Creative TravelSound i85 adds external speaker, FM tuner to iPod nano

There's really no easy way to say it -- Creative's TravelSound i85 is bordering on unsightly, so devout fashionistas should probably look elsewhere. For those who always put design second and utility first, this here device adds a portable speaker and FM tuning abilities to Apple's fourth-generation iPod nano (the tall, thin one, for those unaware) and even includes a built-in rechargeable battery for pumping out up to 15 hours of house jams. Aside from operating as a gaudy wrist adornment, it can also double as a stand (horizontally or vertically), though there's no Dock Connector pass-through (just a miniUSB plug). Worth $99.99? That's between you and the monster underneath your bed.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

[Sharif @ Apr 23rd 2009 6:40PM]

Sorry, the monster under my bed has already been sued by Monster Cable for copyright infringement.

[Joseph @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:03PM]

I think it was pun-intentional.

[Dan Fruzzetti @ Apr 24th 2009 4:45AM]

The post is oxymoronic.

"Those who always put design second and utility first" don't buy iPods, rendering the whole discussion epically academic.

[Tim @ Jul 6th 2009 9:28PM]

@Dan, really? I think unless you're mastering concertos and using your DAP as a proof device, it's your point that is rather - well, dull.

iPods do a fine job of playing music to those that purchase them, and although I haven't used an iPod in a while (actually playing music off my Blackberry right now, because I don't care where it comes from) it's a perfectly fine DAP.

People that stay away from iPod are usually just doing it because they have something against Apple or group mentality, even when that mentality is actually rational. I'm sure you're enjoying your I-River player and everything but let go - iPods are fine. The iTunes system is convenient. There's a reason it dominates the market.

[Mmmm... Dohnuts. @ Apr 23rd 2009 6:45PM]

Ugh. Not4methnxbi

[Andy @ Apr 23rd 2009 6:47PM]

I actually think it is a good design for what it is. How else would you design a portable external speaker for your iPod nano?

[Erik @ Apr 23rd 2009 6:52PM]

Wouldn't the people that chose utility over form and wanted FM radio more likely have just gotten a flash Zune instead of the iPod?

[DirtyVegas @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:54PM]

No this is for the chaps who bought an ipod for the "range of accessories"...

[Mark Anderson @ Apr 23rd 2009 6:54PM]

I quite like it. Pretty useful for a small beach party or BBQ.

[shengkunya @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:05PM]

The 2nd generation nano is also tall and thin.
I have one...
Will it work on mine?

[Taylor @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:07PM]

Careful engadget! You don't wanna get sued by Monster now do you? ;)

[daveofferson @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:11PM]

First thought: "Cool."

Second thought: "How much?"

Third thought: "HFS!!!"

[required @ Apr 23rd 2009 7:31PM]

Neat. Need a Classic version. Make it look like one of those retro realtone beachboy transistor radios and I'm sold.

[cuby @ Apr 23rd 2009 8:19PM]

incidentally does anyone know if there is a reason there is never AM radio as a feature on mp3 players? seriously, is there some technical limitation?

[Chris @ Apr 23rd 2009 8:57PM]

From what I remember an AM radio must have a tall antenna, because it needs to receive both short and tall radio waves. FM only has to worry about how quickly it receives the waves so it can use a small antenna. AM must have an antenna that is as tall as the tallest wave it would receive. If what I'm saying is right, it could have an AM radio but it would have to have a 4 ft. antenna sticking out of the top of it. Not exactly Apple's typically sleek appearance.

[Niz @ Apr 23rd 2009 8:59PM]

AM requires a looped antenna, usually in alarm clocks it would be a wound coil housed internally and the wire hanging out is for FM, these coils takes up lots of room so i presume that's why they're not used in mobile devices. I suppose you could loop around the device itself but its probably due to interference or something since the mp3 player is in the loop. I am presuming, but I hope im right, maybe someone else knows more.

[Mike @ Apr 23rd 2009 9:42PM]

Does the iPod pull a charge from the speaker's battery or are the independent?

[Kyle Brandes @ Apr 23rd 2009 10:06PM]

OMFG!!! I was seriously about to tip engadget on this thing!!! F***!!!!

[Brawny @ Apr 23rd 2009 10:12PM]

I don't know whether to be horrified at Creative possibly taking away from their own players' sales, or glad that the name "Creative" might get into the minds of iTards, and possibly go for a Zen when their iPod's battery dies.

[Steve @ Apr 23rd 2009 11:37PM]

Creative over iPod? rofl.

[Kaizaad @ Apr 23rd 2009 11:22PM]

where do i get one was waiting for this so long

[superhobo @ Apr 24th 2009 6:29AM]

These things should be banned.