boomboxes

Review: Harman/Kardon GO + PLAY iPod boombox

The Harman/Kardon GO + PLAY is an oldie-but-goodie and its review is long overdue. It was worth the wait, though, since I can't think of a single other portable iPod speaker that's come through CNET's doors that matches the GO + PLAY's sound quality. But then, few can match its $350 price tag, either.

It's a little disappointing that the GO + PLAY hasn't yet been updated to accommodate the iPhone and iPod Touch--nor can it charge many of the newer generations of iPods. With any luck, we'll see an update to the GO + PLAY … Read more

There's no iPhone 3G in the iPhone accessories store

Well, sure, there are accessories, but I want the iPhone 3G! Don't you?

You are not alone. I've been to many AT&T and Apple stores over the last few days--the furthest of those being in Sacramento. (I live in the Bay Area and went there to visit some friends over the weekend.). At each AT&T store I was told to wait for more stock, and at every Apple store I got discouraged by the long line and withdrew. It's crazy.

Now, I can't help but wonder why Apple is doing this. Obviously … Read more

Accessories for the iPhone 3G

Now that you've gotten your iPhone 3G, it's time to get some accessories for it.

Digital Life Outfiter (DLO) didn't wait for long and has just come out with a slew of stuff that you can use to protect, carry, and enhance your iPhone 3G. Most of them work with the original iPhone and the iPod Touch, too.

To keep your iPhone from scratching or bumped around if dropped, you can choose either the HybridShell ($24.99) that's bulky yet stylish, or the VideoShell ($19.99), which is clear and sturdy. Of course, you can get … Read more

Lasonic i931 iPod ghetto blaster review

It's hard to imagine an iPod-related fashion statement bolder than the Lasonic i931 boom box. Pair this monster iPod speaker system up with a pair of British Knights, a cut-off Alf T-shirt, a flux capacitor, and the soundtrack to Breakin', and you might just rip open a time portal to the 1980s.

With all the high-fives and retro street cred you're likely to attract using the Lasonic i931, you probably don't care if the $200 boom box is actually any good. If you just have to know, you can check out our review.

A boombox that would bring Yo-Yo Ma to tears

The noise you may hear in the background is one Antonio Stradivari spinning in his 18th century grave.

We honestly don't have anything against the boombox's comeback, but the monstrosity pictured here looks like a DIY version of something from a CSI autopsy table. This Frankensteinian project is the work of artist David Ellis, who created it with "medium-modified double bass fiddle, spraypaint, casters, oak, plywood, metal, iPod, two tube pre-amps, B and C mids and tweeters, Electro-voice woofers, JVC tweeters, Crown XLS 602 Poweramp, and Behringer equalizer."

Perhaps most impressive is that he created three … Read more

Goodmans creates the anti-boombox

If this is an indication that the latest incarnation of the boombox is dying, we're all for it. For some unfortunate reason the iPod has inspired a rebirth of the '70s staple in video form, which has resulted in some awkward designs. Even recent makeovers can't adequately disguise that polyester leisure suit we know is lurkig underneath.

Goodmans has released its own version of an iPod dock with an LCD, which is a welcome antidote to the retro ugliness that has stricken so many other models on the market. This multimedia station with a 7-inch display has a … Read more

When a giant inflatable boombox comes in handy

If you're a parent with small children, you likely know that birthdays are a much bigger deal than they were when you were growing up. No more simple cake and pinata affairs; now it's inflatable jumpies, jugglers, puppet shows, goodie bags, and maybe even a pony or two. So the idea of a giant inflatable boombox may not be so crazy as it sounds (or looks).

Think about it: You and you neighbors can chip in for an "iBig Box" with its built-in MP3 player, speakers, dock, and fabric controls. Instant backyard party atmosphere, and you … Read more

Gadgettes 81: The I Love You Episode

Our listeners are so supercool. They do things like create Web sites based on things we talk about on Gadgettes. They make us laugh. And for that reason alone, this episode is for you, you awesome-heads. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 81

Dedicated to Dave from Denver http://jackmythingie.com/

Pandigital debuts kitchen TV with extra perks http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9893490-1.html

A digital culinary recipe for the futuristic cookware http://www.gizmodiva.com/home_improvement/ a_digital_culinary_recipe_for_the_futuristic_cookware.php

Lego-touch for iPhone and iPod Touch http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/ legotouch_for_iphone_and_ipod_touch_9199.asp

Monster felted handbag http://www.boingboing.net/2008/03/12/ monster-felted-handb.html… Read more

Boombox backpack: all-around bad idea

If this boombox-backpack concept ever makes it to production, the designer deserves to be shot. And if people actually wear them while cranked up full-blast, they probably will be.

Speakers built into messenger bags,, backpacks, and even bowling bags are nothing new, but usually they're designed with at least a modicum of human decency in mind. But the "Reppo II" backpack pulls out all the stops, with a pair of full-range speakers and an amplifier just to make sure everyone hears you whether they want to or not. Maybe those stun phones we mentioned earlier aren't … Read more