EmailA Porsche Model Like No Other
October 10, 2008
Art can mean so many things to so many people (remember this Porsche based artwork?). It’s probably one of the most subjective topics there is and one of the hardest to define. While we here at 993C4S are not always able to define what art is, we definitely know it when we see it (borrowing liberally from Justice Potter Stewart)!
Recently, while searching for a designer to help create a logo for our upcoming name change, we stumbled across Read more
Porsche Design P’9120 by Etón Reviewed
September 17, 2008
There really is no point in a clock that runs fast, but how about one that looks fast? Take the Porsche Design P’9120 by Etón for example (just not my unit.) The well thought out, minimalistic design by Porsche, partners perfectly with the quality, craftsmanship and technology that are hallmarks of Etón’s success.
Porsche Design Press Release
Earlier this month we received a press release from the Porsche Design Group about the P’9120 Desk Radio. The first two paragraphs (shown below) were more than enough to pique our curiosity (who can refuse purist design and a top quality aluminum finish?):
Stuttgart/Palo Alto. Porsche Design is introducing a brand new radio into the market, a product developed jointly with Etón Corporation of Palo Alto, California. The radio, available now in Porsche Design Stores, blends purist design together with a top quality aluminum finish.
The P’9120 desk radio comes with three 1.5 inch speakers, an active subwoofer and double-wall structure, ensuring top-class true-to-life acoustics. In Europe, the radio, which comes in a solid aluminum casing, is available in a version which provides access to both analog and digital transmissions via the same device (AM, FM, short wave and DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting). Different types of iPod can be linked up to the radio via an external cradle. Both the radio itself and any iPods connected to it can be operated via a remote control unit.
Seriously though, with the above information in hand, we reached out to Etón and secured our own unit for review. After playing and living with the unit for a week in the 993C4S garage, here are our thoughts:
PACKAGING: Right from the beginning the creative genius of Porsche Design is apparent. The all black, heavy cardboard outer box slides open to reveal a cleverly packaged grouping of components, accessories and instructions. Safely ensconced in a form fitting foam cutout it would take one deranged delivery driver to damage this system while in transit.
CONTENTS: Your package comes complete with the base unit, a universal “Made for Ipod” docking station, power supply, remote control (more on this later), AM loop antenna, multi-lingual instructions and warranty card(s).
FEATURES:
- Double wall construction for superior acoustics. Okay, admittedly we’re not audiophiles here at 993C4S, so we can’t break this down in scientific terms. However, whatever it is, it works! The unit sounds great.
- OLED alphanumeric display.
- AM/FM/Shortwave with separate Made for iPod dock.
- Metal remote control with torch (that’s a flashlight for all of here in the US.)
- XM Satellite ready (don’t forget that Sirrius and XM are now one.)
- Dual alarm clocks (this is a must in our garage as we depart at separate times.)
- Back-up power source for your presets and clock in the event of a power-failure.
If we were asked, our only two suggestions for improvement or change would be as follows:
- Provide some type of back lighting for the remote. While we like the heft and feel of the remote it becomes a challenge to use in the dark (tough to shuffle through the soundtrack to Le Mans) even with the built in flashlight.
- At this price range, $600 in the US, the four batteries needed to provide the back-up power source for your pre-sets and clock settings should be included.
It’s Worth the Money
Our overall impression of the P’9120 is very positive. The instructions were simple to follow and setting it up was a snap. The clean lines and linear design are exactly what you would expect from Porsche and Etón. The ergonomic controls were intuitive and easy to operate. The sound quality is exceptional and did we mention the shortwave radio? If you’re not familiar with shortwave, this radio (with its built in antenna) gives you a great opportunity to explore the hundreds and thousands of stations broadcasting worldwide on this unique range of radio waves. It’s a great big world to explore!
At $600 the P’9120 is expensive for a compact system, but not prohibitively so. We believe you get what you pay for; in this case a quality table top stereo system with exceptional features, sound and design. If you’re interested in purchasing one yourself, they are available through Amazon.com
About Etón Corporation
Etón Corporation is the established leader in consumer electronics audio products, and is defined by its mission of ‘Re_Inventing Radio”. By always combining the latest in technology with sensible design, Etón offers an extensive array of products that speaks to three main categories: Design, Innovation and Necessity. Etón is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has offices in Berlin, Germany and Toronto, Canada.
“Etón’s consumer electronics expertise and marketing competency allows Porsche Design to enter into consumer electronics market,” said Dr. Siegmund Rudigier, President and CEO of the Porsche Design Group. “There is an obvious synergy between Porsche Design and Etón Corporation as our values both lie in quality, craftsmanship and cutting-edge design and technology.”
About Porsche Design
Porsche Design is a global luxury men’s brand and is determined by engineered products. Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche established the Porsche Design brand in 1972, whose products are attracting consumers with their technical innovation and represent functionality and timelessness in its purest form. Porsche Design products are sold in their own exclusive retail and franchise stores, shop-in-shops, up-market department stores and exclusive specialist stores.
“The heritage of Porsche Design not only offers an added element of prestige to electronics, but also the lost focus on an exacting attention to detail,” said Dr. Esmail Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. “Through this unprecedented partnership, we are confident that a new standard of electronics shall be set.”
Review of Hunt for 901 by Kevin Gosselin
September 14, 2008
Like most aspiring writers we would all love to have our work produced and become a commercial success; a best selling novel being the prized pinnacle of publication. So, it was with just a slight touch of jealousy and great enthusiasm as we read the following:
Excerpt from an email sent by Hunt for 901
author Kevin Gosselin
Hello - My name is Kevin Gosselin and I wanted to make you and your site readers aware of my new novel, Hunt for 901
Since your site covers Porsche Cars, Porducts and LifeStyle I think it would be of quite a bit of interest to your readers. The story follows automotive archaeologist Faston Hanks as he and his cohort search for famous missing cars. In this case, the Porsche 901 prototype that went missing after the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1963…. Regards, Kevin Gosselin
Two days later a copy of Hunt for 901
Our Review
We’ve searched for cars before (usually through the classifieds) but novelist Kevin Gosselin makes us feel like we are part of Faston Hank’s team scouring the planet for Heidi Ruff’s father, Roland Zeller, the last man seen with the Porsche 901 prototype. Find Roland and you find the 901.
Accompanying Faston on his quest for automotive treasure is the always hungry Charles Ivory. Possibly the only person known to Faston with more automotive contacts then he, the ineffable Charles is indispensable on a search such as this, but at what price?
Beginning in LimeRock Connecticut, home of Faston’s racing-centric bed and breakfast, their search quickly leads them to a number of European destinations where they discover they are not alone in their hunt for the Holy Grail of missing Porsches. Faston’s long time nemesis, Patrick Patrick, is fast on their heals. Using methods that most others would frown upon, Patrick Patrick just might find the 901 first.
Liberally sprinkled with an eclectic cast of characters, well researched automotive facts and mentions of wine and food that would make any bon-vivant’s mouth water, the Hunt for 901 is a great first novel made even better by having the love and lore of Porsche history as the central tenet. If you have been searching for that special something to get your favorite Porsche owner or automotive enthusiast, your search is over.
Hunt for 901
A Sequel to Hunt for 901
According to Kevin, he is currently working on a sequel, or second in the series.
It has Faston and Charles chasing after something old and British this time. It is written in alternating chapters of the car being “lost” and the modern day chase so that we learn more about the person who “lost” the car. The series is like a mystery series, the same detectives trying to solve different murders. But instead of dead bodies, I have missing cars…. Kevin Gosselin
Kevin would love to hear from his readers. If you would like to contact him you can do so by commenting on this post (Kevin is a subscriber to 993C4S.com) or by visiting him directly at his blog.
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