Elecom SoundBlock iPod Speaker System [Small, Color Coordinated iPod Speaker Greeted by the Sound of One Hand Clapping]

Could there possibly be room in the market for yet another cute little iPod speaker gadget? The ever-inventive Japanese engineers at Elecom seem to think so. Their latest product launch, the SoundBlock, is just another little speaker that you plug into the bottom of your iPod for probably less-than-impressive sound. When I first saw this thing, I thought that it was a straight LEGO rip-off. Or maybe they’re inspired by PEZ. Either way, they don’t really seem all that interesting.

The 0.04-Watt mini-system is compatible with basically every iPod ever made (iPod 5G, iPod touch 1/2G, iPod Classic and iPod Nano 1/2/3/4G) but it won’t work with the iPhone, so don’t even think about it. So what’s their schtick? I guess it’s that they are available in 10 different colors so that you can coordinate them with your Nano. If you are turned on by small, multi-colored things you just might be in their target demographic (or a squirrel).

The Elecom Soundblock will be available sometime in mid-July and only in Japan. But don’t fret my little Hello Kitty-loving Japanophites, you can preorder them at www.GeekStuff4U.com. They are accepting preorders from people living outside of the land of the rising sun ($42+shipping).