So, if you’re like me (or Trey, in whose shared items I saw this link, because I don’t read Gizmodo because they post like 100 times a day and really, who needs that much gadget info?) your defining childhood moments came outside, shooting hoops in your driveway. You formed friendships there. You competed with your siblings there. When your parents were fighting, you went outside, turned on the radio, and shot hoops, whether it was dark or light or somewhere in between. Believe me when I say that I understand the importance of a basketball hoop. I loved my basketball hoop, and I wish I could be shooting around on it right now.

But all that said, it’s hard for me to justify this as a necessity: the iPod basketball hoop. Golly gee. What will they think of next?

Billed as “the ultimate fusion of basketball and music,” the iHoop features a built-in sound system that is licensed for iPod use, but should work with any standard MP3 player. The audio system cranks out 30-watts of sound through two 3″ ear-level speakers and a 5″ subwoofer. The iPod enclosure features five easy access buttons to control the music and a durable enclosure to handle heavy impacts. The sound system is also protected from the elements using “marine grade” outdoor components. Naturally, you are going to need some extension cord or a nearby outlet to enjoy the added functionality of the iHoop—which could prove problematic depending on your setup at home.

That last sentence is key. If you don’t have an extension cord available, or your outlet is too far away from your basketball setup, the iHoop is immediately downgraded to “Hoop.” At that point, you might as well just use the crappy old boom box you’ve been using. It gets the radio, and the CDs only skip every once in a while. Or be a true American and fire up your car. If you’re exercising, it’s not as bad for the environment!

Image compilation via Be Sportier.