Speaker for the traveler

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Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Just got this from Amazon, love it, if you want something small/portable
doesn't require batteries, it charges from the usb port on your computer
charge lasts a long time too, this is the ticket!

It collapses down to a very small sphere, a short twist and it expands
and adds a little bit of bass, it's NOT a boom box, but hey, it is portable!

This rascal is SWEET, just order one, you'll thank me later;

here's a couple of quick shots of mine connected to an iPod touch;

x_mini2.jpg


x_mini.jpg


link to amazon, very handy size, no batteries, charge lasts a long time

Link to amazon's page

I also ordered a stereo version by iHome, hasn't arrived yet, tomorrow
hopefully, will report back on that, but this is a VERY handy speaker!

I also ordered an extension cable for the cord, as the one on the speaker is quite short.
G2
 
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Got the iHome set, not as impressed, but, at least it's in stereo, will
bring both on the trip with me and try them out for the 3 weeks on the road.
G2
 
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I wonder how that set compares to the regular X-Mini II version? the one I have
has pretty nice sound, good range and the battery charge is lasting for a few days
now since it's initial charge. Using it here while we work in Madrid crating machines
up to be stored.

G2
 
Thanks, I'll give those some thought over the next few weeks
I'm not liking the iHome much at all, the X-Mini has a MUCH better
sound quality to it, but, it's only one speaker...which seems to work
fine too...
G2
 
No problem sir. If you do get these I'd be interested to know how you'd compare the sound from all three - these, the regular X-Mini and the iHome version.
The first type of speakers like these that I heard of are the Chill Pills. I did a lot of research on YouTube and Google, trying to figure out which to go with and ended up with the Mini Max II. They apparently have better battery life than the Chill Pills.
 
Since getting the one speaker and on it's single charge, it's played for several days
so far, everyone that hears it is impressed.

I've gone ahead and ordered the set like yours, I'm not too keen on the open speaker
face there, but I guess with care it would be ok.

That lump in the wire, is that a volumne control?
G2
 
Hi Gary,
yes the open speaker design had me concerned too but so far it's been all good. They're recessed enough that I haven't had any issues. Charge life was another deciding point in my purchase of these. I've been playing them four hours, attached to my Grundig radio and it's still got power left.
Yes the lump is the cord is the volume control so you can control it from the main music source as well as via that controller. I don't recall if the X-Mini you already have has the daisychaining capability but if it does, you can plug the Mini Max II into your music source then plug your X-Mini or iHome (or both if they're single speaker units) into the daisychain ports on the X-Mini Max IIs to get boosted sound levels.
 
Here's a comparison shot of the X-Mini ii and one of the iHome speaker;

As you can see, the X is a bit wider and taller, which explains the better sound I think

I did try connecting the iHome into the buddy jack, it added to the sound but the difference
made it not enjoyable...

IMG_0069.jpg


IMG_0070.jpg


G2
 
Thanks for the comparison pic. So do you find the single X-Mini speaker is good enough for light travel? I was concerned with the mono sound but if it's decent I may pick one of for travelling. Lately I'm trying to get the best and lightest equipment for travel and even everyday use.
 
that would be a Definite Yes!
I'll be carrying both when the stereo set arrives, as sometimes when I travel
the hotel tv's don't allow external hookup to my PBO so I'll watch movies on
the laptop and the stereo set will come in handy for that.

But the single unit is one I'd not part with, plus it's still running on a single charge
since getting it last Saturday! And while I'm here in Madrid, I use my ipod as an
alarm clock so the speaker is left turned out all night, no problem, works fine ;)
G2
 
Well, just got home last night late, got to experiment a little with the
new stereo set, not as impressed as with the single X-Mini, the single
one has just a little better mid range for voices, while I could probably
put up with the stereo set for movie play back, I'll most likely sell these
off to a friend that also travels a lot and just use the single unit one
the sound is just that bit better, at least to my ears anyways.

Plus you have a much more portable setup with the single one, while
on the road these past few weeks, it was very easy to move from
room to room in the hotel, bringing the ipod and speaker around.

G2

edited to add that I had already parted with the iHome set, they
were below par when compared to the larger X-Mini Max stereo setup
 
Latest update in the portable audio world...

Ordered the Altec Lansing hockey puck iM-237, now this is a lot larger speaker
but with that you do get better audio, MUCH better audio, the draw back is
it takes 3 AAA batteries, but, that's liveable, as they are suppose to have a pretty
good life for the batteries.

SO, I will hang onto the X-Mini and carry both that and the new Altec when I travel
will use the Altec until batteries run out and then continue with the X-Mini until I get
some new batteries, what a plan eh? Also bought the Altec for my two daughters.

Seen here at on Amazon Site

Well worth the $29

G2
 
I have the Altec-Lansing IM-237 speaker and it rocks. Has very very long battery life and great sound. I got mine at an Apple store and paid too much ($40), but I haven't regretted the purchase one bit.
 
Something like that would be nice for my Blackberry Curve, as I have Slingbox access on it (this thread) that lets me watch all of my home tv channels. The Blackberry's speaker slot is on the back, so one of your external speakers would be real nice.
 
Back from another trip, folks that saw either speaker were impressed at the sound
level and quality, good stuff all :)
G2
 
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