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Panasonic RQSW33VA Shockwave Portable Radio Cassette Player

Panasonic RQSW33VA Shockwave Portable Radio Cassette Player

List Price: $59.95
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • Durable, water-resistant build
  • 20-station memory
  • XBS Extra Bass System
  • Shockwave hand grip and headphones
  • One AA battery provides 24 hours of playback


Description:

The Panasonic SW33VA Shockwave radio cassette player sports a rugged exterior, strong enough to absorb vibrations and shocks while you are jogging, skateboarding, or even mountain biking.

A twist-lock mechanism firmly holds the cassette into place, so that the player will not shake open under even the most extreme circumstances. We "accidentally" dropped this unit several times, and the player still worked without any complications. While we don't recommend you try this at home, it appears that the unit is a safe choice for anyone who likes to live on the edge.

While Panasonic emphasizes the durability in this unit's design, we found the RQ-SW33VA's sound quality to be strong as well. In particular, the player does a good job with the playback of bass-driven music, which benefits from the built-in Extra Bass System (XBS) technology.

The RQ-SW33VA is packed with extra features, including a digital radio tuner, 20-station memory, and auto reverse. A circular LCD screen reveals the radio-station frequency and also serves as a battery-strength indicator and digital timer. The display also shows animated feet on a running path, but we couldn't figure out why this animation exists.

Rather than cushioned headphones that rest on top of your ears, the RQ-SW33VA's headphones have tiny speakers that fit snugly inside your ears. We found this inner-ear design to be a bit uncomfortable, but it's a matter of personal taste. Still, these ultra-small headphones were incredibly lightweight.

One of the best things about the Panasonic RQ-SW33VA is its efficiency. The player runs on only one AA battery, which gives approximately 24 hours of cassette playback. This portable unit offers a good value for those who like it rough.

Pros:

  • Tough enough for extreme handling
  • Good sound quality
  • Extra Bass System (XBS) enhancement

Cons:

  • Uncomfortable headphones
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