In what is becoming Oakley's typical fall fashion, the company has launched another update/addition to its Thump line of MP3-playing sunglasses. The latest model, dubbed the Split Thump, doesn't expand much upon the features of the previous version, but offers an updated style that hearkens back to the rather stylish Thump 2. Active users looking to combine their love of music with their zest for outdoor activity should definitely consider these MP3-playing sunglasses.
The latest Thumps are the most versatile yet, thanks to removable earbuds. The fact that you can remove the music from the eye protection adds value to the glasses--we dig it.
The style of the Split Thump isn't for everyone, but nor is it obtrusive or ugly. The shape of the glasses is conventionally sporty, so the athletic types to which they would appeal should like them fine.
We'd prefer it if Oakley would include a nice, hard case for protecting the investment--these are pricey glasses, after all--but at least there's a pouch for some minor scratch protection. There's even an extra little one for storing the removable earbuds when not in use.
The telescoping earbuds, which feature three joints for optimal adjustment, should fit almost any user. However, those with smaller ears may have trouble with the straightness of the arms.
The glasses are mostly comfortable--the frames are light and the bridge ergonomic. For eye protection, Oakley's Plutonite lenses filter out 100 percent of all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
...or your average pair of sunglasses. Choose from seven color/lens variations and several capacities--but it's gonna cost you. The 512MB Split Thump goes for $249, the 1GB for $299 ($349 for the polarized version), and the 2GB for $399.
Music playback is about as basic as one would expect from an MP3 player with no screen, although the Split Thump offers a shuffle playback mode and has "support" for playlists--if songs are arranged in folders and transferred via drag-and-drop. This device works with both Windows and Mac, too.
The playback controls are no longer buttons jutting out of the tops of the arms. Instead, Oakley has built them into the metallic "O" logos on either side of the glasses. The left O controls volume, while the right one shuttles tracks--or press the center for play/pause power.
