Where bad branding and 25 speakers unite: the fake Yamaha XpressMusic

Imagine this wild alternate reality where XpressMusic isn't a Nokia brand, it's a Yamaha brand; a reality where Yamaha is one of the world's largest cellphone manufacturers, has no taste, and decides you need some serious audio firepower attached to the back of your handset. This horrific scenario has been rendered real by China's Jinpeng, thanks to their S108 candybar that combines the usual array of ripped brands -- Yamaha and XpressMusic in this case -- with bizarre design decisions that you won't like see on any mainstream device. Ever. Like an array of 25 loudspeakers, for example. Amazingly, the thing's only $94, so if you're in a part of the world where GSM 900 / 1800 is good enough, it might actually be worth a shot -- just don't let Yamaha know.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2008 8:02PM]

Somehow I'm more inclined to believe the Description portion which states that the phone actually just has one loudspeaker, rather than 25. But I suppose anything's possible.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2008 9:46PM]

Well, you could even use it to grate cheese in a pinch. I'm pretty sure the Jesus phone can't even do that.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2008 10:44PM]

and touchscreen!! lol !

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2008 10:50PM]

now if only i had $94

[carcomptoy Posted Dec 19th 2008 11:10PM]

From the looks of the picture, the build quality actually doesn't look that bad! LOL

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 20th 2008 1:52AM]

Yeah, I was thinking it actually doesn't look too bad...

[Mobile Enthusiast Posted Dec 21st 2008 12:36AM]

Actually, I'm going to have to agree with GasMan, I think this is one loudspeaker. Usually, when you have a large-ish speaker encased in plastic, you need to have holes/vents to let some of that air-vibration power out.
But since when does every speaker hole in a grating count a *separate loudspeaker*?

If so, then my car speaker must have 50 tiny little loudspeakers instead of one 7" speaker in each panel. At least, after I put the grill cover on it... could have sworn it was only one speaker when I put it in.

Anyway, I also agree that build quality from the pic doesn't look bad. So, unless Engadget has seen one and not told us, judging by the pics (and the 25 speaker gag), I'd have to say someone's talking out of their @$$... Although they are clearly rip offs of brand names.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 21st 2008 4:09PM]

That was verbal diarrhea . . . why did you bother?

[Mobile Enthusiast Posted Dec 21st 2008 8:57PM]

TaB, excuse me?
I'm pointing out that the author of this post, Chris Zeigler, seems to have assumed that just because the speaker has an array of 5x5 holes, it must mean that there are actually 25 individual speakers. That's not necessarily true- which is relevant, because it seems to be one of the few things noteworthy about this device.

Now, mind you, why did you bother with your, um, "brilliant" retort?

[Chris Posted Dec 21st 2008 8:52PM]

Didn't assume -- went off the translated title of the product page: "JinpengS108 dual SIM dual standby, sound box phone with 25 loud-speakers".

[Mobile Enthusiast Posted Dec 21st 2008 8:57PM]

Chris, I see. Apologies for the accusation.
I'm still wiling to bet you'd actually find ONE speaker under all those holes.
Still, an interesting statement, even if it IS just a marketing gimmick.