seems like the folks over at switceh.com don't think as highly of the thumps as we do

http://www.switched.com/2008/08/13/the-worst-gadgets-of-all-time-3/

"...you couldn't even get your dad to wear,.."

I think that's the point--that was Oakley design back then such that they weren't design for the old folks. Then again, they missed all the points that Thump's suppose to represent.

The tech blogs have hated on the Thump since the first version. Since the Thump 1 was still testing the waters, they keep the low opinion. Oh well, they can keep the ball and chain while we enjoy them.

No doubt. I would say the Thump is one of Oakley's greatest achievements. And to think they only have something like 3 months to do design it.

I don't agree with it being the worst gadget of all time, but as owner of a pair, i'd agree with almost everything they said in the article...
Good job the new ones are a lot better

Who cares what they say about it, there only looking at it from a 2008 perspective, so not a balanced critisism really.

The memory size part is irrelevant, considering function wise Thumps were an innovation at the time.

They are also making fun of Apple's attempt at a PDA too. Without that first mistake, all other Blackberry's and Palms would not have come to be. They're looking at things all wrong.

If Oakley wouldn't have invented the first "MP3 playback device integrated into Sunglasses" or whatever the name of the official patent is called, another individual or company would have. That is probably one of the main reasons these glasses exist now.

You make a good point Matt, never tought about it that way before.

the actual prototype / pre-thump was the ROMEO I , worn by tom cruise in Mission impossible .....
remember ? he was listening to the message of his HQ wearing the 1th X metal ; romeo , it had speakerbooms

The patents illustrated an Overthetop design too, but that was scrapped.