Just in time for the Fourth of July, Coleman sent me a Cooler Radio — a full-size cooler with AM/FM/Weatherband radio. It’s also got an alarm clock, a line-input jack, and a pair of speakers set into the faceplate on the front. The cooler itself is pretty standard fare: a chest-style red plastic model that holds up to 46 cans of Pabst. (Other beers are not supported, at least in my cooler.) I took it for a spin outside, despite the awful NYC weather, and here’s how it went.
The Cooler Radio takes four C batteries plus a double-A battery for the clock. Putting the batteries in is a major hassle: You have to take out three tiny (and very losable) screws, and then turn the cooler on its side because the batteries won’t stay in until you screw the compartment cover back on.
Overall, the sound is fairly shrill with virtually no bass, but at least it’s fairly loud. The sound starts to distort once you crank the volume past three-quarters of the way. Reception is decent on AM, FM, and WeatherBand, though the analog frequency dial makes it tough to tune in with much precision.
When you plug in an MP3 player or portable CD player to the 3.5-mm line-in jack, the radio automatically stops playing. I got the best results (meaning the least distortion) with my iPod at about two-thirds volume.
Setting the alarm definitely requires a quick perusal of the manual, but it does work. Perfect for a quick cat nap on a picnic–or if you’re passed out at a tailgate party and need to wake up before the game starts.
As for the cooler part of the Cooler Radio, it’s certainly an effective way to keep your Pabst from getting warm, and it’s got a handy spigot on the side for letting the water out. The cup holders set into the top of the lid are standard fare, though I do question their utility given that you’d have to remove all cups from the lid before opening it.
I can see this being handy on a boat, especially if you have limited space and electricity for powering separate speakers. At about $70, it’s more than twice as expensive as models without the radio, so make sure you’ll actually use the radio and speakers before you buy it.
Not even Carling Black Label?
I’m a global warming skeptic and, as such, drafted this “Live Earth” alternative spoof for your enjoyment:
‘LIVE BAIT’ Concert Expected to Lure Millions
The fishing forecast for Saturday, July 7, is rated “GOOD”, according to ESPN’s Daily Fishing Forecast web site, leading many to believe the turnout for tomorrow’s LIVE BAIT Global Wormingâ„¢ Concerts on the Water will be high.
Taking place at local fishing spots across the country, LIVE BAIT events are aimed at outdoor lovers who would rather go fishing than waste time in front of their televisions watching LIVE EARTH concerts organized by former vice president-turned global warming alarmist Al Gore.
While music for most LIVE BAIT events will be provided by chirping crickets, croaking bullfrogs and other natural musicians, some heavy-metal entertainers — including Evinrude, Johnson, MerCruiser and Yamaha, among others — are expected to perform as well.
There are no prizes for most fish caught, largest fish or any other category. Instead, fishing enthusiasts are simply encouraged to go fishing and, as much as possible, to use LIVE BAIT — preferably worms — since scientists recently confirmed that worms are a leading cause of global warming (For more info, see this Bob McCarty Writes™ post, Global WORMing Responsible for Global WARMing).
Fishing enthusiasts interesting in purchasing LIVE BAIT t-shirts and other commemorative merchandise can do so by clicking here.