iPort Ships In-Wall iPad, iPod Touch Docks

Just called iPort/Sonance and they were CLUELESS!!  No specs, expected ship of “not sure”, and nothing they could email.  I could have had 7 sold to a customer today!  Check your facts before reporting something as “now shipping”.

@hometronix, we’re following up. Thanks

Sure this is a cheaper solution than the overpriced touchpanels out their but $499 is OUTRAGEOUS! Same price as the iPad itself. Talk about super high margins. Goodness. This could be made and sold the masses for $80. It’s wifi so no expense there for those mechanics. Piece of plastic with some clips and it’s done. Someone make one! LOL

Tuck, if your a integrator then learn how to sell.  If your a end user then give your integrator a break and let them make a couple of dollars so they can keep their doors open and service the system. 

I am amazed by how our industry is determined to comoditize every product category in our industry so that nobody can make any money in it.

There is no reason the iPad dock should cost $499 - it is a plastic backbox & frame. The iPad itself is a commodity, the dock must fit into that mindset. I expect the integrator to shift profits to labor and reoccurring revenue in the current market. This line item will #### off some clients right off the bat. This is a miss.

I have talked with Savant about the need for a waterproof iPad dock. I see the iPad in a shower as a slam dunk for morning routines. That would be worth $499 or more. Connect that to a set of local marine-grade ceiling speakers w/ integrated amp and you’re done. Awesome.

Jon. valid points, however, as an integrator I want to offer value, return on investment. I can sell and I can make money. My opinion stands, this product is a rip off.

So your reasoning is let the manufacturers jack up prices just so you can make more money? Sorry, my ethics are stronger than that. I can make more money installing it at $80 in more locations than I can to the tiny few customers that care none about what makes sense. But to each his own, if someone wants it for $499 we can sure install it. I have no desire to promote it however as I see it as a rip off. And that’s because it is exactly that. Apparently the manufacture thinks “Hey, if they are willing to pay $1000’s for an in wall touchscreen, we can really profit by selling a way overpriced piece of plastic and look like a hero.” But, to me, they just look like greedy basturds.

Again, all opinion. There is foolish money everywhere. Look at how many overprices touchscreens sold, lol.

Julie, @hometronix, all –

We are very excited about our iPort Control Mount product line.  Both the CM100 and the CM2000 will begin shipping later this month in limited quantities.  We have begun accepting pre-orders for both products and will ship on a first come, first serve basis.  Both dealer and end user feedback has been exceptionally strong and we are anticipating overwhelming demand for the Control Mount products. We will do our best to keep up with the early orders and will be in position to fill 100% of all orders, regardless of quantity, by the CEDIA EXPO.  The http://www.iportmusic.com <http://www.iportmusic.com> website will be updated shortly with all relevant technical specifications and support materials.
Jason Sloan
Chief Sales Officer
Dana Innovations - iPort * Sonance * TRUFIG

Jason, I think Tuck wants the first production units!
Seriously though, why is the CM2000 so expensive?

Based on the market research we conducted, $250 (retail price of the CM100) and $499 (retail price for the CM2000)  are solidly in line with where our dealer base wanted and expected the products to price out.  Both products carry respectable dealer margins with a goal of allowing the CEDIA community as a whole to profit from incorporating Apple products into their businesses.

I would like to see a sexy in-wall dock for the iDevices. The big ugly plastic is killing me. I get an iPhone4 and its easily the coolest looking thing i have purchased this year but the first thing i have to do is stick a big ugly rubber cover on it.

These days you either get a finger print magnet glossy finish or a white ugly plastic finish. Its not just Sonance.. its every damn body in the industry. Confused about what looks cool? Go to apple.com and click the button that says iPad.

Do these units charge the iPad and Touch?  Where does the power come from? Also, are there network connections or just WiFi?
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Not sure why it would need a network port, there is no network connection on the iPad.

Anyone who thinks these products are just “plastic with some clips” does not understand the nature of this product.

The circuit board in this product must comply with various Apple specs for interfacing to the iPad.  The circuit includes proprietary Apple components that are obtained via a license with Apple.

The costed bill of materials for this type of device is higher than you would suspect.

Oh Mike, please! Apple sells a connector kit for $49.99 that will connect right to the iPad and give you audio out, component video out, and USB/AC adapter to power the iPad.

So add $50 to “plastic with some clips”.

The iPad has a connector(!) nothing that requires “...circuit board” “proprietary Apple components”.

This is from Apple’s web site:

Overview
Connect an iPad to your television with the Apple Component AV Cable, gather up your friends, and watch videos or slideshows together on the big screen. You can also connect the Component AV Cable to your stereo or powered speakers for a room-filling audio experience.
The Component AV Cable connects to your iPad via the 30-pin dock connector and to your TV, home theater receiver, or stereo receiver via the component (Y, Pb, and Pr) video and red/white analog audio ports. The cable also features a USB connector that you can plug into a power source, such as a computer or the included USB Power Adapter.
What’s in the Box:

Component AV Cable
USB Power Adapter
User Guide

This is a total ripoff. 

I hope Jason will prepare for a huge Price Protection program for the idiots that quickly realize the “going rate” for this type of product will be a quarter of this plastic bezel.

Cedia will have many surprises for Jason if he thinks he can hold this category at that price…..comical