appearance most of you iPod owners out there weren't quite expecting; after so many similar docks that looked like wings, tubes, prisms and all the imaginable things, here comes one that looks like some space fighter.

But apart from the very uncanny shape of the Sharp DK-AP2, it performs well and even more, it sports a lot of features that raise its functional value quite a lot. First of all, the DK-AP2 comes loaded with a lot of iPod adapters so there will be no restrictions as far as connecting old players to this station is concerned - old iPod mini or the newest Nano, they will all find their proper socket in the Sharp DK-AP2.

The dock operates when it is connected to the mains and it will also charge your iPod during playback; in case you are out in the garden and want to carry the Sharp DK-AP2 with you, then you have to load in some batteries and there you go. No word on battery-operation times.

For those who have portable digital players other than iPods, the Sharp DK-AP2 sports an Aux-In jack that will allow you to hook up any 3.5mm compatible unit, including the iPod Shuffle. A small and compact remote control is also provided with this fighter-dock and it will allow you to control your iPod the way you want.

The output sound is no audiophile-grade one as we're actually dealing with a common docking station pretty much like most others out there. Nevertheless, according to crave.cnet.com the sound is pretty neat. The Sharp DK-AP2 can blast 1.9W per channel at max 10% THD and also boasts an AM/FM radio tuner.

With a weight of 1.2 kg only, the Sharp DK-AP2 is really one thing easy to carry around; too bad that its shape will be rather troublesome if you plan to take it on a trip, in a bag. Selling for $165, it's not at all a cheap docking station, but I guess that if you're a diehard fan of Stargate or other Sci-Fi stuff you could give it a neat try.

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