Pack Your Tunes in Sharper Image’s SoundBag

Sharper Image's new SoundBag uses flat-panel sound technology transform a backpack into a portable "audiophile" sound system.

When last we heard from the Sharper Image it was shedding stores after declaring bankruptcy, blowing out inventory, and getting ready to retool itself as a “brand” rather than a retailer, “exploiting” the familiarity of its name to market products via other partners. Now, we’re starting to get a look at what the new Sharper Image brand might look like: the company has just announced the SoundBag, a new travel bag developed by The EnE Group combined with a flat-panel portable speaker system to be sold through Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Navy Exchange, along with other retail partners.

“We are delighted to unveil The Sharper Image SoundBag, providing everything you need to enjoy portable listening,” said Sharper Image licensing VP Federico de Bellegarde, in a statement. “On top of the highest quality patented sound system and superior product design from EnE, the SoundBag embodies The Sharper Image’s reputation for innovation, form, and function that translates to a terrific user experience.”

The SoundBag pushing sound from an iPod or other portable media player out into the air using a patented flat panel speaker “made entirely out of fabric”, driven by three AAA batteries which offer 8 to 10 hours of playback time. Users can tuck their media player into a pouch on the bag’s shoulder strap, and a 3.5mm plug connects the device to the integrated speaker. The bag itself is made from ballistic nylon, features several compartments, and is available in several colors (including black, pink, and blue).

Sharper Image plans to demo the SoundBag at January’s Macworld Expo in San Francisco; in the meantime, it’s on sale now at major retailers for $99.