Bosch Power Tools and Accessories just introduced its latest version of the popular Power Box jobsite radio and, as with the two earlier models, it is destined to become another hit.

The award-winning Bosch Power Box immediately became one of the manufacturer’s hottest selling products when it was first introduced in 2004 and, again, when it was upgraded in 2006. With its unmistakable roll-cage design, the original Power Box became the standard by which all others would be measured. Even four years later, the Bosch Power Box still enjoys best-in-class status.

Last June Bosch Power Tools & Accessories once again turned the category on its ear when it launched the next evolution in the series, the Bosch Power Box 360 S & D models.

One glance at the Power Box 360’s premium 360-degree speaker configuration alone indicates the new Power Box is unlike anything else in its class. The five-speaker design, with an integrated subwoofer — an industry first among jobsite radios — projects high-quality, enriched sound in all directions.
That means no more jobsite bickering over the placement of the radio.

Not only does the Power Box 360 offer outstanding premium sound but Bosch also made the sound more powerful than the previous PB10-CD. The PB360S model offers more than twice the sound power output of the previous version, and the PB360D model offers up to five times more sound power output.

Advanced digital signal processing delivers optimized AM/FM reception and quality, for crisp, clear radio sound. Enhance the music listening experience further by selecting from four preset equalizer settings, or customize the music by programming separate bass and treble controls.  

Prefer to take your personal digital media player with you? No problem. The Power Box 360 features a weather-sealed digital media bay that offers secure storage and protection from moisture, dust and debris. Simply plug your digital media player in, close the door and get back to work. Not sure you want to take your expensive media player to the jobsite? The digital media bay also features built-in SD memory card and USB ports so you can play your favorite MP3 and WMA digital music files right from your SD memory card or USB thumb-drive device.

The USB port doubles as a powered USB port so you can charge most USB-enabled devices, such as iPods and cell phones. The PB360D model even features a built-in Sirius Dock & Play port for connecting select Sirius satellite radio devices (device, antenna and subscription sold separately). Care to play your portable CD player, other satellite radio device or any other digital media device? Both versions of the Power Box 360 feature external auxiliary ports as well as a line-out port for connecting your Power Box 360 to another unit. 

Turn the Power Box 360 around and there’s a built-in battery bay. Plug the unit in and conveniently charge Bosch 14.4V or 18V lithium-ion power tool batteries inside the Power Box 360. If there’s no access to electrical outlets, those same batteries can be used to power the unit, which makes the Power Box 360 ideal for on-the-go or outdoor use.

If users do have access to electrical outlets, the Power Box 360 also serves as a power center. The PB360S model features built-in four-way power outlets and the PB360D model features four-way GFCI outlets so you can power or charge anything from corded power tools and small shop lights to cell phones and laptop computers. Both models feature a 12V DC (car charger) outlet for even more versatility. 

When it comes to controlling all that power and functionality, Bosch has made that easier too. The new illuminated LCD display on both models is angled upward for easier viewing and large, easy-to-see buttons and knobs make controlling and programming the unit nearly effortless. The PB360D model features a fully backlit, front control panel for easier viewing in the dark and exclusive remote control with onboard storage for users to control the Power Box 360 from up to 40 feet away.
 
Of course, the Power Box 360 retains the distinctive and rugged aluminum and rubber roll-cage design. By using precisely-positioned rubber bumpers to suspend the radio inside the protective cage, the Power Box 360 is isolated from the shocks and impacts commonly encountered on the toughest jobsites, so the music never skips a beat and the Power Box 360 stands up over time.

The Power Box 360 is available in two versions now through authorized dealers nationwide — the PB360S ($215), launched in June and the deluxe PB360D ($271) shortly thereafter.

To find out more or to locate a dealer, users may visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.



Milwaukee press conference
In July, I was honored to be invited to the Milwaukee Electric Tool press conference in Milwaukee. Among the many new tools introduced at this press conference (some will be covered in later Tool Talk columns) was a new category for Milwaukee — Hand Tools. While this category contains eight offerings at this time, it is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions to increase productivity and this group of hand tools will continue to grow and offer innovative products. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the new tools confirm Milwaukee’s commitment to best-in-class durability.

The current group of Milwaukee hand tools includes: an eight-piece screwdriver set, compact hack saw, folding jab saw, PVC/ABS saw, rasping jab saw, 11-in-1 screwdriver and two utility knives. All of the hand tools in this new line are a result of significant market research and innovative design.

The 11-in-1 screwdriver is a good example. This is the only screwdriver with the patented ECX bit and hardened tips that Milwaukee developed for the professional user. The ECX bit prevents bit wear from hardened screws and extended bit life when fastening specialty screws found in electrical boxes, conduit couplers and other common job site fixtures.

Eliminating the need for users to carry multiple drivers, the 11-in-1 screwdriver comes complete with nine fastening functions including #1 Phillips, #2 Phillips, 1/4-inch slotted, 3/16-inch slotted, #1 EXC, #2 EXC, and 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch nut drivers. In addition, an integrated wire stripper and wire-bending hole allow the user to strip and/or bend up to 12-gauge wire before fastening in electrical boxes.
 
“After extensive research on jobsites, we specifically designed the 11-in-1 screwdriver to increase productivity by reducing the time professional tradesmen spend digging through their tool bag to find the right tool,” says Tim Albrecht, group product manager-Hand Tools for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. “Offering solutions like the wire stripper and wire-bending hole in addition to nine strategic bits demonstrates this focus.”

For more information on the new line of Milwaukee hand tools please visit www.milwaukeetool.com.