Why You Can Trust CNET Techwiz Musak
Combining a laptop case with a set of portable speakers might seem like a good idea, but the Techwiz Musak proves otherwise.
Techwiz Musak
Were you one of the acid-wash-jeans-wearing, boombox-toting Generation-Xers from the '80s? Do you still enjoy blasting music from your home or car loud enough for all to hear? Can people listen to music coming from the headphones on your head? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the Techwiz Musak laptop carrying case is probably your dream come true. This innovative boombag (as we like to call it) features built-in speakers, a customized iPod or iPod Mini holster, and an amp pack with an on/off switch and a volume knob, as well as four AA batteries. But as its name suggests, the Musak isn't just for blasting your iPod or other similarly sized player's tunes for the world to hear; the Musak also functions as a protective satchel for your computer, complete with padded sides. There's a PDA-size pouch, places for three pens, and three credit card/ID slots. On the front flap, you get a zipper pocket for your belongings. We were dismayed by the sound quality of the Musak--there was heavy distortion at high volumes, especially for rock tracks, and lower volumes proved difficult to hear. If you're looking for a way to share your tunes, we recommend portable speakers instead.
Were you one of the acid-wash-jeans-wearing, boombox-toting Generation-Xers from the '80s? Do you still enjoy blasting music from your home or car loud enough for all to hear? Can people listen to music coming from the headphones on your head? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the Techwiz Musak laptop carrying case is probably your dream come true. This innovative boombag (as we like to call it) features built-in speakers, a customized iPod or iPod Mini holster, and an amp pack with an on/off switch and a volume knob, as well as four AA batteries. But as its name suggests, the Musak isn't just for blasting your iPod or other similarly sized player's tunes for the world to hear; the Musak also functions as a protective satchel for your computer, complete with padded sides. There's a PDA-size pouch, places for three pens, and three credit card/ID slots. On the front flap, you get a zipper pocket for your belongings. We were dismayed by the sound quality of the Musak--there was heavy distortion at high volumes, especially for rock tracks, and lower volumes proved difficult to hear. If you're looking for a way to share your tunes, we recommend portable speakers instead.