Quick review: Inateck Bluetooth Mini Speaker - General Accessories

I've been using the Inateck BTSP-10 Bluetooth speaker for nearly a month now, and it has simply been a pure pleasure.
The specs are:
Two 1.5 inch 3W speakers, with bass booster unto 88dB
Built in 1500mAh lithium polymer battery
Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
Built in microphone for hands free calls/iChat
USB for charging
AUX 3.5mm audio plug
The BTSP-10 is rated to work with Windows, OS X, iOS, and Android devices.
Here is a quick unboxing video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_2dSYH_m8
The packaging is surprisingly minimalist, and although black reminds me a lot of Apple. You get a small black box with the Inateck logo on it, and tiny musical note visible on it. It's a sturdy and strong thick cardboard, and inside you'll find the speaker itself, a flat 3.5mm audio cable, mini USB cable, and a traveling bag for the speaker.
The packaging oozed quality device, and the speaker was seated in thick heavy foam for protection.
It can take 3-3.5 hours to fully charge,during which the power button on the side will glue red. Although depending on use I've gotten an average of between 6.5-8 hours of use out of it. This is while having it constantly connected with my computer.
The speaker itself has an interesting Honey comb designed front where the speakers are located, and the device has a rubberised plastic shell, with four pads not the bottom to stand on. The device is well made, and feels good in the hand as well with the Matte rubberised shell fitting in rather well.
On top are three buttons, 1 for Bluetooth, and the two volume buttons. On the right is the Auxiliary 3.5mm audio jack on/of button, and the mini USB port.
On the front onto of one of the speakers is the Inateck logo, and a singular LED which light Blue when connected, and red when not.
I've tested the device on my 5.1 Mac Pro, and Note 2. It's connected instantly and worked as soon as you start playing something.
The speakers in it are surprisingly powerful, with music being clear and well audible. It's certainly a lot louder than it looks when ran close to full volume.
The bass cannot match dedicated powered speakers, but that's to be expected. having used it extensively for music, and movies I simply cannot fault it for sound quality.
The only issues I have encountered are on my Mac Pro. I have had signal drops, disconnects, and stutter during playback when connected via Bluetooth.
Although this is entirely not fault of the the Inateck Speakers in anyway, and is entirely due to USB3.0 interference over the bluetooth band. Intel has released a white paper documenting the issue, and it seems that when I unplug my USB3.0 devices the issue is immediately eliminated.
I've used the speaker near daily, and almost constantly through Bluetooth. Let me just say again that they are a pleasure to use.
I would highly recommend these to anyone that is looking for a decent high quality bluetooth speaker for either their computer or mobile devices.
For more information: http://www.inateck.com/inateck-btsp-10-bluetooth-speaker/
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Looks like it's only sold in EU, since it's not available in US amazon? Also, it looks rugged but their webpage doesn't say anything about IPx rating?

Related

Review of Anker portable bluetooth speaker MP230 w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Anker portable bluetooth speaker MP230. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EURJAKK (due to this being a new product, ianker.com page hasn't been updated with a listing yet).
Portable bluetooth speakers are part of the most saturated market in today smartphone accessories. Everybody makes one, brand name or no brand name, and the prices range from anywhere under $50 and going up to over $200. After reviewing a lot of wireless speakers in different price categories, I can tell you with certainty that price range doesn't necessary translates into sound/built quality and you can actually find a decent portable speaker for a portable use at a great price. So let's take a closer took at what Anker MP230 model has to offer.
Starting with a packaging, you no longer mistake Anker product from a distance with their distinct recyclable brown box and white sleeve with a picture of the product, not even a drop of plastic in there. Along with a speaker, you will find a very comprehensive manual, usb charging cable (full usb to micro-usb), and 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. Speaker itself is very compact and sleek. At about 9.6oz and dimensions of 4.7" x 2.9" x 2.3" it can actually fit in the palm of your hand and very portable to take with you when traveling. The shape of the speaker is actually different from most of the other ones I have tested in this price/size category where they typically look like a round can, while this one is more elegant to fit on your desk with it's glossy piano finish top. Bottom of the speaker has rubber feet-strips creating a nice friction with a surface. The main volume up/down and call controls are on the left side, and the back of the speaker has on/off button to turn it on and to pair up with a smartphone/tablet, auxiliary 3.5mm input to connect to any source which doesn't support bluetooth, and micro-usb charging port.
Pair up was seamless and blue led behind the grill works great as an indicator. When you charing the speaker, led is red. Charging should take less then 2hr from full empty and it should last 8-10hr on a single battery charge depending on your listening volume. In addition to blue/red color to indicate operation vs charging, the same led blinking also indicates when you are in a pairing mode (rapid flashing of blue led) or when battery low (red led flashing). Once paired/connected, I was actually able to walk away 50 ft from my phone through an open space before I lost a connection. In addition as a speaker, it also works as a speaker phone with an acceptable voice quality.
Now, about the sound quality. This speaker has front firing drivers behind the grill for your high frequencies and top firing sub with a bass port in the back. According to the spec, it supposed to be 2x 3W. For this price range it sounded just ok, where bass was a bit overpowering and distorted at higher volumes. I mean, its not fair to do audiophile analysis of $29 speaker, so you need to have more realistic expectations these will not be crystal clear or can be used to fill up a big room with a dynamic sound at your next party. They definitely will not sound thin thanks to the bass port in the back, and as I mentioned before you can use it wireless and wired connected through 3.3mm aux cable.
Overall its a very elegant looking speaker with a speakerphone functionality. Don't expect a stellar sound quality, but with an added bonus of extra bass, extended wireless range, great battery life, and backed by Anker's 18-month warranty, it's a great value for under $30.
Here are the pictures.
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thank for the review
look amaizing and wanna buy it
looks pretty good for the price
Thanks for the review for this - Looks like it could be a good speaker to travel with. :good:
Thanks for the review mate! Would you mind posting a video? I am about to buy that thing, but I have to see (and hear!) it in action before!
:cyclops:

Review of Bidenuo G800 in-ear headphone with android controls w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Bidenuo G800 in-ear headphone with Android controls. http://dx.com/p/bidenuo-g800-in-ear...-silver-3-5mm-126cm-cable-254398#.Uyzy6rCPL3h
I'm very pleased to see that more and more companies are starting to recognize importance of fully integrated in-line remote dedicated specifically to Android smartphones. Though multi-function control even with iPhone dedicated remote usually works with Android, volume buttons don't. With this particular model of Bidenuo headphones, I was intrigued since it had "for android" indicator on the box. Plus, it looked really cool Here is what I found.
I have reviewed a number of Bidenuo headphones from dx.com in the past, and those always arrived in a nice looking package. Out of the box, I was very impressed with a level of design details and included accessories. First of all, it comes with a neat looking hard shell storage case, oval in shape instead of a typical round. Also, included was a shirt clip and a set of hybrid eartips, much better quality than a typical silicone eartips. Headphones had a flat textured rubbery cable which appeared to be tangle-free. From a distance, the cable kind of looks like a shoelace, actually very original design. 3.5mm headphone connector was straight and gold plated, and also had a decent strain relief. At the other end, you have a similar strain relief connecting cable to earphones inside of a lightweight metal housing. Now, here is something where I have love-hate comment. The diamond cut of these earphones look cool, but it can "rub" you the wrong way depending on the size of your ears. In theory, once you put it in your ear, it should stay there without moving. But if you don't have a good fitment and earbud is moving, that diamond cut finish will not feel as pleasant rubbing against you ear. I personally didn't have a problem with it, but others might do.
Labeled as "for Android", I was able to confirm it's remote working perfectly with my Note 2 where multi-function button single click performed Play/Pause/Call, double-click to Skip Next, triple-click to Skip Back, and long-press to start Google NOW. Also, Volume up/down buttons worked perfectly, which I would expect for HTC, LG, and Sony phones as well. Call sound quality was good. Regarding audio playback, don't expect high audiophile quality for something that cost $17 plus change. But for that price, it sounded pretty good. Bass was punchy (not deep and boomy), mids/treble were clear. For general audio listening and phone control these will do the job fine!
Overall, Bidenuo G800 was a nice set of in-ear headphones with a confirmed full Android controls. For that price, the sound was not bad at all, and they also had a decent build quality. My only concern was with diamond cut exterior finish which might not suite everybody, depending on your ear size and headphone fitment. But in general, they look pretty cool and represent a good value considering included premium hybrid eartips and a protective case.
Here are the pictures.
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Review of Anker MP141 wireless Bluetooth 4.0 speaker w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Anker MP141 portable wireless Bluetooth 4.0 speaker. http://www.ianker.com/product/99ANSP9901-WSA
If you look across a majority of portable wireless speakers, most of them focus on stylish looks rather than a sound quality. There are some with better drivers and perhaps a dedicated sub-woofer, but those cost a lot of money and typically heavy and less portable. It will be hard to find anything in sub $50 range that sounds and looks good. After reviewing MP141, I think Anker got very close with their new wireless speaker to accomplish that goal. Let's take a closer look at what I found.
Arrived in a traditional Anker's environmentally friendly package box, in addition to a speaker I also found a nice velour storage pouch, detailed instructions, and high quality usb charging cable and 3.5mm audio cable - both in white color to match the speaker. The speaker itself looked really cool with all white plastic sidewalls and gray metallic mesh grill over the speaker. The controls are placed neatly along the gray stripe on one side with a rounded volume +/- and multifunction play buttons. At the bottom of the right side, you have micro-usb charging port with led, AUX In port to connect directly with a cable, and a physical On/Off button. I was very pleased to see a physical power button so there is no confusion when speaker is on or off. At the bottom of the speaker, you have a non-skid pad around the perimeter to prevent speaker from sliding, something you actually have to worry about when you are packing a powerful sound!
The minute you hold this speaker in your hand, you realize a hefty weight of 285g packed inside of this 3.1"x3.1"x2.7" cube. MP141 comes packed with 2" driver pumping 4W of power along with a bass port. It was loud enough to fill in a relative big room, and I was actually surprised how I was able to raise the volume all the way to the max without any sound distortion. I gotta say, it was very impressive! Obviously, 2" speaker can't produce a very powerful bass, but you can hear it's punch pretty good. Also, the mids and the treble were clear and detailed. In addition to being used as a speaker, it also works as a speaker phone with a mic that can clearly pick up your voice from almost 2ft away. Basically, once paired up with your phone, it connects both to a phone and media audio, and supports HSP, HFP, A2DP and AVRCP protocols. I was also very happy that during power on and pair up there was just an audible tone and no annoying voice saying "connected", etc. Also, the wireless connection worked as far as 40ft away from the phone. Another amazing feature was the battery which can last between 15-20 hours, depending on the level of volume. Played at a medium volume it could last almost the whole day!
Overall, I found this speaker to be equally stylish and having a decent audio performance. All the controls were well laid out, the wireless bluetooth pairing and range was great, the sound was loud and clear with a nice bass punch. The speaker was very compact yet with a nice hefty weight of a powerful driver. Considering introductory price of $39.99 and Anker's 18-month warranty, I think its a great deal!
Here are the pictures.
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Review of Favi Boomerang Mini wireless Bluetooth speaker w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Favi Boomerang Mini wireless Bluetooth speaker. http://www.favientertainment.com/Audio-p/boom02-sm.htm
It's a bird... It's a plane, It's a... maybe a headphone? No, it's a new wireless Bluetooth speaker from Favi, like nothing you have seen before! With so many wireless speakers I have reviewed in the past, I wasn't 100% sure what to expect just by looking at the image on the box it arrived in. I guess Favi guys took thinking outside the "speaker" box literally to come up with Boomerang idea for their product. Have they succeeded? Let's find out!
Arrived in a box with a lot of detailed images and functionality description, I was still a little bit puzzled considering there was one picture with a silhouette wearing it around the neck and another one with a phone wedged in the middle. Taking it out of the box revealed something that resembled a folded headphone which also included bonus accessories of usb to micro-usb charging cable and 3.5mm audio cable and a detailed user's guide. The construction of the design felt very solid, especially when unfolded, made out of high quality plastic material with metal reinforcements around folding hinges and metal piece inside of "headband" for a secure springy action. The speaker itself wasn't too heavy, but still had a heft to it showing that it's not a cheap toy.
Once unfolded, you'll find 2 active speakers facing forward with a metal mesh grill at the tip of each side of "Boomerang". There is also a combination of two pairs of passive bass radiator, according to diagram on the back of the box, and two open bass port on the sides. On the inner side toward the edge there was 2 grooves to hold your smartphone in between with a decent clamping force. As a matter of fact, it was strong enough for me to pick it up easily with a phone inside, and to carry it around. While placed on the surface, you can adjust the position of the phone which changes the angle of speakers facing forward. I know there was an image of silhouette wearing these speakers around the neck, and I was actually able to fit it as well (considering I do have a thin neck), but I would NOT recommend doing that since its a very tight fit. As a standalone speaker or with a phone wedged in-between - this was one of the most interesting and innovative designs I have seen to date.
On the left side inside of Boomerang, you find the micro-USB charging port (battery lasts up to 10 hours), on/off switch, led power indicator, a mic, and AUX input to connect directly from headphone jack of your source in case if you don't want to or can't be paired up wirelessly. And speaking of that, the pair up was a breeze. As soon as I turned Favi on, I was able to discover it with my Note 2 right away, and it paired up with a phone and media audio flawlessly. Furthermore, you can also pair it up by tapping NFC area labeled with a sticker on Boomerang. The wireless range covered a typical 40ft of a distance.
In addition to media play, it also comes with a mic to be used as a speakerphone, where it performed well. But the shining star of Boomerang performance was the sound delivery! Rated at 4W, assuming 2W per speaker, sometime you don't expect much. As a matter of fact, I was a bit skeptical thinking Boomerang was more about the design and the looks rather than a sound quality. Was I in for a big surprise! These little speakers packed a hell of a loud sound presentation which I was able to crank up almost to the max without too much distortion. Though not exactly being able to drive a deep bass, the sound was actually full and clear, and had a bass punch enough to make it highly enjoyable. Also, considering that you are dealing with two speakers on each side of your phone, the sound had a good stereo separation.
Overall, I was VERY impressed with Boomerang design, quality, and sound performance. The convenience of Bluetooth and NFC pair up, a long lasting 10hr battery (depending on the volume), very innovative idea of expansion sleeve design to hold the phone, great clean sound, and a compact folding storage (wish they would have included a travel pouch) all together adds up to a great value currently available on Amazon for $59.99. Just don't get discouraged by the labeling of "iPhone" in there since Boomerang is universal for use with any phone or tablet that supports Bluetooth. This Favi Boomerang Mini speaker definitely gets my high recommendation!
Here are the pictures.
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Review of Ultra Waterproof Bluetooth wireless speaker w/lots of pics!!!

This is a Review of Ultra Waterproof Bluetooth wireless speaker. http://www.sw-box.com/Ultra-Waterpr...SW-BOX&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=product
As a mentioned in the past, due to so many generic wireless speaker clones, I decided to review only models with unique features. Here is something I found to be a perfect fit for this category. The whole point of wireless speaker is to be able to play and to control music or to receive calls from your phone remotely, and to be able to do that at louder volume than your phone or tablet. This bluetooth extension gives us freedom to move around within 20-30ft wireless range, but also imposes limitation since we have to keep electronics away from water and dirt. Or perhaps you are waiting for an important call and need to jump in the shower. The speaker I would like to present to you today has IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating that will allow you to play it anywhere, by the pool or even in a shower, without skipping a beat. Here is what I found.
Arrived in a rather generic plastic see-through box, you get a good 360 degree presentation of the product even before you take it out. Beside the speaker, it also comes with an accessory box with a user manual and usb power cord. The power cord is unique by having full size USB connector on one side and 3.5mm power connector on the other side. It's not your typical usb cable, but I have seen similar ones in the past so finding a replacement shouldn't be a problem. The reason such power connector is chosen for this design because every port needs to be kept sealed. Power connector is the only port in here, and the plug for this power port has a better seal since it will go deeper into the connector to make sure no moisture or dust gets inside.
Taking a closer look at the speaker itself, it has a cylindrical drum shape with a large suction cup in the back. The speaker opening comes out from the back as well, and the top has a sealed rubber buttons to control its functionality. In the middle, you have Play/Pause/Stop button, to the right/left you have multi-function volume up/down which also doubles as skip next/prev buttons, at the top there is a power button, and at the bottom you have Phone/Call button with microphone pinhole. There are physical buttons underneath of these rubber cover buttons, and they are very easy to feel and to push. As I mentioned before, the power port connector on the side is sealed with a rubber flap. With a help of a rather strong suction cup, you can attach this speaker to any smooth surface, vertical or horizontal. This becomes especially handy if you want to use it in the shower.
The pair up was very easy, and the speaker under "My Speaker" id got connected both to the phone and to the media audio. Operating range was around typical 25-30ft. The sound and call quality were just OK, nothing too outstanding, but still relatively clear and loud. Obviously, this speaker is not designed to provide audiophile quality sound or being competitive with large wireless speakers, but its sound performance was on par with other small wireless speakers I tested in the past. The main advantage of this speaker is to provide a remote sound from your phone/tablet as well as the ability to pickup calls in the "wet" environment. Furthermore, unlike so many other speakers that only let you control the volume, here you can also control the playback with Play/Pause as well as skipping to the next or the previous song. And when you are in the shower streaming your tunes from the phone, you can also pick up a phone call directly and talk without stepping out. Now, that is priceless!!!
Overall, I found this speaker to have a lot of unique features including a full playback and call controls, a very compact design, a loud clear sound, and strong suction cup. With its IP67 rating, this Bluetooth wireless speaker will become your shower's best friend and you will never miss a beat or a call even under the water! I wouldn't advice to actually keeping it for too long submerged under the water, but being splashed under the shower while attached to a wall shouldn't be a problem. Also, for $15 plus change its a great value!
Here are the pictures.
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