Craftsman will soon be coming out with a new C3 19.2V cordless radio system with Bluetooth connectivity, model 45190. It features digital AM and FM radio tuners, 10 presents for each band (20 total), and built-in Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also an auxiliary input jack that creates a wired connection between your smartphone or MP3 player and the radio.
Bluetooth connectivity includes wireless audio streaming from compatible smartphones and devices, as well as pause, playlist, and volume control.
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The radio also features a built-in clock and LED-backlit LCD display. It takes up very little space and runs off of any Craftsman C3 battery pack.
Price: $40
ETA: October 2014
Buy Now(via Sears)
C3 battery and charger sold separately. A C3 battery and charger starter kit for $70-80 is the cheapest way to complete the system.
First Thoughts
I’m a little surprised at the low price of the new Craftsman C3 cordless radio. $40 is reasonable for a simple radio, but it seems like you get a lot more for the money. Bluetooth connectivity, digital radio tuners, and an aux input? Sounds good.
The only thing that would make the new garage/jobsite/portable radio even more versatile is if it also came with an AC adapter, but it doesn’t.
Steve Cox
Cool, new C3 toys!! Did you see the new impact wrench? 300 FP and 4ah battery
Mizzourob
I was hoping for a C3 radio more similar to the Ryobi, or at least with an AC plug. This small one has its place, but adding a larger boombox style one I’m sure would be popular.
Any other new C3 tools coming? It seems like it is time for a refresh of the jigsaw, hand vacuum (dustbuster), inflator, sander, and florescent light.
I recently saw a new right-angle drill
Javier
Wow @ $40 its a steal, I have a good feeling that from here on out all jobsite radios will have bluetooth, there’s no excuse for costs if craftsman can do it for $40
Mark
Any update on this? Haven’t heard a peep about it other than this article.
Stuart
It’s supposed to hit the shelves this month. I wasn’t planning to review it, but might if there’s enough demand.
Mark
I think at the $40 price point, as long as the bluetooth has decent range this will be my garage radio. If of course it ever actually hits the shelves. How about a review of the C3 angle grinder? It is strikingly similar to the Milwaukee (I use Milwaukee at work, but at home when I’m spending my own money, the C3 *usually* doesn’t disappoint). All the reviews seem to be positive, but some of them say the grinder is bricking the lithium battery. Have you heard anything about this? If the grinder broke my battery, I don’t think I’d be giving it great reviews, regardless of price/performance.
Jerry
Is it going to have the weather channels also
Matt
They are out right now! $45, but lower if you combine with your Shop My Way points. They also have a boombox too which is WAY cool because it charges your batteries too and fits on Versatrack (and Gladiator track too???). Just in time for the holidays!