The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

I've been thinking about the MP3 Player Soundwave and while I know it is an awesome toy, I've been wondering about a few things before buying it.

• Is it really worth paying so much money for it?
• Is there a warranty on it?
• Being a foreign device, is it compatible with U.S. content?

More to come...

[Liege Evilmus]

I can't answer your question points.

However my oppinion is he looks awesome! And if he sees a domestic release, I'll get him then.

[Prowl86]

I'll answer you're questions.

1. Hellz yes!
2. Probably.
2. Not sure.

[Sabrblade]

I'll answer you're questions.

1. Hellz yes!
2. Probably.
2. Not sure.

That really doesn't tell me much.

I can't find a cheap enough one to buy, and how can I guarantee that there's a warranty and that it's compatable?

[Liege Evilmus]

And that right there is why I'm waiting for a domestic release.

[JustinRODimus]

well, i plan on buying it when i have the money. if you haven't seen it with repro labels it looks CRAZY cool. im just praying that bbts will still have it buy the time i earn some cash because i know i can trust them with my $$$. its not cheap but they have it for non inflated price. if you buy it from a retailer like that, they'll probably be able to compensate a defective product but usually warranties cover stuff that you DIDN'T cause (so be very, very carefull wit it). it reads a sd card i think so it should work with an american sd card, but i'm not sure how practical it would be using it as a player. (i would hate to have a soundwave end up in the poor shape of my ipod) i would wanna keep it squeaky fresh and clean on my desk!

[Lapse Of Reason]

1. Yes it is worth it if you like Transformers. It is the PERFECT Classic Soundwave, made better by Reprolabels upgrade stickers. I'm not sure what the current market price is, but I got mine for about $70 or $80 I think when it first went on preorder.

2. This is a Japanese import, as you know. There is no USA warranty. The best you could do is order from a place like BBTS with a decent return policy. Honestly, if you plan on using this as an MP3 player you'd be better off getting a cheap MP3 player and put your Soundwave on display where it belongs.


3. It plays an SD Card I bought at Circuit City for $15.00


A domestic release is doubtful, but I suppose it could happen. I downloaded a bunch of Soundwave clips and hooked him up to some Sony portable mini speakers. My Soundwave talks

[Sabrblade]

Well, I've searched around and the cheapest ones are on Ebay. Those other stores only sell them at Bill Gates prices.

• How good is the return policy for Ebay?

[rpetras]

Well, I've searched around and the cheapest ones are on Ebay. Those other stores only sell them at Bill Gates prices.

• How good is the return policy for Ebay?

Yes he is worth it. It is the best Soundwave ever produced IMO.
If you are a fan of the character, or just a fan of transformers he is great.

Ebay does not have a return policy. The person you deal with (the seller) may or may not have a return policy.

I really wouldn't recommend using it as my "take around" MP3 player. Put in the batteries & sd card, mess with it for a bit and then yank the batteries.

This is a fairly high dollar imported collectible, that happens to play MP3s. You wouldn't eat lunch off your mom's Disney plate collection. It's basically the same thing.

I would also LOVE if they released this version, sans electronics, as a deluxe in the classics line!

[Sabrblade]

But, isn't he, like the perfect thing to take on an airplane trip? He keeps you busy by playing music and being an action figure.

• What exactly are the specifications for his MP3 Player function?
• Is there any import comypany that sells items like these within the U.S. at prices <$100?

[Sarri]

• What exactly are the specifications for his MP3 Player function?

• needs a miniSD (takes up to 2GB, maybe more, is somewhat picky, don't try to feed him the cheapest no brand card you can find)
• eats a wide variety MP3, you might happen upon a few files he doesn't do
• is a bit on the bassy side (ie has trouble with higher tones)
• has only play, pause, stop, forward, backward, skip foward/backward
• always starts at the first song on the miniSD (ie, the one first places on the card)
• has no display
• has been known to develop glitches (not turning off/on)
• according to the manufacturer battery life is 6 hours (mine did 18 hours, but had speakers with their own energy source and volume control).
• I find the plastic somewhat soft
• needs a screwdriver to change batteries

[*]Is there any import comypany that sells items like these within the U.S. at prices <$100?

You can try BBTS

Obligatory link to review.

[Sabrblade]

• What exactly are the specifications for his MP3 Player function?

• needs a miniSD (takes up to 2GB, maybe more, is somewhat picky, don't try to feed him the cheapest no brand card you can find)
• eats a wide variety MP3, you might happen upon a few files he doesn't do
• is a bit on the bassy side (ie has trouble with higher tones)
• has only play, pause, stop, forward, backward, skip foward/backward
• always starts at the first song on the miniSD (ie, the one first places on the card)
• has no display
• has been known to develop glitches (not turning off/on)
• according to the manufacturer battery life is 6 hours (mine did 18 hours, but had speakers with their own energy source and volume control).
• I find the plastic somewhat soft
• needs a screwdriver to change batteries

[*]Is there any import comypany that sells items like these within the U.S. at prices <$100?

You can try BBTS

Obligatory link to review.

Wow, you make the figure sound so appealing (not).

Is there anyplace cheaper than BBTS?

[Cybertronian]

I've been thinking about the MP3 Player Soundwave and while I know it is an awesome toy, I've been wondering about a few things before buying it.

• Is it really worth paying so much money for it?
• Is there a warranty on it?
• Being a foreign device, is it compatible with U.S. content?

More to come...

I bought one with (a fraction of) my Christmas bonus. What I can say is that

• Yes, he is compatible with U.S. content.
• If there is a warranty, I couldn't read it anyhow. (I only read in English, some French, and very little Spanish)
• To store/play the music, you need a miniSD card and a Card Reader (not included).
  There is a much smaller card called a microSD which usually comes with a miniSD adapter and a SD adapter. The mini adapter is needed for the Micro to play in a Mini-using device (like Soundwave), and the plain SD adapter is needed for miniSDs to download data from a Card Reader plugged into a USB port on your computer. When you look at the process using a microSD card, it reminds me of one of those European toys where a set of smaller identical dolls are hidden underneath a larger one. Since I have enough problems removing the miniSD from Soundwave's cassette door (with my nails; you may want to use tweezers), I do not recommend using a microSD card with an miniSD-sized adapter, no matter how much the sales guy may tell you it works the same way.
  I've heard from other collectors who use their Soundwaves that you should use a 1GB miniSD. A few of them use 2GB miniSDs (Soundwave's advertised capacity), but prefer to only use high-quality brand cards at that size.
• Soundwave runs on a AAA battery (unlike the original's AA replicas). To insert the battery, use a #0 Phillips to unscrew his battery cover.
• To revert him into cassette player mode, it is best to use the basic fist hands, as opposed to the weapon-holding and "pushing the eject button" hands.

As for whether or not it's worth it, that's entirely up to you. Since his robot mode is about the same size or slightly smaller than G1 Megatron, I thought it was worth it to get the blue version. However, if you prefer to save/hoard your money for something(s) else, then go with your gut feeling and do so. The availability or price of peripherals, such as the MiniSD card (w/ SD Adapter) and/or a Card Reader may also affect your decision.

[Sarri]

Wow, you make the figure sound so appealing (not).

Sorry, you asked for an opinion and I'm not in the habit of glorifiyng things. I'm so happy with the one I have that I bought a second one and a Soundblaster to boot (currently on their way to me, though I'm more worried of the MP Megatron currently in customs, Germany has/is about to instate/d a new law concerning replica guns).

Btw, any warranty issues, you'd have to take up with the seller. TakaraTomy states on the warranty card (in plain English), that the warranty is only valid in Japan.

Is there anyplace cheaper than BBTS?

I haven't seen one. 100$ is about the price it seems to go everywhere else. Maybe you could find a cheaper one on eBay.

As for the removal of the miniSD, I never found that to be a problem, push on the thing and be prepared to catch it when it jumps out (the first time I removed the card it was shot clear across the room).

[Sabrblade]

Is there anyplace that sells them cheaper than BBTS besides Ebay?

[Pot Bot]

i just picked one up from xyber toys in the UK for £59, and i really cant wait for the thing to turn up

[Sarri]

And just for your info, 59£ comes out to 117$.

If your search hasn't brought up a place cheaper than 100$ by now, there, in all likeliness, is no place cheaper than that.

So the question is, do you want a 100$ Soundwave with a quirk.

[Pot Bot]

And just for your info, 59£ comes out to 117$.

If your search hasn't brought up a place cheaper than 100$ by now, there, in all likeliness, is no place cheaper than that.

So the question is, do you want a 100$ Soundwave with a quirk.

which considering how much we normally get ripped off by over here, thats a damn bargin. The thing is £69-£99 in most places over here

[Sabrblade]

The only place so far I've found the blue or black ones cheaper than $100 is Ebay. And the item location is in Hong Kong, which is a turn off for my parents.

I just wish Hasbro would get it through their think skulls and give this guy a domestic release.

[Delicon]

I think it depends on WHY you want to buy one. If you really want an MP3 that's super duper top of the line then probably not.

If you just want a cool Soundwave figure, then try the regular 1984 reissue version.

If you want something that pays homage to a favorite character and is very unique, then why not take the plunge?

I found one BARELy under $100, from my favorite online Transformers dealer, especially for imports.

http://www.digital-toys.com/tfmusiclabel.html

[Ravage XK]

I use my PSP as my main MP3 player but MP3 Soundwave always has his SD card loaded with my latest tunes.

Technically, I am sure there are many MP3 players out there that produce superior sound and have better controls but this one is built into a top notch version of G1 Soundwave. The figure itself improves on the G1 top with extra joints and various sets of hands.

He is expensive and I seriously doubt you will get one at bargain prices.

I havent seen the Reprolabel, will go check now.

[Sabrblade]

Well I found both blue and black versions on Amamzon.com for $91.95 and $84.95 each. Now I've just gotta convince my parents whether to purchase one for those prices at Amazon (who has a return policy) or to purchase one for $64.98 or $38.99 from Ebay (who has no return policy and has both items available from Hong Kong).

Now don't think I'm just asking for these because I want them. My birthday's in a few months and these have really got my attention.

[zodconvoy]

My new one came today from Hong Kong. Only cost $39.99 plus shipping. Of course, shipping from Hong Kong jumped the total to $77.94 but well below BBTS and I use them for practally everything. Here's the Seller eBay store:

http://myworld.ebay.com/lcm_house

Oh, and if I were you, I'd pass on the Rumble & Frenzy headphones. Just don't bother going there.

[Sportimus Prime]

For a while, I have been wanting a Music Label SW or Soundblaster. But to be honest, for $100 plus shipping, he just is NOT worth it. He is essentially a sh*tty MP3 player. If he was a bit bigger, had a decent display, and came with a rechargable Lithium-Ion battery, then yeah. Otherwise, he is an over-priced, over-glorified figure. Yes, he does look good, but not $100 good. Put in one way, for one of him, I got Masterpiece Megatron which is sooooo much bigger, and better looking. Or you can get a bunch of deluxe figures, or a few voyager ones. Heck, you can get a Nightwatch Prime and Brawl, and still have change left over.

Those selling one for under $40 on eBay, you should look at their SHIPPING. Most ask for $50+ in shipping, so they are NO DEALS. Be careful of those tricks.

[Sabrblade]

My new one came today from Hong Kong. Only cost Oh, and if I were you, I'd pass on the Rumble & Frenzy headphones. Just don't bother going there.

Why? They look cool, I was thinking about them as well but as a later purchase. What's wrong with them?

Those selling one for under $40 on eBay, you should look at their SHIPPING. Most ask for $50+ in shipping, so they are NO DEALS. Be careful of those tricks.

I've seen some like that on Ebay, but their shipping prices are about $25.00-$35.00. Is that too high for you?