Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

Ok, so maybe it’s not the same kind of plastic wrap you use in the kitchen, but the SP-AW303 from JVC does appear to use some kind of highly flexible plastic faceplate that not only keeps your MP3 player safe from splashes, but also allows you to safely push all of its buttons, even if your hands are wet. The SP-AW303 itself is just as waterproof, and features a set of 28mm stereo speakers that will run for about 6 1/2 hours with the included batteries. There’s even a remote that can supposedly be used to control your MP3 player, but I imagine the functionality depends on which player you’re actually using.

The JVC SP-AW303 Splash Proof Portable Speaker is available from AudioCubes.com in your choice of white, blue or pink for $79.99.

[ JVC SP-AW303 Splash Proof Portable Speaker ]

By Andrew Liszewski

What’s better than having a miniature astromech droid sitting on your desk pumping out your tunes? Why 2 miniature astromech droids of course. This run-of-the-mill desktop speaker set makes you forget how crappy they probably sound with an awesome R2-D2 and R2-D1 design. The domes flip up revealing the actual speaker, and since they’re powered by the stereo headphone jack connector, don’t expect a THX experience from this pair.

You can pick them up from ThinkGeek for $39.99.

[ Star Wars R2-D2 Speaker Set ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While headphones seem like the obvious choice for enjoying your MP3 player while out jogging or riding a bike, they’re not always the safest solution. And that’s what inspired Jeff Lotman, a cycling enthusiast, to create the Cy-Fi speaker. It’s available in two wireless flavors, a bluetooth version which can connect to a cellphone, PDA or any other device that supports A2DP, and an iPod version that comes with a dongle transmitter that uses the Kleer wireless audio technology instead.

Both versions feature a rechargeable battery that’s good for about 5 1/2 to 6 hours of playback with a range of about 30 feet, and each one allows you to adjust the volume or change the track using a set of buttons on the speaker itself. However, the bluetooth version also allows you to use the Cy-Fi as a speakerphone for taking calls while you’re out and about. Both versions are available on the Cy-Fi online store, with the bluetooth model selling for $179.95 and the iPod model selling for just a bit more at $199.95.

[ Cy-Fi Wireless Speakers ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I’m pretty sure I still remember all the lyrics to the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, but I don’t seem to recall the part where they sing about his ability to pop his eyeballs out of the sockets. Maybe that was only seen in the movie. Either way, this soft spongy speaker dock is fashioned after the top third of SpongeBob’s head, and features a set of eyeball speakers that can be removed allowing them to wobble about based on the type of music you’re playing. The dock features a standard mini stereo jack which means any device that can accept a pair of headphones can be connected, and on top there appears to be an indent for holding your MP3 player while it’s in use.

The SpongeBob Speaker Dock is available from the Nickelodeon Shop for $39.99, and I assume the nightmares your kids will have with this sitting on their dresser are included at no extra charge.

[ SpongeBob SquarePants: Eyeball Speaker Dock ] VIA [ Gearlog ]

By Andrew Liszewski

You know those times when you just want to get down and dance but don’t have access to an abandoned factory like Kevin Bacon did? Well now you can let the iBoogie do the dancing for you. It’s basically a small speaker that connects to your MP3 player of choice via the headphone jack, but that’s not all. The iBoogie also includes an array of LEDs that light up in the shape of a stick figure who dances along with the music you’re playing.

The footloose stick figure apparently has over 50 choreographed dance moves, and if you don’t have an MP3 player, the iBoogie also includes the song Canned Heat built-in. It’s powered by 3 AA batteries and even includes the appropriate audio cable.

You can order one from the HSN website, and I assume the actual channel, for $19.95.

[ iBoogie Speaker and Dance Machine for MP3 Players ] VIA [ Chip Chick ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Yep, the Woodchuck speakers are your basic set of flat-packed cardboard speakers that would make IKEA proud. But for those who are worried what their friends will think when they discover that sweet stereo setup is actually made of cardboard, the Woodchuck speakers feature a wood grain print which should easily fool anyone into thinking they’re the real deal. That is unless of course they try to look at them, pick them up, splash water on them, set them on fire or happen to read OhGizmo! They’re available from Delight.com in a dark or light wood grain finish for just $13.50.

[ Woodchuck iPod/Laptop Speaker Set ] VIA [ Gear Live ]

By Andrew Liszewski

JBL refers to this speaker design as “90 degrees of pure ingenuity” and while I’ve personally never been stymied by a corner or a 90 degree angle when trying to install speakers, they do appear to make the task somewhat easier. I think the real innovation with these speakers (if you can call it that) is the modular design which allows you to easily connect up to 4 of them together, reducing the number of mounting brackets you need to attach them to a wall or other structure. Now I can’t vouch for how how good they actually sound, but with a price tag of $225 each from Harman Audio, I’m pretty sure you’re not just paying for the angled design.

[ JBL Control Now Speakers ] VIA [ Cool Material ]

By Andrew Liszewski

In recent years the headphone market has seen quite a boom, most likely thanks to the iPod and the hundreds of others of MP3 players now available. And I’m sure we’re all aware of the dangers of having your headphones (or particularly your earbuds) set too loud which can damage your eardrums. (It makes you wonder if the hearing aid market will also be seeing a boom in about 20 years.) So as an alternative to using headphones, Orbitsound would like you to consider their new T3 portable speaker which is actually designed to be worn hanging around your neck.

The T3 is roughly the same size as a smartphone, weighs about 115g and will apparently provide you with “your own personal stereo aura around your head.” The built-in rechargeable battery is good for up to 10 hours of playing time, and the amplifier supplies 8 watts of audio power to the airSOUND speaker array crammed into the T3’s enclosure. I’m not entirely sure if the company expects you to wear this speaker while going about your daily routine, or just in the privacy of your own home. I know I’m already concerned about disturbing other people when I’m wearing headphones, so I don’t think I’d personally be comfortable walking around with one of these blaring my music all day. But if you’re more concerned with protecting your hearing than disturbing others, it’s available from the Orbitsound website for about $170.

[ orbitsound T3 ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Since it’s Monday morning I’m going to avoid any and all ‘rock’ puns when it comes to these outdoor speakers from Klipsch. The AWR-650-SM speakers are designed to blend into your yard or garden while providing full-bodied sound and bass response. They feature a “true two-way design that employs a 6.5-inch dual voice coil polymer woofer and dual ¾-inch polymer dome tweeters” which allows the speakers to play both left and right stereo signals with precision and clarity.

While the photo tends to make the speaker seem somewhat large, it’s actually only 17 inches tall and comes in a granite, sandstone or red rock finish. It also has a durable UV-resistant enclosure so the finish won’t fade after sitting out in the sun all Summer long, and is weatherproof which means the party can keep going even if it starts raining.

[ Klipsch AWR-650-SM Rock Speaker ] VIA [ Uncrate ]