During the 80s the Boombox was one of the hippest audio devices on the market.  That and the Sony Walkman.  It was composed of an FM/AM radio, tape deck and a set of over sized speakers that produced enough sonic boom to hopefully set off a dance party.  It was also a portable audio system thanks to the built-in handle, though more often than not break dancers and those alike would just sling the system over their shoulder and strut their swagger down the street.

The 80s might be well and gone, but the boombox is here to stay, that is if iHome has anything to say about it.  The iP4 replaces the cassette player with, what else, a 30-pin dock for your iPod or iPhone.  To keep with the retro feel they’ve added 5 adjustable EQ sliders with an LCD graphic equalizer.  In the sonic department there are 4″ carbon composite woofers and 1″ ferro fluid cooled tweeters backed by a class D amplifier.  The iP4 can be powered off the wall or 6 D batteries.  However, note that the latter power option is ultra 80s.  For those of you without an iPod or iPhone, iHome has included an AUX input, though you probably won’t even begin to consider this device if the case is such.  iHome is also tossing in a remote that magnetically sticks to the player, which hopefully means you won’t lose it when you travel from location to location on the Venice boardwalk in your roller skates.

The iHome iP4 is available now for $199.99

Miniature Bluetooth speakers are become rather common place, but none have been some impressive as Jawbone’s Jambox.  While it lacks the gusto of other portable, battery powered speakers, it makes up for that short coming with a pocket sized build and excellent battery life that can last up to a good solid 10 hours.  However, one major draw back is its cost of $200.

Enter Logitech’s Mini Boombox.  It’s offers a comparble feature set at the Jambox but at half the price; $100.  In fact, the feature set is virtually the same, though at this point we can’t tell just how small it is.  Logitech has posted an image of it sliding into a bag’s side pocket, though given its shape we’re a bit skeptical about the depicted slender build.  That said, Logitech has one-upped Jawbone by finishing the top of the box with backlit touch controls – a nice convenience for those that have a penchant to listen to tunes in mood lighting.  Lastly, a built-in mic means that calls can be made and received on the portable Bluetooth speaker.

No word on a launch date, though we’d expect it to arrive this month.  In the mean while you can preorder the Logitech Mini Boombox for $99.99.

Pioneer’s Crew STZ-D1OZ-R Portable Music system isn’t your garden variety boombox. While it can house an iPod or iPhone inside a sealed enclosure the real cache is delivered in its ability to modify music for those who like to get down and boogie.

There are three models to choose from, but this version is the most powerful in the sonic department thanks to a 3-way driver design with dual 5-1/4″ subwoofers backed by 40 watts of juice.  Other than that, they all boast the same music control feature set, which includes:

• A temp control that allows you to adjust the tempo the track without influencing the pitch
• A dance cue mode that lets you snap back to a select point in the track
• An auto battle mode which picks a song and announced the countdown for the 1 on 1 battle
• A dance boost mode which emphasizes the instruments
• An 8-bet skip mode which skips forward and backwards by 8 counts

Each model will be available this November, includes a remote and can be powered by battery. Unfortunately, you’ll need a PC to utilizes some of the aforementioned features, though Pioneer hasn’t made it clear which.

The Crew STZ-D1OZ-R Portable Music system will cost $499, while the lesser models will retail for $349 and $299.

Truth be told, at the end of the day most iPod speaker docks just aren’t loud enough.  Sure they may sound good, but often end up distorted when cranked at a higher volume.  If they even can get that loud.  The JVC RV-NB50 does not suffer this problem.  While not a perfect iPod speaker system by any means, the Kaboom does enough stuff right to satisfy anyone looking to seriously blast some loud music without the loss of fidelity.

To start off with the Kaboom’s visual presence would be the obvious one.  It pretty much looks like a bomb, which must have been the idea since it literally goes off like one.  I personally liked the way it looked, but my roommate and some others thought the aesthetic was too gaudy and didn’t fit into the modern contemporary feel of our apartment.  I mean, most people would say that they wouldn’t want anything sitting around their place that looked like a bomb right?  Especially in these trying times I’m sure!

Apart from the glaring resemblances an aforementioned detonation device, carrying this beast could have been dealt with in an easier manner.  The shoulder strap was uncomfortable and the hand grips on each side of the Kaboom should have been more ergonomic.  The strap used your typical weave, and could have easily had a cushion insert so your shoulders didn’t wear the mark of carrying it around for more than 5 minutes.  The grips could also have easily had some squishy adhesives instead of the open plastic backing that exposed the handles innards.

Function-wise, the RV-NB50 plays MP3 and WMA files from a CD or a USB drive in addition to whatever is on your iPod.  People still do that?  The front side USB input didn’t charge an iPhone, I can tell you that.  The included remote lets you navigate through folders and settings with ease just don’t lose it because you won’t be able do do a lot of stuff without it.

What I found to be the most troublesome aspect of using the JVC RV-NB50 was that it would never recognize my iPhone or iPod touch immediately.  I would have to remove it and place it back in the dock all while futzing with the play/pause button on the face of the RV-NB50.  Pretty annoying really.  I have run into this with other JVC speaker docks and I don’t understand what their problem is.  It also always wanted to put me in airplane mode which just added to the frustration.

Another gripe I had was managing playlists and songs in the RV-NB50.  While the casing surrounding the iPod was clear, you had to unlatch it to change the songs.  Being that it was set so low in the RV-NB50 and depending where you have the boombox situated, changing songs and artists can be a real pain.  The remote lets you get through the menus OK, but it’s much faster on the actual iPod.  What would have made the RV-NB50 crazy awesome would have been a resistive screen that let you touch through to an iPhone or iPod Touch.  Also, the connector is really wobbly and didn’t feel all that secure.

Once you got the iPod playing, however, the RV-NB50 cranked some serious jams.  The bass knob had 6 levels of low end that was easily adjustable and really sounded great across almost all of my MP3′s.  The RV-NB50 had a bunch of preset sound settings that added a nice touch to the sound spectrum.  I noticed that the RV-NB50 would also pick apart your bit rate whenever it wanted to, and really stressed the importance of quality MP3′s, which in the end is a good thing I’d say.  The RV-NB50 really held its quality of sound once the volume was turned up and is easily the biggest selling point of this boombox.

The radio also sounded really nice and clear with the bass adding what most radio signals desperately need.  The LCD display was a bright blue and was pretty easy to read with its everyday clock style digits.

So while facing some serious interface and connectivity issues, the JVC RV-NB50 will still be optimal for any BBQ, beach outing, or any other scenario where you need your tunes to be heard.  Clear and unobtrusively banging, the RV-NB50 is a great addition to anyone who needs loud and responsive music around the house or on the go.  Capable of being wireless, you gotta stuff 10 D batteries up in the RV-NB50 ( buy some rechargeable ones ), and there’s even an separate after market car plug for your next Honda Element adventure.

Pros:

• Excessively loud
• Great bass and overall sound
• Various modes and functions

Cons:

• Whack interface and connectivity issues
• Uncomfortable strap and handles
• Questionable visual flair

Buy the JVC RV-NB50 Kaboom System here for $240!

The Santok SMC1000 STK Boombox iPod Speaker probably won’t rattle the paintings off their hooks, but it’s minimalist aesthetic might fit in nicely with your home’s art.  There’s not a whole lot to talk about here, but inside the boombox, which most notably has a large display to show off your iPod’s EQ output, are two 12 watt speakers with SRS surround, radio tuner, touch controls, iPod dock, AUX input and “a stylish aluminum top”.

Expect to drop about $150 for the SMC1000.

[via iTechnews]

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What in God’s name is this?  No, it’s not a flash drive but an actual MP3 player with speakers and a 1.1-inch OLED, yes OLED screen, called the Rad Blaster.  While I can’t get the word ‘vaporware’ out of my head, it includes a 3.5-inch headphone jack, a speaker that pops off to reveal the USB interface (it can double as a 2GB flash drive), mic, 7 EQs and is compatible with at least MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE, and AAC codecs.  You can grab it for $60.

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While I’m not so sure on the design aesthetic, the Chinon Avi is a techy eye catcher nonetheless.  It features a 7-inch LCD monitor with a built in TV tuner, a clock, a radio, iPod dock, remote and the typical iPod controls.  All this can be yours this holiday season for $200.

Although I’ve never heard of this brand before, it’s nice to see a product that combines all this cool stuff into one boombox sized package.

Chinon Introduces Portable Entertainment System with iPod™ Docking, LCD Monitor and Digital TV Tuner

Must-have, affordable, premium docking station only available online

DALLAS, TX – Just in time for the holidays, Chinon Corporation, a premier digital technology innovator, announced the launch of the AVi, the industry’s first portable iPod™ docking station with a built-in LCD monitor and digital TV tuner. Consumers can view content and listen to music, as well as watch TV, all in one docking station.

The user-friendly device combines an alarm clock, digital picture frame, iPod player, radio, and TV into an affordable, all-in-one, compact entertainment system. The AVi couples the iconic frame of a retro boom box with a modern rubberized black finish and silver trim, to capture the nostalgic style of the past, with the technology of today. The unit’s functionality along with its light, portable design make this sleek gadget the perfect holiday gift for the tech guru, music lover or child in your life.

“Chinon is committed to bringing the latest technology in consumer electronics to the U.S.,” said Masazumi Chino, president of Chinon Corporation. “This entertainment system is the most functional and portable docking station and TV combination on the market.”

Designed for use at home or on the road, the AVi features a 7-inch LCD monitor, AUX input, ATSC digital TV tuner with AV out, built-in telescopic radio antenna, external telescopic TV antenna, digital FM radio and alarm clock, and a full-function remote. This all-inclusive system plays both local TV channels and the contents of an iPod, including music videos, pre-recorded movies, TV shows and videos, images, as well as just music. The AVi can also last up to 3 hours on battery power making it easy to take it on the go.

The AVi simultaneously plays and charges your iPod so you don’t have to worry about running down your battery. It can also be used as a digital converter box for any analog TV.

The AVi is officially licensed by Apple in the “Made for iPod” range, and can be purchased for $199.99 only at www.ChinonUSA.com

About Chinon Corporation

Japan-based Chinon Corporation, established in 1962, is a premier manufacturer of digital electronics and appliances. Chinon’s portfolio of products in the United States includes a digital photo frame, USB micro-SD card reader, digital compass, and heat stroke alert wristwatch. For additional information, please visit www.ChinonUSA.com

[via TheGadgeteer]

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I think it might be fair to say that Altec Lansing has gone of the freakin’ reservation with their MIX Boombox.  While I appreciate is versatility and utilitarian approach, something about it seems so 80s to me.  Maybe its the word ‘boombox’, or the stylings of a time passed?

This beast includes a set of 5.25-inch side firing subwoofers, dual 1-inch tweeter, dual 3-inch mid range drivers and of course the quintessential iPod/iPhone dock.  Hidden on top is a slot for the carabiner inspired remote control and two 3.5mm input jacks for adding two more audio sources, or iPods as their marketing pictures depict.  Jamming in 8 D battery will get you up to 30 hours of continuous playback time and despite its rugged looks the MIX Boombox isn’t spec’d for the beach or any outdoor activity.

The MIX Boombox will be available this September for $299.95

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While it’s far from a ‘game changer’, JVC introduced a new HiFi stereo system with a flip out iPod Dock, today.  Called the UX-LP5 it features a front facing USB input, 70 watts total power, 2-way bass reflex speakers, digital tuner and a video out for playing back movies and TV shows on a connected TV.  The JVC UX-LP5 is available now for $149.95.

[Thank, Jan]

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Features:

• iPod dock with FM radio
• Backlit display, charge your iPod while listening, remote

Features:

• WiFi G connectivity
• Stream Internet radio or music from your PC
• Alarm clock and sleek design

Features:

• Audio system with built-in iPod dock and USB input
• FM radio, remote and 20 radio presets

Features:

• All digital amplifier and big sound in a small box
• Built-in WiFi and Internet radio stations, alarm and SqueezeNetwork

Buy it: Logitech 930-000054 Squeezebox Boom All-In-One Network Music Player – $273

Features:

• 2.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter for superior sound
• Works with a varity of iPods and MP3 players + remote control

Buy it: Klipsch iGroove Portable iPod Speaker System – $80

Features:

• iPod plug which allows you to control the MP3 player from the system
• USB input and audio + aluminum finish and iPod stand

Buy it: JVC UXEP25 Mini Component Audio System – $99

Features:

• Single piece boombox built specifically for the iPod
• Includes remote and shielded speakers

Buy it: Bose SoundDock Digital Music System – $200