Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Old Navy.
In this day and age, technology gives us endless ways to look for and listen to any specific song we’re looking for. With digital music available to us right at our fingertips, it’s now about finding ways to get the most out of our music-listening experience. Here, then, are ten of the best gadgets and gear out there that are not only well-designed, they’re perfect for anyone who appreciates the high-quality, clear sound of music everywhere they go.
From the makers of the stylish Jawbone headset comes a new portable wireless bluetooth speaker that promises clear, room-filling sound. This beautiful Yves Behar designed box gets eight hours of continuous playback so you can keep the party going all night long. You can stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device including your phone, laptop, desktop or iPad. With a built-in microphone, the Jambox can even act as a speakerphone for conference calls.
2. TDK Boombox: $499 for 3-speaker version
With a USB and RCA auxiliary ports that can connect to your music source, like your iPod or iPhone, this boombox may look like one for yesteryear but it’s actually a head-turning update! You still have AM/FM radio but instead of old analog switches, you now have touch sensitive-buttons. With a 15-watt center woofer and 10-watt side speakers get ready for some bumpin’ sound! Love the high gloss black finish.
3. Beats Studio by Dr. Dre: $299.95
If you’re looking for over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones, you’ll find two leaders, Bose or Beats by Dr. Dre. Beats was developed by music industry professionals and promises to give you incredible power, clarity and deep bass. Can you believe that three years of research and development went into making these headphones? Cool bonus: the headphones come with an iPhone enabled headphone cable with built-in answer button and microphone so you can easily switch from listening to music to talking on your phone.
4. iPad: $499-$829 + Djay App: $19.99
While there can a countless number of ways you can enjoy music on your iPad, there’s one app that will truly make you appreciate it if you’re a music lover. The Djay app is DJ software that transforms your iPad into a full-fledged DJ system. Not only does it seamlessly integrate all of your iPod music library, the hyper-realistic touchscreen interface will make you feel as though you’re spinning on turntables rather than your iPad! Work on everything from pre-cueing, beat matching and scratching.
5. Shure SE425 Sound-Isolating Earphones: $300
Shure’s SE425 earbuds are for those people who want to upgrade out of their white, out-of-the-box iPod earphones.They deliver fantastic audio quality and sound isolation that can block out a good deal of noise, making it perfect for the person who values not only a crisp and clean sound but an accurate and balanced one. In fact, the SE425 uses a dedicated tweeter and woofer. Nice touch? Detachable cable can be replaced.
6. Logitech Squeezebox Touch: $300
If you want to play music anywhere in your house but you want to pull it from your computer, try out the Logitech Squeezebox Touch. Whether you want to listen to your own music collection from music services like iTunes and Amazon or you want to all the endless choices that come with internet radio, you can do it all using this device. They’ve even recently partnered up with Pandora and Rhapsody, so you can discover new music from those services. Loving the color touch-screen.
7. Bose SoundLink Wireless Music System: $494.95
Gadget setup doesn’t get easier than this! Plug a USB key into your computer and the Bose SoundLink system will play your digital music and Internet radio from your computer. With its long-range wireless link, just use the remote control and you can then easily change the song from virtually anywhere in the house. You’ll get Bose quality sound performance and a rechargeable battery that will free you from any outlets. Nice!
The newest iPod Nano shrunk about half its size but is now multi-touch with a built-in FM radio! It’s perfect for anyone on the go – who wants to take it on a quick walk or a jog through the park. If you can’t get enough of your Nano, there are even plans underway to turn it into a sleek watch. For those who love their music and Apple’s sleek design, this lightweight gadget is a must-have.
9. Parrot Zikmu Wireless Speakers: $1,500
Before you balk at the hefty $1,500 price tag for these gorgeous speakers, let me remind you that they are designed by one of the most iconic designers of our time, Philippe Starck. Zikmu stands at the cutting edge of new wireless technologies and streams audio tracks without any wires in sight thanks to its dedicated iPod/iPhone docking station and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. “These speakers are thoroughly modern, thanks to all their technical specifications and minimalist design,” explains Philippe Starck. “They feature the most extreme and innovative technology with the fewest possible materials to deliver maximum effect: that is the magic.” Think of this as art in your living room!
10. Voltaic OffGrid Solar Backpack: $249
If you’re always listening to your iPod or MP3 player, you’ll want to make sure it’s always charged. Voltaic’s OffGrid Solar Backpack can help. It has a removable solar pocket that can charge all your hand-held electronics. Just connect any USB charger direct to the battery’s USB port or select from nine included adapters. This is the perfect bag for a student or a traveler who’s always finding their gadgets running low on energy.
Hope you enjoyed our list. What are some of your must-have music gadgets?