JVC's build-it-yourself speakers: DIY rubbish
(Credit:
JVC)
Hi, I'm Nate Lanxon. You may remember me from such criticisms as the We7 download service, the Roommates Web TV show, and Squircle: the MP3 player that makes children hate you. Seriously, we love laughing at stupid ideas here at Crave, but we don't like it when they come from companies we respect. Today holds just such a stupid idea, and it comes from JVC--it's the build-it-yourself-'cos-we-can't-be-arsed speaker kit.
Why the Hello Kitty would you want to spend about 140 pounds (or $290) on a set of speakers that came in bits? No, really, we're asking. Is it so you can add bits in yourself and make it sound better? If that's the case, why are you not buying speakers from Bowers & Wilkins or Denon, whose speakers already sound terrific? Perhaps it's because it's cheaper to sell all the bits separately. Or is it to appeal to DIY obsessives who have run out of stuff to do themselves?
Whatever the business strategy behind the launch of this Lego-cum-speaker kit, you can be safe in the knowledge that only our Japanese buddies are going to get their hands on JVC's new product. Apparently the company is sticking to just releasing good things in Europe. Bravo. Well done. In fact, have a drink on us.
Should you want to buy the comes-in-bits boxes, they're available here.
(Source: Crave UK)
Still, I've been pondering the idea of Nintendo, and...well a lot of other companies selling their product as a DIY kit for the last year. For too long the Makers or Maker-wannabes-but-are-too-afraid have been waiting for something like this. And those who just can't afford the hi-tech products, it would be another way to understand them. I think this "progressive" idea hearkens back to the Heathkit days where people would actually freakin' know what the heck makes their product work and be empowered by that.
If the Wii came in kits - there's wouldn't be much of a shortage and in fact there'd probably be a user/owner community more *vibrant* than that of today.
I'd be okay with it if it were ~30-40% less than "pre-assembled" retail and with a shortened warranty period.
However, like the Segway, if poorly advocated, implemented, or marketed then the idea will likely flop. Building things with your own two hands - I think it's a great idea.
Best,
Shalin
I agree with the comments about Heathkit and making stuff your self.
something is designed and built? This is like the old Heathkits that were
popular from the 1950's to the 1990's....the devices most likely responsible for
kicking out all of the brilliant engineers that gave us the space program and
everything else since. This is how engineers and technologists are born--you
build things from scratch...it's called learning and knowledge.
- Good stuff comes out of kits
- by itstheoldindy November 23, 2007 1:34 PM PST
- There is a Heathkit stereo amplifier in photos of my parents' apartment from several years before I was born. I think my dad may have built it before he married my mom. It finally burned itself out when I was eighteen, so I'm guessing Dad had it for somewhere between twenty and twenty-five years. It was reliable right up until the end.
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(5 Comments)Don't judge this product too harshly before you see and hear it working. Maybe it'll actually result in a pair of speakers that are worth as much or more than what was spent on the kit.