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Lasonic i931 High Performance Portable Music System

Lasonic i931 High Performance Portable Music System

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Product summary

The good: The Lasonic i931 is an unapologetically retro iPod boom box that packs plenty of features into its enormous frame.

The bad: The Lasonic i931's construction is so flimsy it feels fake, and its oversized body is absurd for a portable device.

The bottom line: Buy it for looks, buy it for fun; but don't expect quality from the Lasonic i931.

Specs: Device type: Boombox; Tuner bands: AM/FM; Amplifier total output power: 24 Watt See full specs >>

Price range: $149.02 - $153.99

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Reviewed by: Donald Bell

Reviewed on 6/27/08 Release date: 5/1/08

The Lasonic i931 ($199) is a novelty iPod speaker system with a retro look inspired by the ghetto-blaster craze of the 1980s. Constructed mostly of air and cheap plastic, the Lasonic i931 is packed with features that are mostly wasted on its wholly impractical design.

Design
As a fashion statement, there are few iPod accessories that rival the Lasonic i931. Measuring 15 inches tall, 2 feet wide, and 7 inches deep, the Lasonic i931 is bigger than a toddler. The front of the Lasonic i931 is cluttered with graphics, creating the illusion of a product packed with exotic features. Once you get past the glitz and graphics, however, you realize the i931 system could be pared down to a device one half of the size.

Calling the Lasonic i931 a portable speaker system is a bit of a stretch. Whether plugging it into a wall or running it off batteries, chances are you won't be moving the i931 around too much.

Features
The Lasonic i931's features may not justify its ridiculous girth, but it does include a few unique features worth mentioning. As a portable iPod speaker system, standard features such as an iPod charging dock, FM radio, EQ, headphone jack, LCD readout, and a composite AV output are all included on the Lasonic i931. Unexpected features such as AM radio, 1/4-inch microphone input, SD/MMC and USB Flash drive playback support, might inspire some users to purchase the Lasonic i931 in spite of its substandard construction quality.

Performance
Keeping in the ghetto blaster tradition, playing the Lasonic i931 at full volume will probably draw an angry mob to your doorstep. The quality of the Lasonic i931's sound, however, is nothing to brag about. If you're serious about reviving the '80s, or need a convincing prop for your break-dancing crew, the Lasonic i931 is a justifiable investment. Those of you simply looking for a powerful iPod boom box should consider more durable products such as the Altec Lansing iM7 or Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go 6.

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