Hasta La Ideas

Three music players fit for life on the road

Summer is here, and it’s time to get the hell out of Dodge. As frequent travelers we can best survive a road trip, long-distance flight or lengthy train ride with easy access to good tunes, and we like our gear to match form for function. So, with this in mind we’ve shortlisted three minimally designed devices engineered to enhance any journey.

Philips Shoqbox

This compact, wireless and durable device hits all the necessary marks for a portable speaker. The tall boy-sized speaker packs two drivers for impressive sound quality inside a reinforced casing that’s both shock and splash resistant. The cylindrical design allows for use in a prone or standing position, both offering slightly different listening experiences. Connecting through bluetooth to any mobile device is a breeze. Additional impressive features include a motion sensor to change songs with the wave of your hand, the option to pair two speakers for surround sound and a wireless range of over 30 feet—perfect for rooftops and backyard BBQs. Purchase the Shoqbox directly from Philips for $180.

Bowers & Wilkins P3

Building off the basics of the much adored P5 headphone, the slender P3 retains its big brother’s sleek looks and unparalleled audio performance with a lighter footprint and foldable body. Each ear pad features a specially engineered “acoustic fabric” for audio transparency, and the sealed pads boost bass and actually form to the wearer’s ears with heat-sensitive memory foam. Plus, the P3 comes equipped with a remote and microphone to seamlessly link to your iPhone. The travel-friendly headphones pack up neatly into a clamshell style hard case for portability. The newly released P3 is available from Apple for $199.

A-Jays One+

With the tagline of “Made for many”, the One+ Earbud is compatible across multiple device brands. Optimized for Android phones, the headphone’s multifunction controls are compatible with everything from Windows phones to Apple iOS devices and all the way down to your old Nokia flip phone. In addition to the universal workability, the flat, tangle-free cables are really what makes these puppies portable. The smooth rubber coating and uniform surface of the cords keep them from jumbling, letting you toss them in your bag or stuff them in your pocket without getting tied up in knots. The A-Jays One+ sells online for just $60.

Images by Graham Hiemstra