weatherproof
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Grace Audio Weatherprooof Submersible Wireless Speaker does just what you think it would
Ah, summertime. Hot dogs, baseball, beer, bikinis, submersible pool speakers. Yeah, we said that. This speaker, called the Weatherproof Submersible Wireless Speaker (bonus points for creativity, guys) from Grace Audio is good for up to 9 feet of underwater music fun. The turtle-like unit connects to any music source up to 150 feet away, runs for about six hours on a single charge, and will set you back around $149 with additional speakers for $99 each. Up to ten speakers can be chained wirelessly for the ultimate sub-surface disco bash.[Via Crave]
Pantel / Aquatic AV weatherproof LCD TVs get torture tested, survive
Neither Pantel's 32-inch PAN320 nor Aquatic AV's 17-inch AQ-LCD17S-1 boast HD panels, but these units can do some things even the mighty Kuro can't. Those sadistic (and oh-so-lucky) souls over at Sound and Vision Magazine were able to grab hold of the duo and indulge in an afternoon of torture -- all without fear of negative consequences. After blasting each set with a water hose, dousing 'em in Kool-Aid and even piling on the dirt, neither missed a single scene. Of course, they will set you back $3,950 and $1,999, respectively, but at least you won't be cooped up inside all summer, right? Hit the read link (and slip on the goggles) for the full report.
Pantel ships 32-inch PAN320 / 42-inch PAN420 waterproof LCD HDTVs
We know, the mere thought of going and putting chlorine into that pool makes you want to lock yourself in the closet, but Pantel's looking to give HD junkies with water-lovin' kids a reason to look forward to the summer. The 32-inch PAN320 and 42-inch PAN420 LCD HDTVs each boast a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,600:1 contrast ratio, a fairly beastly bezel and a thing for shedding water. You'll also find an anti-reflective glass and apparently, it comes with some sort of wireless capabilities integrated in. Unfortunately, having an HDTV that will gladly take a cannonball splash won't come cheap, as the 32-incher will demand $3,950 while the bigger brother checks in at $4,450.[Via SlipperyBrick]
Runco sets up camp with outdoor LCD
High-end manufacturer Runco is headed for the great outdoors with a 42-inch LCD panel that's ruggedized and weatherproofed for use outside the home. The 1366 x 768-native WP-42HD flat panel sports a cabinet design to minimize exposure to the elements, and has a "Winter Mode" to allow it to operate down to -4° F -- low enough to want to watch it through the window instead of beside it. As is usual for Runco, the set includes RS-232 automation, a custom high-gloss bezel, and a $8,995 price tag to match, leaving us to wonder if we can instead pick up eight Vizio sets and just replace one every winter.
Lowrance unveils rugged 3.5-inch XOG navigator
Lowrance's XOG isn't the first from the company to feel at home away from the beaten path, as this 3.5-inch navigator was built to handle everything from in-car vacations to weekend treks through the forest. Sporting a rugged, weatherproof enclosure, this unit touts a 320 x 240 resolution backlit touchscreen, 2D / elevated 3D maps, a 12-channel GPS antenna, NAVTEQ maps, three million POIs, support for the firm's FreedomMaps, Fishing Hot Spots PRO, LakeMaster ProMaps and NauticPath options, an integrated MP3 player / JPEG viewer, SD expansion slot and a rechargeable Li-ion for good measure. Mum's the word on pricing as of now, but it will apparently be "available soon" and will come bundled with a device cradle, in-car mounting kit and a mini-USB cable.[Via NaviGadget]
AQUiVO's weatherproof HDTV meets a fire hose blast, survives
Rest assured, we've witnessed our fair share of hardcore devices, and while we've seen fancy LCDs that purport to be waterproof, AQUiVO's IP56-rated weather resistant LCD took one on the chin to prove its claim. The aluminum-framed, completely sealed HDTV was hoisted onto a wall outside, and with little mercy shown, a fire hose blast tried its best to infiltrate the screen. Amazingly enough, the display appeared relatively untouched after its midday shower, and if you've got those skeptical genes, feel free to check out the video for yourself after the break.[Via ShinyShiny]
Sanyo's weatherproof LCD TV: the 42-inch 42LM4WPN
Sanyo's been on an LCD run of late, busting out a 7.1-inch 1080p edition, only to now take things outside with its weatherproof 42-inch LCD TV. The 42LM4WPN sports the IP56 weather resistance approval, and also sports an anti-reflective, tamper-resistant glass to show off those sparkling HD signals even when pummeled with streams of water. The set boasts a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 800:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angle, 8-millisecond response time, and a lightweight aluminum frame to boot. On the rear, you'll find inputs for VGA, HDMI (HDCP-compliant), RGBHV (BNC), component, composite, audio out, and even an RS-232 serial port. The display also plays nice with Sanyo's PJ-NET organizer, which allows the display to be used as a network monitor, "using your internet browser to monitor and control" its properties without any additional software. While there's no set release date or pricetag associated with this rugged beauty just yet, we're hoping Sanyo opens up the flood gates around CES.
Stealth Computer's $1,195 2000-DT-TB keyboard
We've seen plenty of rugged devices hit the market, and we've witnessed all sorts of newfangled keyboards as well, but Stealth Computers is blending over-the-top durability with one of the most basic input peripherals known to man in its 2000-DT-TB models. Offered in both PS/2 and USB forms, this "totally sealed" NEMA-certified stainless steel 'board is entirely weatherproof, sports an integrated trackball (complete with adjustable "tension ring"), silicon rubber keys, and can handle a dissertation composition in 194 degrees F and 100% humidity (as long as the operator can endure the conditions). The bonus "WIN" button is also a welcome touch, as we imagine it allows you to emerge victorious in a WOW raid with a single key press. Oddly enough, this beast of a 'board is only backed by a one year limited warranty, which doesn't exactly support the bold claims we're led to believe -- while most may harp on the $1,195 pricetag, the real issue is whether or not your $10,000 Dell XPS 600 Renegade (and $99 mouse) can hold their own in the rough as well.
