Upside: Despite all of the extra components required to turn an ordinary pair of sunglasses into a music-bumping device, Oakley's Thump appears sleek and streamlined, with not a single wire to worry about -- great for runners and bikers. The compact earbuds are actually connected to the frame, and thanks to a swiveling, adjustable arm, they can be flipped up to allow you to talk to someone without music blasting in your ears. Unlike TDK's Mojo 1 headphone-style MP3 player, which also eliminates cords, Oakley's Thump serves another purpose: stylishly protecting your eyes from the glare of the sun.
Downside: If you tend to lose sunglasses, this probably isn't the product for you -- the 256MB Thump will set you back a wallet-wrenching US$495. For that much dough, we'd also like a few more style options.
Outlook: We definitely appreciate a device that helps eliminate wires, but we're not convinced many people are going to run out and drop almost US$500 on an MP3 player, even if it comes in a slick-looking pair of sunglasses. Hopefully, Oakley will drop the price in time for the holiday rush.
Oakley Australia expects the Thump to arrive on our shores by February 2005, possibly sooner. Given the U.S pricing, we can expect to pay around AU$700-900.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
lisap
25/10/2006, 06:01 AM
rating
2/10
Don't buy these
I've had these for about a year and had to return them 3 times for faulty parts. This last time, the 4th time returning them, they said I had to pay $49 to have them repaired due to damage from "sweating". Why have these glasses if you can't work out with them? As that is one of their selling points - the ability to work out with them. For the expensive price they charge for these glasses you'd think they would have a better design.
Pros: cool idea to listen to music while working out
Cons: short battery life, poor design, poor corporate customer service
Report offensive comment
jay f
07/09/2006, 02:55 PM
rating
4/10
talked me right out of buying them
i have noticed that oakly and ray ban just dont make a good product anymore. its a shame
Pros: might have goon lenzes
Cons: price yow
Report offensive comment
frddd
22/03/2006, 03:13 PM
Potential Patent Suit Against Oakley
"Potential Patent Suit Against Oakley"
Two patents can be searched on Chinese Intellectual Property Office http://www.sipo.gov.cn against Oakley's Thump mp3 eyeglass and Razrwire sunglasses.
The Chinese patent Nos. 200530061016.5 and 200530059453.3 respectively.
Oakley always liked to suit others, but instead this case it will be suited again, just another hard task after American lawyer Mr. Weyer has launched patent suit against it with a 1990s patent. ( Weyer vs. Oakley link http://www.redherring.com/article.aspx?a=15190 )
Sale of Thump may be deemed an infringement on patents. Be careful.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article+user_reviews/192/Oakley+Thump+MP3+Sunglasses/
Report offensive comment
dacat
09/01/2006, 01:29 PM
you don't know what to do with your money?!buy this junk!!!
maybe very innovative but the sound quality is not very good,the price is high & the design is crap!!
OAKLEY older designs were much better you know!!nowdays they make just crap!
I prefer carry my minidisc when riding,walking or whatever!just because the sound is much better!!!MP3 is junk,it's just good for the computer,you'll have to admit it one day!
Report offensive comment
09/01/2006, 11:28 AM
They rock - clever design & great for running
Report offensive comment
31/08/2005, 05:02 PM
poor memory
Report offensive comment
Runnin Man
26/08/2005, 11:20 PM
I got a lot of toys but these are the best of all
These are the greatest thing since sliced bread.They look good,sound good,are comfy to wear.
They rock.
Report offensive comment
02/07/2005, 11:44 AM
they kik butt duder
Report offensive comment
thump user
29/06/2005, 06:36 AM
don't judge if u don't have one
don't b so ignorant. u can flip up the lenses with these sunnies, so u can still listen while u r indoor.
Report offensive comment
19/06/2005, 04:53 PM
great if u want a headache
Too heavy, a big ripoff and bad quality. What if you want to take your sunglasses off?
Report offensive comment