New Zealand manufacturer Design Mobel has come out with the worlds first iPod compatible bed.

I bought a Design Mobel bed a year ago based on the asthetics – in a world of bland beds the design was outstanding. It was only after we got it home that I noticed the other things about the company – for example its programme to replant native trees and its environmental policy.

The new Pause bed obviously raises the profile of the company in the market. Even if they only shift a few units, people will start to recognise them internationally for their great design.

It’s a pity they used Bose speakers for the playback. An audiophile I met a while back praised Bose as the only company in the world that can sell a $99 speaker for $999.

However the bed is interesting and signals the move of the little white devices into yet another part of peoples lives. Storing music – and lots of music – on small devices is disrupting more than just the personal stereo/walkman market. First BMW integrates iPod docking (another way to amplify the shortcomings of low quality MP3 via expensive stereos), then it comes to the bed. Where next – the toilet?

After all, it would colour match.