SONICiBOOM combines a backpack and an amplified iPod speaker system. A backpack with powered speakers built in sounds like a pretty good idea (pun intended), and it is. Unfortunately, this particular backpack/speaker combination misses the mark on almost every level.

	photo by Bob LeVitus

Your iPod goes into a small transparent compartment on the front of the backpack near the top. The amplifier is in a larger compartment, also on the front of the pack but near the bottom. And the speakers are on the bottom of the left and right sides of the pack. This layout is fine but sloppily executed. None of the cables are hidden -- they're all exposed and just kind of flopping around. Furthermore, inside the large main compartment the speaker wires are exposed as well.

	photo by Bob LeVitus

The result is that the whole bag looks and feels like it was hurriedly slapped together without much planning or forethought.

For all of my whining about the fit and finish, the audio quality isn't half bad. According to the manufacturer, the amplifier, which requires 6 AA batteries, puts out 5 watts per channel. And the 4-inch speakers are super light neodymium, magnetically shielded, and have water and UV resistant polypropylene cones.

I'd have preferred better and more lifelike bass response. But, not to damn it with faint praise, it sounds better than it looks.

The Bottom Line

There are nicer backpacks for $100 and better iPod speakers for $100, but SONICiBOOM is the only product I know of that combines the two for $100. If you absolutely must have a backpack that doubles as a stereo iPod speaker system, this product may suit your needs. But if you want a well-made, good-looking backpack, or great stereo sound, you'll probably be happier if you spend your dough on something else.