Gizmodo: loud

Surprise! Psystar Tech Support Gets Off To a Shaky Start

Jason Chen — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:50:00 EDT

One of our seven reasons for not buying a Psystar computer right now was their untested tech support. Well, one of our readers tested it, and turns out they should have studied a little more.

Received my "open computer" day before yesterday. Two immediate problems.

First, the noise level was completely intolerable. Never heard a computer as loud in my life.

Second problem was video was DOA right out of the box. No signal going to monitor. Boot up is a moot point as there is nothing to see.

Called the company. A female answered the phone, presumably a receptionist. She informed me some one would return my call shortly and give me RA# I had requested. No call. Called back after several hours. Spoke with one of the guys there in either sales or support. They assured me that they were getting the information from UPS as we spoke and would shortly be sending me the return shipping label via UPS within minutes. Nothing.

Called back again this morning. Was assured that shipping info was to be emailed shortly and they were going to be calling UPS to arrange a pickup for this afternoon. Nothing.

All I want to do is return the computer and get a refund.

We knew about the incredibly loud fan before, but unfortunately reader Rick ordered before he saw it featured here. C'mon, Psystar. The first couple weeks is vital to proving your legitimacy and professionalism. If you're going to drop the ball like this, you might as well just shut down and go home now.

Car Subwoofer World Record Set at 180.5db

Jason Chen — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:20:46 EDT

When you're trying to picture how loud this 180.5db subwoofer that set the world record for the loudest sound for a single sub is, you can't picture jet planes or chainsaws or firecrackers. No, you need to go a bit higher—into the realm of atomic bombs and nuclear disasters. So yes, this Digital Designs 9918Z 18-inch subwoofer that's powered from four Stetsom KD amps at 26,000 watts is a rolling nuclear explosion when it crunks down your street. That'll show the kids (and the old man with the heart condition) who's boss. [Audio Junkies]

Bicycle Horn Honks at 115db - That's Jet Plane Loud

Jason Chen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:30:43 EDT

Ride a bike? Cars not giving you the respect you deserve? Add the Thunder Horn, the electronic bike horn that boops at 115 decibels. In comparison, a Jet Plane is 120db, a chainsaw is 115db, and a car horn is around 110db. Yes, this thing is slightly louder than a car horn. Take that, Nissan Sentra. [Brando via Pocket Lint]

Firebell Alarm Clock is Loud, Brings Back Bad Memories

Travis Hudson — Thu, 03 May 2007 14:20:41 EDT

Our clock fetish is becoming a daily occurrence and today is no different. The firebell alarm clock would be sure to jolt even the heaviest sleepers awake with an ear-shattering ring. This $16 is so loud it will supposedly scare the hell out of you, therefore increasing your heart rate and not allowing going back to sleep.

The bad memories this brings goes back to my elementary school days. Everyone remembers practice fire drills, with similar large firebells ringing extremely loud. These fire drills were the biggest recess cocktease of my entire life. Leaving the classroom to go outside and stand with friends, hanging out, only to have to go back inside after five minutes. Damn you, elementary school. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Gadgetizer]

Sonic Boom Loud Alarm Clock Wakes Hibernators

Travis Hudson — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:21:55 EST

The Sonic Boom Extra Loud Alarm Clock can wake even the heaviest sleepers. It is pretty simple: an extremely loud beeping alarm clock and a small device that attached to the underside of your bed and will vibrate you awake, also. It does allow for some volume control on the alarm, but nevertheless, this thing is loud. I like the idea of the vibration feature, but wouldn't that be similar to rocking a baby to sleep? If this $35 extra-loud alarm clock doesn't do the trick, don't forget about the Japanese extreme wake-up service. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via newlaunches]