Portable Speaker

[Cybersteve]

I am looking for a portable speaker I can use with my iPad when traveling. Must have battery (rechargeable) power for under $100.00. What are my options?

 

[glen e]

I use a logitech z515 for presentations in hotels...works fine

 

[jsh1120]

If you're looking for something VERY portable you might consider the iHome speakers cited in the url below. iHome and Satechi sell essentially the same speakers under their own brands, so the Satechi versions can be expected to operate in a similar fashion. Also iHome has a model "77" that is shaped only slightly differently and a "78" model with still a slightly different shape. All three models have the same internals (confirmed with iHome.)

All three models combine the advantages of separation from two speakers with a highly portable design for storage and travel.

I use these speakers along with the iWow SRS Adapter that enhances the audio for the iPad and is really quite amazing. Together the speakers and the SRS enhancement unit come to less than $100 and are better than anything else I've found.

Regardless of which speakers you select, I'd strongly recommend the SRS adapter. Enables separate control of bass, treble, and separation with a free iPad app. The only downside is that it attaches to the iPad's 30pin connector so the iPad cannot be charged while it's being used. And it does increase the battery draw on the iPad somewhat.

I also use a Logitech z305 clip-on speaker on my laptop. Sound is also quite good. Logitech now makes a similar speaker for the iPad. Haven't heard it but if it performs as well as the z305, it would be a good speaker.

http://www.amazon.com/IHOME-iHM79BC...DNJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317846527&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/iHome-iHM77-R...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317847121&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/SRS-Labs-iWOW...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317847181&sr=1-1

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers/devices/tablet-speaker-ipad

 

[Cybersteve]

AYL Speakers

When checking out the reviews on the iHome and Logi speakers on Amazon, thanks jsh1120, I saw that the AYP portable speakers got rave reviews. For $12.99 is it to good to be true ???

http://www.amazon.com/AYL-Portable-Speaker-System-Tablet/dp/B0052NZYXI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[jsh1120]

When checking out the reviews on the iHome and Logi speakers on Amazon, thanks jsh1120, I saw that the AYP portable speakers got rave reviews. For $12.99 is it to good to be true ???

http://www.amazon.com/AYL-Portable-Speaker-System-Tablet/dp/B0052NZYXI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

The only caution I'd mention is that reviewers tend to judge a product like this in comparison to what they experience before they added the speaker. Not surprising. As a result, though, external speakers for phones tend to be evaluated in comparison to the speaker the phone includes. And not surprisingly, almost anything sounds good in comparison. The iPad on the other hand, has a better speaker than my cell phone so improving on it requires a somewhat better product. Just something to keep in mind.

On the other hand, the AYP may be a very good speaker at a clearance price. Not much to invest to find out.

Finally, I should also have mentioned a nice little speaker I got for my wife's iPod that works quite well with the iPad, as well. It's from Satechi, sells for about $25 and has the same "pop up" feature as the iHome speakers that improves the bass response. All in all, if you're looking for something even more portable than the iHome speakers and don't care about the stereo separation, it's a good choice. My wife and daughter use it with their iPods constantly and I've used it on occasion with the iPad.

http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-ST-IPOP-Portable-Rechargeable-Speaker/dp/B003Y7PXSK/ref=pd_sim_e4

Finally, I should mention one other annoying little aspect of the speakers designed specifically for the iPhone/iPod/mp3 players such as the Satechi above and the AYP's (I'm guessing from the photos.) The usb/3.5mm cable is only about four inches long. As a result, using them with an iPad will require an extension cable. You can get such cables cheap, but the only one my local Radio Shack had in stock was $10 for a 10" extension cord. It included a volume control and for convenience sake I bought it. But be warned that you'll need such an extension if you're going to use a speaker designed specifically for the iPhone/iPod with the iPad. Otherwise, you'll have to keep the iPad flat on a desk/table or have the speaker hanging in the air.

P.S. BTW, it appears from one Amazon review of the AYP speaker that the use of an extension cord is not an option. That would be a dealbreaker for me.

 

[Cybersteve]

Update

Just to give you all an update, I nixed the iHome speakers because I was looking for one speaker instead of two. The Logi speakers was a bit bigger than what I was looking for and iMainGO was over the budget. Thanks AlexW52 for pointing that one out.

I did go ahead and purchase the AYL for $17.99 and the Satechi for $25.23. I figure one of them should fit the bill. So for $44.00 this is what I can tell you:

AYL (TM) Portable Mini Speaker System – My Pick

Single speaker that comes with a USB/USB mini/3.5mm combo cable and a pouch to carry the speaker in. Not a big fan of the having all 3 connectors on one cable. But compared to the Satechi it allow for up to 3 feet from the device to the speaker and a velcro strap to tie the cable up for transport.

The AYL design is smaller than the Satechi and I like the fact that the feet are smaller as not to catch on anything when slipping it in and out of the bag. As for the sound quality you definitely get what you pay for. I have to admit the AYL out performed the Satechi.
When playing them side by side you there is a noticeable difference in sound quality.
That is why I have picked the AYL.

Downside for the Satechi, no carrying pouch, 5” 3.5mm connecting cable and the sound just didn’t match up to the AYL speaker.

 

[iSIILENT]

What about getting a USB mini male and 3.5 mm male single cable , do they make suck cable