Boombox that Takes a Work-Site Beating

Photograph by Gregor Halenda; styling by Dominique Baynes for Halley Resources Steel-and-rubber roll cage protects the radio from an up to one-story drop.

Four-way GFCI outlet automatically shuts off power in case water gets into the socket.

Sealed buttons, CD tray, speakers and battery case ensure the radio can handle dirt, mud and drizzle. Photograph by Gregor Halenda; styling by Dominique Baynes for Halley Resources

Bosch claims its weatherproof Power Box radio is durable enough for a construction site, so we threw it across Bosch's booth at the National Home Builders' show. Not only did it survive, the CD didn't even skip. This isn't the first job-site radio (Dewalt and Milwaukee each offer one), but it's the first to really impress us. Why? A steel-and-rubber frame protects the ruggedized shell, which houses four Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?protected outlets for power tools. The outlets cut power if water leaks in, so you won't get fried. There's also a slot on the back to charge the batteries for your cordless power tools; when you find yourself away from an outlet, the radio can run off those same batteries. The radio also includes a mini-plug input for your MP3 player and a 12V DC outlet to recharge your cellphone. Quick word to the wise: If you plan to replicate our drop-and-roll test, we suggest unplugging all those accessories first.

$180; boschtools.com