Hey! TSS Radio, XMP3 Armbands?
- Thread starter hyson
- Start date
Hehe... I think someone's been boozing it up early!
I probably would have opted for that option already if Tom didn't say he was building/designing a prototype specifically for the XMp3.
It's another few weeks.
BUT Hyson, I'll send you the prototype for a review. How about that?
Well, I'd be down with that but I'm not sure how much of a review one can get from an armband (if that's what it is).
But, I'll leave it up to you. I'll do as much of a review as possible, in full detail and take pictures and all.
So.... :idunno: Sure, what the hell. Why not...
I just found this new XMP3 armband & case @ Crutchfield:
Audiovox XMP3LC1 Leather Case Protect your XMp3 portable satellite radio at Crutchfield.com
Audiovox XMP3LC1 Leather Case Protect your XMp3 portable satellite radio at Crutchfield.com
Disclaimer: I didn't see an appropriate place for this so I'm posting it here. Mods, please split, move or do whatever you think is appropriate.
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So, since acquiring CPT Badmotherfarker's XMp3 XM radio, I immediately saw the need for an armband to fully enjoy the radio's portability, as the antenna needs to clearly be in sight of the sky - my pocket just wasn't doing the trick.
I started this thread with the hopes of quickly buying one from Taylor and TSS-Radio.com. Much to my amazement, TSS didn't currently offer the product I was looking for but told me one was in development.
After checking back a month later and much to my amazement, Taylor proposes for me to check out the prototype and to write up a review. I thought, "Well heck yeah! Why not!!"
So, I received the package today. First, let me start off by saying it got here amazingly fast and it was double wrapped in two bubble mailers - off to an excellent start so far - so kudos to TSS even before I saw the product.
Ok, on with the show, as they say.
What I found when I opened the mailer was three pieces to this product. (click pictures for larger images, please)
The parts are pretty self-explanatory. But just in case:
The piece in the middle is the actual case/holder for the XMp3 player. As you can see, it's clear plastic material that protects the screen and buttons. The wheel cutout is neat and allows you to fully access the scroll wheel.
The elastic looking thing is just that, an elastic armband that hooks into the back of the case and wraps around your arm. It's very functional and can be done with one arm.
And finally, the third piece is a belt loop connector, much like what cellphone cases use. It attaches to a hidden plastic connector on the back that needs to be pushed through the slot, as seen here.
When attached, looks like this:
So now that we got the fundamentals out of the way, I'll give you my initial impressions of the product.
Now, I have to be honest here; when I looked at the case I thought it was a pretty good layout considering the design of the XMp3 player. The unit slipped inside the case rather easily and it was a snug fit; no worries about it popping out while walking, riding, snowboarding, etc.
Unfortunately, the plastic and faux leather felt rather cheap and I was afraid I was going to tear it a few times. For instance, attaching and removing the belt clip.
I really can't knock it because it hasn't failed, ripped or torn. I'd be a damn shame if that occurred prematurely though.
Continuing, the cutouts for the buttons are all there and then some! One thing I thought was interesting is that there is a cutout on the bottom of the case that allows the XMp3 radio to dock with the base while still in it the case.
However, when I tried to dock it, the case was obviously preventing a proper seal and I didn't want to jam it in and break something. Aside from that, everything is usable and reachable.
In my estimation, as long as the price remains low on this item, it's definitely a handy thing to have. And only time will tell if it holds up to my casual use. I plan on writing some more and following up if anything arises and to update on the condition of the product.
I just want to say thanks to Taylor for asking me to write this and CaptBMF for having that rocking contest.
Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure....
************************************************
So, since acquiring CPT Badmotherfarker's XMp3 XM radio, I immediately saw the need for an armband to fully enjoy the radio's portability, as the antenna needs to clearly be in sight of the sky - my pocket just wasn't doing the trick.
I started this thread with the hopes of quickly buying one from Taylor and TSS-Radio.com. Much to my amazement, TSS didn't currently offer the product I was looking for but told me one was in development.
After checking back a month later and much to my amazement, Taylor proposes for me to check out the prototype and to write up a review. I thought, "Well heck yeah! Why not!!"
So, I received the package today. First, let me start off by saying it got here amazingly fast and it was double wrapped in two bubble mailers - off to an excellent start so far - so kudos to TSS even before I saw the product.
Ok, on with the show, as they say.
What I found when I opened the mailer was three pieces to this product. (click pictures for larger images, please)
The parts are pretty self-explanatory. But just in case:
The piece in the middle is the actual case/holder for the XMp3 player. As you can see, it's clear plastic material that protects the screen and buttons. The wheel cutout is neat and allows you to fully access the scroll wheel.
The elastic looking thing is just that, an elastic armband that hooks into the back of the case and wraps around your arm. It's very functional and can be done with one arm.
And finally, the third piece is a belt loop connector, much like what cellphone cases use. It attaches to a hidden plastic connector on the back that needs to be pushed through the slot, as seen here.
When attached, looks like this:
So now that we got the fundamentals out of the way, I'll give you my initial impressions of the product.
Now, I have to be honest here; when I looked at the case I thought it was a pretty good layout considering the design of the XMp3 player. The unit slipped inside the case rather easily and it was a snug fit; no worries about it popping out while walking, riding, snowboarding, etc.
Unfortunately, the plastic and faux leather felt rather cheap and I was afraid I was going to tear it a few times. For instance, attaching and removing the belt clip.
I really can't knock it because it hasn't failed, ripped or torn. I'd be a damn shame if that occurred prematurely though.
Continuing, the cutouts for the buttons are all there and then some! One thing I thought was interesting is that there is a cutout on the bottom of the case that allows the XMp3 radio to dock with the base while still in it the case.
However, when I tried to dock it, the case was obviously preventing a proper seal and I didn't want to jam it in and break something. Aside from that, everything is usable and reachable.
In my estimation, as long as the price remains low on this item, it's definitely a handy thing to have. And only time will tell if it holds up to my casual use. I plan on writing some more and following up if anything arises and to update on the condition of the product.
I just want to say thanks to Taylor for asking me to write this and CaptBMF for having that rocking contest.
Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure....
Good review! The pictures are a must for something like this, to see an actual product and user placing it in there and showing it rather than some mockup picture.
I use the case that came with my Inno. I just cut the plastic screen on the case half way down so I can access the wheel and buttons.