Device Label Broad Blast (Blaster)

Here we have as we all know as Blaster. He is made by Takara Device Label series. He was cancelled once and a lot of talk that he wasn't going to get released. He was originally called Blaster but due to the loss of the copyright he is called Broad Blast. Where do they come up with these names??!! In 2010, Takara ended up releasing him with changing the wiring so that the USB hub can be used in robot mode also. I let him sit for a year until I saw the prices start to drop and pick him up at the beginning of the year for dirt cheap! The whole classics line brought new interest in the G1 inspired toys, and without a Blaster to the line up, you have no choice but to pick him up. There was a Blaster that was released as part of the classics series but his alternate mode was a "bomber" and came with mini-con Blockrock....Not the same.
Blaster is supposed to have the ability to hold cassette tape bots. That is the G1 Blaster that we all know. He was the answer to the Decepticon's Soundwave who can also deploy cassette tape bots.

Blaster now transformers into a laptop but is a fully functional USB hub. You can even stick in original G1 cassettes into his chest when he's in bot mode.
He has four USB full sized ports that are easily accessible but are fairly close to each other which can cause problems for fitting in multiple USB sticks. They defiantly didn't keep in mind to use him as a USB hub. Which is ok with me because he is going to sit with the other classics boyz.
The keys are not labelled but are nicely sculpted and cannot be pushed in. The speakers are also made very nicely.
His hand is a standard 5mm post so he can hold most standard Transformers weapons BUT none are included with Blaster. What a bummer because G1 Blaster has that nice huge rifle.

In my opinion I think Blaster fits comfortably in my classics line.
It's neat to have a transforming USB hub but the novelty ends soon and not many people have the need for a USB hub. Blaster isn't a fun toy, and if he is more than $60 I woudn't even bother looking at him unless you are in dire need of completeling your classics line. If Hasbro/Takara releases a real Blaster to the line at a deluxe price, then this guys value is going to plumment. Since it's hard to predict what Hasbro/Takara will release, I suggest picking up Device Label Blaster if you find him for under $60. I did and he looks great in bot mode with the rest of my Classics toys.