;)
While Panasonic is rather renowned for their brutally uncomfortable line of portable ear-bud headphones--the kind with rigid nubs that jam into the sides of one's cranium with the same cartilage-friendly form factor as a Hot Wheels VW Beetle replica--the new Shockwave VMSS Neckband Headphones are worth checking out... perhaps.
This "Brain Shaker Extreme" model is the wrap-around variety and features a singular vibration module that rests at the base of your skull. It vaguely emulates a thrumming bottom-end of audio as if you were using a subwoofer for a pillow. If you can get past the aforementioned uncomfortable-ness of the ear pieces, the single AA battery powered, high-speed wiggle-motion does, in fact, enhance the music listening experience--though not as much as a good pair of headphones with decent bass frequency delivery.
But this particular pair of shocking 'phones also hopes to be useful in your portable videogame playing endeavors. It effectively raps on the base of your skull every time you shoot you weapon in, say, Metroid Fusion for GameBoy Advance; veritably knocks you upside the head quite squarely when there's a bullet hit or big explosion or three.
Vibrator intensity is adjustable, thank heavens, and can be switched off entirely with a flick of a switch mounted on the cord--in which case, you're left with an awkward pair of uncomfortable, spring-loaded headphones latched to your ears...
Hmm.
But if you like a good kick in the nape when you're playing games, go nuts.
The Verdict: Ok Concept. Ok Purchase.
Reviewed: Mar. 31, 2003
Type: Game Enhancer, PersonalTech
From: Panasonic
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