The 500XL Desktop Speakers, Giant Earbuds for Giant Ears

We must say that we smiled broadly (read laughed) when we saw the 500XL Desktop Speakers for the first time, mostly because we thought they were just some casual iPod earbuds knockoff, and found it hard to believe that we were actually looking at some rather large loudspeakers destined for desktop performance. The design idea is nevertheless very cool, as these devices can also add a funny touch to any work desk, and they also make a great gift for a somewhat geeky friend of yours on his/her birthday.

The 500XL Desktop Speakers look like a pair of giant earbuds. If your ears aren't 1 meter in diameter, you're gonna have a hard time wearing them. Yet, should you be an ordinary person, you'll instantly be able to have them installed and running.

This pair of speakers brings nothing (absolutely nothing) new on the tech side, as it is a product as common as it gets. Yet, their design is totally funny and attractive, because of their resemblance to the iPod ear pieces. The oversized projection will surely make everybody in your office smile as they'll pass by your desk, and that's a good thing because music and a relaxed atmosphere could increase your productivity.

One great detail about the 500XL Desktop Speakers is that they can be used with almost any music source around you, namely MP3 player, iPod, gaming console, or PSP, CD/DVD player, and even a cell phone. If it can accommodate a 3.5mm stereo jack, you're all set. Just plug one end of the supplied cable in your music player and the other one in the mini-amplifier case, hit the “play” button, and start enjoying your fav tracks. The small-size amplifier can be powered by three AAA batteries, or by using the supplied USB cable connected to your computer.

In case you're still fond of the white Apple plastic design, these 2 x 3W desktop devices can be yours for a decent $40.

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