MixTape MP3 player was printed by a MakerBot 3D printer

MakerBot's MixTape 3D printer MP3 player.

/ MakerBot

(CNET) MakerBot is best known for its 3D printers. Would you have predicted an MP3 player for its newest product?

The MixTape is available in two iterations. The $25 MixTape Kit, aimed at those who already own a 3D printer, includes the guts of a basic MP3 player. Simply print out the enclosure using the plans on MakerBot's Thingiverse site, plug in the electronics, and you're ready to upload your music.

Print out the case yourself and the MixTape Kit provides the MP3 player guts.

/ MakerBot

For those without a 3D printer, MakerBot will sell you a pre-assembled MixTape for $39.

The actual specs of the MixTape MP3 player are modest. It has 2GB of storage capacity, and a 4-hour lithium-ion battery that charges when you connect it to your Mac or PC via the included USB cable. The MixTape also conveniently functions as a standard thumb drive.

The affordable price and low-fi design both fit in well with MakerBot's intention that the product helps you "rediscover the magic of making a mixtape." The kit version offers even offers arguably more personalization than old-school mixtapes, since you can tweak the physical design of the case by editing the 3D design files.

It's that tweakability that makes the MixTape Kit a rather perfect MakerBot product. In itself it performs a useful function. And if you have another idea for an object that might benefit from an embedded MP3 player, all you need to do is buy a 3D printer and you can make that design a reality.

This article originally appeared on CNET under the headline "MakerBot branches out from 3D printing with MixTape".

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Amazing "printer" makes real things

[rwsmith29456]

I think 3d printing is a revolution in industry. It seems that everybody doesn't feel that way.

[Scimajor]

Yawn. The printer only printed the case. All the other components that actually make it an MP3 player were not made by this device.

[hypnotoad72]

1. You forgot about the price of the printer itself, and price of computer if needed...

2. so this toy prints out the entire circuit board?

3. any issues pertaining to licensing of protected IP, or will all the IP providers not mind their creations being ripped off on a whim?

4. "creative economy" - most people in creative fields are called "starving artists"... food for thought...

5. Does this come with a "Hello Kitty E-Z Bake Oven" or can I make one with it, noting points 3 and 4 above?