Sony's MDR-EX36SC earbuds with dual-purpose speaker / case

Well, well, convergence that makes a bit of sense. While Sony's new MDR-EX36SC headphones are just another in-ear pair with 9-mm drivers, that bundled case is something special: it doubles as a passive speaker. Sure, the quality won't impress, but for a total price of just ¥3,675 (about $41) they'll do just fine for listening to podcasts in a pinch. Available in Japan starting February 10th.

[Via Impress]

[nowayman Posted Jan 16th 2009 3:19AM]

wow.
next gadget pls.

[CJ Posted Jan 16th 2009 3:22AM]

this is actually a pretty good idea.

Because let's face it, who of us haven't turned their earbuds into impromptu speakers with some foam cups or cones of paper when we're trying to share a song or two?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 3:54AM]

That's a total number of 228 holes in one unit, 76 big, 74 medium, 78 small. and of all 98 breathable holes, I count big, medium, small holes of 32, 33, 33 respectively. That's a lot of holes, but I still, awake........ After all, besides color, holes and sheep are two completely different species.

[pk Posted Jan 16th 2009 4:09AM]

O_o LOL. Were you trying to get yourself to sleep or are you really that bored?

[shithead Posted Jan 16th 2009 5:48AM]

some typical engadget reader is going to tell you very soon that you counted wrong

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 5:58AM]

You counted wrong.

[Hydraulics Posted Jan 16th 2009 6:01AM]

You counted wrong.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 7:11AM]

I've never been a fan of the 'fake hole' aesthetic, as if they are trying to keep some sort of pattern going. Seen in so many electronics. Make breathable holes, leave the rest of the surface 'un-holed' and smooth; they serve no purpose being there.

Nice to know how many there are, btw :p

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 6:16AM]

The speaker looks really flimsy...

[stridermt2k Posted Jan 16th 2009 7:20AM]

Not a bad idea really.

Getting some better use from the case isn't a bad thing as long as the bulk isn't too bad.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 8:34AM]

Very cool idea. Why do I bother mixing in stereo anymore though? First the "one ear bud" fad and now this? Bring back Vinyl!!!!

[Ishcabible Posted Jan 16th 2009 8:32AM]

It was never "gone" it just faded away because of the portability freaks. I love vinyl.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2009 8:41AM]

"Is GE guts"