Add this to the growing list of unbelievable rumors for Macworld to be held the second week of January at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. The latest rumor now says Apple is working on a boombox that is, “unlike anything seen in boombox world.” I guess it’s all white. ;) The source goes on to leak more deets to AppleInsider with such specifics as it will support wireless streaming and have a built-in hard drive as well as a dock for the iPod. The source continues to wet ones appetite by stating, “It’s ideal for use on a bookshelf or on the go.” The supposed boombox has been in development for over a year and it may also be linked to the Sirius talks that have battered the ‘Net for the last few months.

I must say, this is an interesting rumor but what is the truth to it? I really can’t see Apple diving into the sound reproduction business, either. Speakers are a fine art and all one has to do is look at the current slew of boomboxes out. The Altec Lansing iM7 is the best and it, even with Altec’s expertise, still could use some work to better the sound. All the other ones are a joke and the best sounding one, the Bose, isn’t portable. Unless Apple is working with a well known speaker manufacturer, I can’t see much credibility in this. I know Steve Jobs would not allow a less-then-perfect boombox to be released.

Further, adding wireless, another hard drive, and maybe satellite radio really adds to the cost. Sure, 802.11b chips are cheap now, but they still hover at about the $25 mark. Add a small 2.5″ hard drive that has 20 or 40GB and you’re looking at another $100. Then there’s the satellite radio. I know Sirius will dump the electronics to Apple in hopes to help pay off Howard’s huge paycheck, but it won’t eat it all. Add another $40 for the Sirius. Not counting all the other aspects like speakers, case, and dock, we’re talking $165 right there. I say Apple couldn’t get it out the door less then $300. Unless this thing sounds KILLER, I can’t see too many buying this high price accessory. Heck, I can’t see Apple making it.

What wouldn’t surprise me, though, is something more modular. Say a spot to plug in the Airport Express to get that wireless going and a spot for a hard drive. That will bring cost down nicely. I would say this is more likely…and way more sic! Ya, that sounds like Apple. :)

Well, I guess we’ll see if I’m right or wrong come January 1oth, huh?

Tags: apple, ipod, boombox, rumor