Buddha Machine

FM3 presents the Buddha Machine, which is a small musical loop player, built like a little AM radio, with an integrated speaker, a volume control, a mini jack-out and a switch to choose between nine different loops which are stored on a small chip and can be directly played by this mini sound system.

Christiaan Virant and Chinese keyboardist/computer musician Zhang Jian are the duo, FM3. Based in Beijing, they noticed small boxes used in Buddhist temples to chant or play prayers. FM3 gave it a name and began manufacturing it in 2005. In two years, they sold nearly 50,000 of them. The Buddha Machine is not an iPod. It's not loaded with features. It's simply a small plastic box -- available in an assortment of colors -- that plays nine different loops. The possibilities of how you listen to it, however, are infinite.

Requires two AA batteries, not included.

Members' price $29.66