Gizmodo: boom box

Four Old Gadgets We Love (and Four We Hate)

Anna Jane Grossman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:20:00 EDT

Anna Jane Grossman is the author of Obsolete: An Encyclopedia of Once-Common Things Passing Us By. She has compiled a special short list for Gizmodo: Four old gadgets we love and we'll really miss, and four we're glad are gone:

Technology is all about what's new and what's next—today's iPhone is just tomorrow's paperweight. What about the things that were "new" and "next" yesterday or the day before? We live in a time of so much change and progress that there's nostalgia for things that kinda still exist. Here are a few that, for better or worse, are fading fast.

Got any more dead innovations you want to lament or wish good riddance? Chances are Anna Jane covered them in her book, but until you pick up a copy, you might as well comment about it below.

Anna Jane Grossman is the author of Obsolete: An Encyclopedia of Once-Common Things Passing Us By (Abrams Image) and the creator of iamobsolete.net. Her writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including the New York Times, Salon.com, the Associated Press, Elle and the Huffington Post. She has a complicated relationship with technology, but she does have an eponymous website: AnnaJane.net. Follow her on Twitter at @AnnaJane. [ Photo of Anna Jane by Amber Marlow Blatt, from Hey Brooklyn]

Fighting Mormon Cricket Invasions With Hard Rock and Boom Boxes

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EDT

Mormon crickets are insects with multiple wives who live in Utah, travelling to Nevada to eat crops and play craps—or something like that. I'm not David Attenborough, ok? One real thing: They hate rock music.

They hate it so much that residents of Tuscarora, Nevada, fight this pest with a perimeter of—get this—boom boxes and stereos playing hard rock, tuning to local radio station KHIX. They don't want to kill them, but not because they are a bunch of tree-huggin green commie hippies, but because when you kill them they smell horrible, according to them.

The plague of the two-inch-long walking Mormon cricket—who are born in April in northern Nevada and western Utah—comes every year, devastating crops and anything green, and even causing car accidents. Their two by one miles marching columns are so dense that, when passed over on roads, they form slippery blood and guts spills that may cause automobiles to lose grip and crash. In 2008 they had to call snowplows to clean the highway that goes through Elko County in Nevada.

So people in Tuscarora use the only tool they know to convince them to take another path without killing them: Hard rock and heavy metal during the day, since at night the critters sleep—while they are not eating the fellow crickets that die during the march. And while there's no scientific evidence that strong sound waves like those produced by the likes of Kiss and Metallica, the thing is that it works for them. [WSJ]

AT-AT Walker Boombox Is So Awesome I Want to Cry

matt buchanan — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:40:00 EST

The only way this stunning AT-AT walker boombox could produce a more forceful nerdOMFGasm is if it was being straddled by Scarlett Johansson in a Princess Leia bikini.

Really, just wow. See more here: [Zen77990 via BBG]

Park Bench-Sized Ghetto Blaster Plays Music Via Bluetooth

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:17:00 EST

At last you can avoid the hassle of taking your Lasonic Ghetto Blaster every single time you go to the park: Now the park will have boom boxes the size of a park bench, with more than 500 watts of high quality ghetto thump. You only need a cellphone with Bluetooth audio support, and the Boom Bench will be yours to annoy every single person 10 miles around you.

The Boom Bench features eight 60-watt co-axial speakers and two subwoofers that can be accessed through Bluetooth. The Boom Bench in a way is a super-sized Docking Station. Connect your player to the amplifier and take control. Now you can play your music with 95 dB high quality sound. A Bass Shaker in the seat transforms the deep sounds into vibrations that enhance the physical sensation of your tunes.

Great, so now only you can shake your bootie good to your favorite hip hop, but the bench itself will do it for you. My dog Jones would love it. For him to poop on (since it won't work with his iPhone). [Dezeen]

Wonderfully 80s Boombox Wristwatch Doesn't Play Music

Jack Loftus — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST

I was all amped up for this little boombox watch until I got to the last sentence over at technabob. "I only wish the tiny little speakers actually worked," they wrote, at which I wept a little because part of me wanted to relive the smashing acid wash 80s in whatever way I could. I can't lift massive boomboxes onto my shoulder like I used to, but this little guy would have been the next best thing. That and if Kid n' Play spontaneously appeared on my shoulder to serve as blogging muse for the evening. Silver or gunmetal for $90. The awesome memories are free. [Flud via technabob]

Sirius Coming Out With New Satellite Radio Boombox

Elaine Chow — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:30:00 EDT

For those of you aspiring to be the next Satellite Radio Raheem, here's a few newly leaked photos of the upcoming Sirius SUB-X2 Boombox. Much like the current SUB-X1, the new music player will sport a front-panel headphone jack, auxiliary input for other MP3 players, and a universal docking system. I wonder if that docking system will support XM radios as well, now that they're married and all. Prices and more detailed specs have yet to be announced, though it shouldn't cost you too much more than its last iteration.

Sony Drops Three Other Stylish iPhone Docks

Elaine Chow — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Following our sneak peek at one of Sony's neat new iPod/iPhone docks last week, the company's now officially released three other sets to tickle our fancy. Pictured above is the boom box model (ZS-S4iP) with Mega Bass sound, for some old school on-the-go music blaring—the dock secures and charges your music player and it comes with a wireless remote for full menu control. It'll be available in October for $100. If that doesn't speak to you maybe these other ones will.

The XDR-S10HDiP a tabletop HD Radio with an iTunes tagging service. If you enjoy a song you hear on the airwaves, tag it for future download onto your iPod. Yours for $180.

The SRS-GU10iP is for fancy people. You can tell by the piano black wood finish and the lack of other more technical details. It retails for $150.

SONY DEBUTS IPOD AND iPHONE COMPATIBLE BOOMBOX, HD RADIO WITH iTUNES
TAGGING, CD CLOCK RADIO AND DOCKING SPEAKER

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2008 - Sony today is taking the wraps off four
audio products that work with current dockable iPod(r) and iPhone(tm)
devices.
The new CD clock radio (model ICF-CD3iP), boombox (model ZS-S4iP), table
top HD Radio(tm) with iTunes Tagging (model XDR-S10HDiP), and docking
speaker (model SRS-GU10iP) let you enjoy music from either iPod or
iPhone. All four products are part of the Made for iPod and Works with
iPhone programs.
Rise and Shine
The ICF-CD3iP device is Sony's first CD clock radio with a
hidden dock for iPod and iPhone devices. It gives users multi-function
flexibility that enables them to listen, wake and fall asleep to their
iPhone or iPod, CDs or radio in the form of a small footprint.
Featuring a large, highly visible liquid crystal display, this clock
radio charges both iPod and iPhone devices. It also includes a remote
control that provides full access to the menu of music functions. It
has a compact, vertical "floating" design that hides the docking
station, offers CD R/RW playback, and has an AM/FM digital tuner.
Tunes On The Go
For iPod and iPhone users who want to experience their music out loud,
Sony is introducing its first boombox that works with both devices. The
ZS-S4iP boombox adds iPhone compatibility and enhanced sound quality
through its Mega Bass(r) Sound system.
The dock on this new boombox secures and charges your iPod or iPhone
while on the go, and features a removable cover so you can directly
control iPod touch and iPhone. A wireless remote allows full menu
control for your CD, radio and the music function of iPod or iPhone.
The unit also offers 20 AM and 10 FM radio presets.
HD Radio for Your Ears
The XDR-S10HDiP is Sony's first HD Radio with iTunes Tagging that is
compatible with the newest generation of 3G iPhone devices, as well as
iPod players. It solves a need for those who want to experience their
music out loud, with rich bass and simulated surround sound.
This new product also charges your device while providing the benefits
of HD Radio, including multi-casting (which offers new FM channels, more
music, news and sports) and clear, crisp sound - all subscription free.
The radio also includes iTunes Tagging, which lets you tag the songs you
like on the radio, for future download to your iPod player. It also
features auxiliary input, as well as 20 AM and FM radio presets.
Dock Me Up
Sony's elegantly designed SRS-GU10iP docking speaker offers high quality
audio and a piano black wood finish. Unlike most docking speakers for
iPod players, this new speaker system is compatible with the newest
generation of 3G iPhone devices as well.
The system also features bass sound and a remote commander for
convenient access. It charges both the iPod and iPhone units, includes
an auxiliary input, and supports AC/DC operation (batteries not
included).
Pricing and Availability
The ZS-S4iP boombox will be available in October for about $100 in black
and white. The ICF-CD3iP CD clock radio will be available later this
month for about $100.
The XDR-S10HDiP HD table radio will also be available this month for
about $180, as will the SRS-GU10iP Sony iPhone/iPod docking speaker for
about $150.
Pre-orders for all four products are now being accepted at
www.sonystyle.com . The ZS-S4iP boombox,
ICF-CD3iP CD clock radio and SRS-GU10iP docking speaker will be
available at Sony Style stores across the county. All four products will
be available online at www.sonystyle.com ,
at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Rollable MP3 Boom Box: Cool Like a Corn Popper

Sean Fallon — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Why make MP3 players more compact when you can look like a tool pushing one around like a lawnmower? That is the question Israeli designer Inbal Tyagi must have asked himself when he came up with this rollable boom box concept. According to the project page, the device can be recharged by walking it around. It also notes that the design was inspired by the simplicity of the hula hoop. I don't know about a hula hoop, but I can think of another annoying product that it reminds me of...

[BalBal via Gizmowatch via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Fi-Hi Speaker Bags: Boombox Backpack Made Real

Kit Eaton — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:45:04 EDT

Remember we laughed at the concept Reppo2 boombox backpack, and its ability to aurally assault those you walk past with your choice of tunes? Well, yes: something similar is now real, courtesy of these Fi-Hi novelty bags with built-in speakers and amp. What's there to say? Well, we don't know how powerful the audio system is, we don't know if they're weatherproof (though we'd hope so.) But we do know you can connect up your MP3 player, that they're in a wide range of different sizes and styles, some looking very much like the Reppo2, and that they're fascinatingly nasty. No word on pricing or availability, but expect to hear one soon. [Aving]

Reppo 2 Boombox Backpack, Easy-Carry Portable Music Action

Kit Eaton — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:36:10 EDT

iPods are all very nice, except for when you want to ~~piss-off~~ amuse passers-by with your music, and even then your standard boombox is awkward to carry. I mean, what if you need both hands for your shopping? Enter Joonas Saaranen's Reppo 2, a backpack boombox design, and simplicity in itself. Easy to carry, and with a built-in powered amp and loudspeakers, loud enough to make an impact. Shame its hardshell doesn't extend down to cover your ass, as protection from all the kicking you'd earn, but never mind. Just a protoype for now, but we suspect someone'll make it happen for real. [Squaremag via Technabob]

Legendary Lasonic i931 iPod Dock Ghetto Blaster: Pics, Price, and Release Date

Sean Fallon — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:30:16 EST

The Lasonic iPod Ghetto Blaster has been hyped for a while now, but this was our first opportunity to get a look at it up close—and as you can see, we took full advantage. We also managed to score a full-feature list which I lovingly hand-typed word-for-word from a spec sheet (weird errors and all). And for those of you who thought this thing would never see the light of day, we learned that the boombox will be priced at $169 and it is ready and waiting for interested vendors. You can check out the full specs after the break.

•Supported USB flash disk and SD/MMC card to playback MP3 files •Enjoy your iPod without earphones •iPod control and charging •Watch video on your TV if using iPod Video •Good reception Tuner function (AM/FM/RBDS) •FM 20 preset stations and AM 20 preset stations •Show RBDS (Radio Broadcast Data System) text on LCD display •Alarm to wake up and sleep function •Accurately real time clock display •Separate bass and treble controls •Powerful speaker sound system (12W x 2) •EQ adjustment •Volume level indicator •AUX IN for extension function •Headphone jack output •Microphone input and volume/echo adjustment •Full function remote control •Using AC power or batteries for operation •Dimensions (W/H/D): 650 x 166 x 365 mm

One more note: I wouldn't describe 12W x 2 as "powerful," but it did sound decent in person. [Lasonic]

Apple Patent Shows New Hi-Fi?

Jason Chen — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:30:28 EST

The patent for this device labels it as an "iPod Boombox," but we're going to guess that it's the next iteration of the Apple Hi-Fi speaker system. It looks almost identical to the current one—but then again there are only so many ways you can draw a rectancular box—and features a dock on the top for your iPod/iPhone. It will also have an Apple Remote to allow you to control it via Front Row, and has an indicator light to show you the current status. We're not sure what item 118 is, but we're hoping that it's some sort of LCD screen. [Macnn]

DBA XPD171 iPod Ghetto Blaster Boombox

Jason Chen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:25:10 EDT

If you're in the mood for combining the currently-in-favor iPod with the darling of the '80s, the boombox, check out this currently unannounced DBA iPod speaker dock. It's styled after the ghetto blasters of yore, but has a room for your iPod. Not many other details other than the tape player-esque buttons on the front and other details that you see. It's the best of both worlds, which means you should be prepared to have your subway ride ruined once again.

Thanks tipster!

Lasonic Ghetto Blaster Returns With iPod Dock, Probably Is the Best Boombox Ever

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:30:31 EDT

Carajo de boombox de los cojones, brothels! Check out those ghetto colors and speakers in that Lasonic dock-to-go for the iPod, mamasita! Or like they call it, the "high performance music system." Arriba! The 15-pound boombox comes with all kinds of flashy lights and 2 x 15W speakers. Not amazing power, but enough pa tocar el Chacarrón! After the jump.

[Lasonic via Geeksugar]

Igloo's Coolbox with Boombox on Wheels Looks Like a Transformer

AddyDugdale — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:50:18 EDT

This is what every al fresco party needs - a cooler that plays tunes and lugs your beer to the pier without you needing to see a chiropractor. There's an AM/FM radio to fiddle around with, a jack for your iPod or MP3 player into. And if all that wasn't enough, it also looks like a Transformer.

The 40-quart cooler holds 58 16-oz cans, and is tall enough to carry two-liter bottles upright, and Igloo claims that its Ultratherm insulation will help keep your booze cool for up to 51 hours. The two speakers are 3 watts each and run on four AA batteries. The cooler measures 20"L x 17-3/4"W x 18"H and costs a shade under $150.

Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer via Book of Joe]

Hands-On: Lifepop Mini '80s Boombox

Brian Lam — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:52:07 EDT

This little vinyl boombox gets pretty loud considering the 9v powerpack and the quarter-sized speakers. Another gem found in the WTF section of CTIA. The kit comes with a minijack adapter, a keychain, and the pouch itself can hold a cellphone or Shuffle, but controlling the device while inside would prove to be challenging. $25.

If only I had a matching G.I. Joe-sized LL Cool J action figure.–Brian Lam

Boombox [Lifepop]

Gallery: Pocket Calculator Show's Boombox Hall of Fame

Brian Lam — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:37:04 EDT

I like today's gadgets just fine, but there's definitely something missing from the squeeky clean lines and soon buttonless faces of iPods and the like. I don't know exactly what that missing thing is, but I know I see it when I look at the analog, knobbed squalor found in Pocket Calculator Show's Boombox Hall of Fame. My favorites include Sanyo's 20-pound MR-X20 "Big Ben" with the sub nestled between its driver cabs; Discolite, with its multi-hued lights that flash behind speaker grills; the Sharp VZ-2500 with a record player in its face. And best of all, the musician's friend, the Sharp MR-990 Melody Searcher, with its built in Synthesizer/Keyboard/Drum Machine.
I'll be happy once the minimalist trend ends and gadgets get gnarly again.
Check the gallery, but don't miss clicking through to Pocket Calc's site for history on each.
–Brian Lam

Boombox Hall of Fame [PocketCalculatorShow]

Classic Ad Watch: Panasonic's 1985 Portable Audio Lineup

Jason Chen — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:10:05 EDT

What does an ad with a cassette player, boombox, laserdisc, and FM radio headphones get you? Something that's hilarious to watch 22 years later. Panasonic's motto was "Just Slightly Ahead of Our Time", which makes a lot of sense. These things totally look like they're from 1987. – Jason Chen

Classic Commercials: Panasonic [TecheBlog]

Parrot Bluetooth Boombox

Travis Hudson — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:15:58 EST

Parrot is keeping with the latest trends in portable media with this small Bluetooth-enabled boombox. These 60W speakers can sync up with any Bluetooth audio output, whether it be from a cellphone, iPod, computer, whatever, and play it back via the two speakers and small subwoofer. Don't fear, Bluetoothphobites, this boombox also includes a USB and standard auxiliary input. It should be officially released in the coming weeks for a very hefty $300 or so. –Travis Hudson

Parrot's BLuetooth Boombox speakers [Shiny Shiny]

Lasonic "Ghetto Blaster"

Mark Wilson — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:31:02 EST

Lasonic showed off their prototype old school boombox that has been updated for the new millennium of hipsters.

As Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back put the group into hypnotic pop Nirvana, we admired the 5 band equalizer, USB/SD/MP3 support, DVD drive with display and sweet analog tuner. Hopefully Lasonic will actually bring this to market for their projected $250 pricetag, because we really don't want to "go back to 1985" to relive the experience. –Mark Wilson

Photo by: Curtis Walker (NSFW).