Portable speakers for traveling? [Archive]

Ed Hansberry

08-13-2002, 06:38 PM

Ok, we've had some <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2388">terrific advice on headphones and earbuds</a> which is great for travel. I've been using the Sony MDR-EX70LPs since March of this year, but what about portable external speakers? I often want to take my iPAQ to a cabin or hotel room and listen to music or an audio book without the tinny sound of the built in speaker or the hassle of walking around the room or even sitting at a desk with earbuds in. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2002/20020813-slimspeakers.jpg" /> I've been looking at the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LOIP/jasondunn-20">Sonic Impact SI-5 Flat Panel Portable Speakers</a> (affiliate link) and they look pretty good. The only downside I see is they seem to require 4 AA batteries. I would prefer the option of an AC adapter. Does anyone have these? How do they sound? Any other recommendations for portable audio for Pocket PC fans?

Jeff Rutledge

08-13-2002, 06:50 PM

Just how small are these? I can't seem to find dimensions anywhere.

/dev/niall

08-13-2002, 07:04 PM

Just how small are these? I can't seem to find dimensions anywhere.

Details here (http://www.si-5.com/TechSpecs.html).

briansturdivant

08-13-2002, 07:08 PM

I wonder how these compare to the Sound Bug. Has anyone tried either or both of these. If so, please compare for us. I also wonder if the Soundbug uses batteries. Does anyone know?

Jason Dunn

08-13-2002, 07:09 PM

The newest issue of MaximumPC reviewed the Sound Bug and they gave it like a 2 or 3 - not very good at all.

Ed Hansberry

08-13-2002, 07:10 PM

Just how small are these? I can't seem to find dimensions anywhere.

According to http://www.backpacker.com/article/0,2646,2845,00.html the speakers are the size of a CD case. More at http://www.cheapgeek.net/reviews/sonicimpact_si5.shtml

sweetpete

08-13-2002, 07:25 PM

The newest issue of MaximumPC reviewed the Sound Bug and they gave it like a 2 or 3 - not very good at all.

Infosync didn't give it rave reviews either, but the jist was that given the size and what it does, it's decent. They wanted AC power options which I think is a must as well. I think that ver. 2 of these will be my on the road speakers.
Anyway here is the article http://infosync.no/show.php?id=2055

szamot

08-13-2002, 07:44 PM

there is also these - which while a bit bigger they do give you a better sound
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/computing/5a15.shtml

Ed Hansberry

08-13-2002, 07:51 PM

there is also these - which while a bit bigger they do give you a better sound
Aren't those the ones that others here are saying don't sound so good? The SI-5 has some complaints about low bass not being there, but what do you expect from something so small and thin? It isn't like I want my teeth to rattle. :wink: I am about 99% sure I'll be ordering the SI-5 tonight. It also seems you can get an AC adapter for it.

rubberdemon

08-13-2002, 08:02 PM

I bought a Sony portable speaker system for my honeymoon in Europe last fall and was mightily impressed. I had it hooked up to my Ipaq and used the PC Card expansion pack with a 2GB PC card to carry most of our CD collection around Italy with us. Great in hotel rooms etc. I'll be taking it on a two day car trip next week, loaded up with This American Life episodes (NPR) in Real Audio as well as WMA files from my CD collection.

The SRS-T77 is the size of two CDs stacked, has a world AC adapter as well as taking AA batteries (great bonus), and the sound is really quite good indeed. In fact I've found that since the audio output of the Ipaq is at such a high level, you can actually use these with no power amplification at all. The volume isn't as high, but it's definitely listenable!

http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9687x9793x8741&catid=8741&itemid=8902&type=o

Sven Johannsen

08-13-2002, 08:08 PM

I have a set of those Sony ones myself. Very impressive. With the amp turned on they sound very good. I have used them with my Jornada, but also with an MP3 capable portable CD player. Makes a nice small package for carrying my tunes.

danmanmayer

08-13-2002, 08:12 PM

The sound bug actually works pretty well. I have seen some bad reviews but i have a friend that has it and it makes quite enjoyable audio. The only thing is it really doesn't have much base. So if your looking for hip hop and rap i would avoid the sound bug. Other wise the little gadget is quite niffty. I think it is also one of the collest little toys to impress people with so that adds to the fun.

Gator5000e

08-13-2002, 08:14 PM

Another option this thread made me try is pluging my iPaq into my Cambridge Soundworks Microworks sytems. Sounds great and since the speakers are ampified, there is plenty of power and volume. The are not large speakers - sort of 2 cubes on small stands. Of course since there is no battery option, you must be near a power source. I had never thought of trying this before, so thanks for the idea.

tjy

08-13-2002, 08:24 PM

Is there anything like very small ear buds that are 802.11b or Bluetooth and are stealthy? I am looking for something that is unseen and wireless.

Ed Hansberry

08-13-2002, 08:41 PM

The SRS-T77 is the size of two CDs stacked, has a world AC adapter as well as taking AA batteries (great bonus)]
Hmmm... are those brand new or almost discontinued? SonyStyle has no shipping date. Amazon has them in their catalog but no information, other than the $90 price. :?

rubberdemon

08-13-2002, 10:06 PM

Hmm, they might be heading towards discontinuance, or maybe they're just not a hot item. I had to order them through Sony Style Canada in November as I couldn't find them in any other retailer, including my local Sony Stores. And looking at the Canadian site, they seem to be out of stock there.

That's a shame, as they're great little speakers...

rix

08-13-2002, 10:09 PM

Hi Ed,

I've had a pair of the Si-5's for a while. They are a nice compact little system. Somewhat low on bass, but then youd kind of expect that.

Size of the speakers is like 2 cd jewel boxes when folded together (plus the amp, which is close in size to a Jornada 567)

I've enjoyed mine.

My only complaints would be:

1) On my unit (purchased shortly after they came out) the on/off/virtual surround switch (sliding 3 position) is easily knocked from off to on, as it sits too high from the case (IMO) This was a real pain at first because I would toss the rig in my backpack for traveling, only to find dead batts later. I mentioned this to the Si folks. Not sure if they ever changed it.

My workaround was to put rubber bands around the case to hold the switch in placewhile it travels in my pack. ...If I get round-to-it one day, I'll open the amp & sand the switch down to be flush with the case.

2) No carrying case (at least when I purchased) to put cables & maybe the amp in.

Other than that, they do a nice job. (and are now cheaper than when I purchased! Such is life!)

HTH,

Rich

Ed Hansberry

08-13-2002, 10:52 PM

1) On my unit (purchased shortly after they came out) the on/off/virtual surround switch (sliding 3 position) is easily knocked from off to on, as it sits too high from the case (IMO) This was a real pain at first because I would toss the rig in my backpack for traveling, only to find dead batts later. I mentioned this to the Si folks. Not sure if they ever changed it.
One of the reviews I read in a backpacking mag had the exact same complaint. Her solution was to put the batteries in backwards when traveling then put them in right when in use.

CoffeeKid

08-13-2002, 11:52 PM

thenikjones

08-13-2002, 11:53 PM

Jason,

Excellent timing - I am travelling on business more nowadays and am looking for a small set of speakers to use my 568 as an MP3 player in my hotel room. Quality not THAT important - I just want something loader than the internal speaker.

2 questions:

(1) DO you have an affiliate link to a site selling the sound bug?

(2) Is this valid for UK customers?

Thanks,

Nik

Kaber

08-14-2002, 12:26 AM

I just use a pair of Creative Labs SBS10's. No batteries and they are loud enough to listen to while taking a shower in a hotel room.

They are a little big, but work well for $12.... or $9 (http://www.computerhq.com/store/store-detailspec.asp?type=retail&goodsid=892)

But really I just carry a set of mini jack to RCA audio cables and plug my iPAQ into the best available output. Most hotels have decent TVs with inputs.

I got that idea from this page (http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/columns/headphonejack.asp) at the Pocket PC site.

Grey

08-14-2002, 12:35 AM

Majestic

08-14-2002, 02:55 AM

Etronics.com has these in stock. Not a bad deal either. Anyone have any coupons to make it better?

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=sonsrst77&svbname=31

Item Price Qty SubTotal

Sony SRS-T77 Personal Travel Speakers $64.00 1 $64.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub total: $64.00
UPS Ground Shipping: $8.91
Total: $72.91

Jason Dunn

08-14-2002, 05:41 AM

(1) DO you have an affiliate link to a site selling the sound bug?

http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/exchange-glance/Y01Y3010539Y6709628/jasondunn-20

Amazon.co.uk doesn't seem to have it at all - sorry!

McDeb

08-14-2002, 05:43 AM

I have these speakers. I'm not real happy with the sound. They are pretty tinny. The customer service however, was excellent. When I explained my dissapoinment and request for a refund, even after I had the speakers for over 30 days and lost the receipt, they offered a refund. I was told that an improved version was in the works, so you might want to wait a bit. The form factor is pretty impressive, but the sound leaves much to be desired.

Jonathan1

08-14-2002, 06:31 AM

I got the soundbug the day after is was released. Kinda pumped about them since I heard about this cool device at Comdex. They work well if, and only if, you can find a good solid place to mount it. A table with an enclosed underside. A metal cabinet. Etc. Even a window works well. The sound quality varies widely depending on your surface and how well you tweak the sound levels on the output device. My only complaint, other then its purely batt dependant, is that after extended use, a lot of use in my case, the suction cup no longer sticks very well. I've cleaned it but alas it still doesn't stay put for more then a minute or 2 even when it’s NOT hanging off of a wall. The suction is vital to getting sound out of this thing. If it doesn't have a good contact you aren’t going to hear squat out of it. The other cool feature which I’ve never tried since I only bought one is that you can daisy chain them together to increase the sound levels. Very cool little device. It would have been well worth the $40 I paid if the sucker on it still worked.

I've been looking for a good, light, pair of portable speakers for a camping trip next summer, the only downer is the lack of AC support. Anyone know of any other alternatives? I've got myself a suncatcher Pro solar collector that will be lent to me and would like to find something that can run on AC.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

08-15-2002, 08:59 PM

I concur with rubberdemon (nice nick!) the Sony SRS-T77s are awesome speakers for the size and buck. They use a central core (called a "dynamic sound duct") for driving pretty good bass for the size.

I bought a set last year, and haven't regretted it. World power plug, four double AAs last about 8 hours or longer of play time, and nice small size when packed up. Work well with iPod, PPC iPaq, notebook computer, you name it.

Make that a third concurrance in favor of the Sony SRS-T77.

I actually own both the SRS-T77 and the Si-5. I travel constantly and only the SRS-T77 comes with me in addition to my laptop and iPaq. The advantages of the SRS-T77 over the Si-5?

1) one piece to carry with only the stereo cord connected making setup time FAR quicker!! (with the Si-5, you have the speakers, battery unit, and cables which take a few moments to assemble and connect)
2) you can use this speaker system with or without power and as mentioned, when connected to the iPaq, the volume without power is pretty good
3) better bass response than the Si-5
4) worldwide AC adapter
5) AA batteries accepted
6) better, more solid construction

The sound quality on these Sony's are surprisingly good. I even use them when watching DVDs on my laptop and the despite the close location of the left and right speakers, you could really hear the stereo effect.

DEFINITELY go with the SRS-T77... you won't regret it!!

Ekkie

big rich

08-17-2002, 02:26 AM

the si-5 speakers which were in question run on 4 AAA batteries and is built with a class D amp (this means that the amp in question has a better battery life than a standard piece )also battery life is estimated at about 16 hours and yes they do have a standard wall brick as well as a usb adaptor that plugs into a laptop computer to power from an alternative source check it out at www.si-5.com sound quality is great when compared to the rest of the possible speakers Ok, we've had some terrific advice on headphones and earbuds (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2388) which is great for travel. I've been using the Sony MDR-EX70LPs since March of this year, but what about portable external speakers? I often want to take my iPAQ to a cabin or hotel room and listen to music or an audio book without the tinny sound of the built in speaker or the hassle of walking around the room or even sitting at a desk with earbuds in.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2002/20020813-slimspeakers.jpg

I've been looking at the Sonic Impact SI-5 Flat Panel Portable Speakers (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LOIP/jasondunn-20) (affiliate link) and they look pretty good. The only downside I see is they seem to require 4 AA batteries. I would prefer the option of an AC adapter. Does anyone have these? How do they sound? Any other recommendations for portable audio for Pocket PC fans? :D

Kati Compton

11-04-2002, 05:54 AM

But really I just carry a set of mini jack to RCA audio cables and plug my iPAQ into the best available output. Most hotels have decent TVs with inputs.

I travel a lot, and have been thinking about doing this myself. I don't own an mp3-useable PDA yet (old PalmIII still), but will probably be getting one in the next couple months.

What about TV's with only coax inputs, though? I was thinking of the little boxes Target/Best Buy sells that are basically for hooking up DVD players to cheap TVs with only coax (not RCA). My concern then is that since a video signal would not be provided, just audio, that TVs that are inclined to go to blue screen and silence when there's no signal might do so and *not* play the audio I'm providing. Instead they would assume that since there's no video, I wouldn't want to hear the audio of "snow".

Anybody tried this?

arebelspy

05-19-2003, 08:18 AM

Which ones are the lightest but still good quality?

I'm thinking of getting some portable speakers and putting them in the inner pockets of a Scott eVest.. it has internal places for cables to run, and then i could have a speaker system set up on my person. :)

Thoughts?

-arebelspy

bivonic

05-19-2003, 06:45 PM

mmeytin

05-21-2003, 06:04 PM

These new speakers from Creative sound interesting. Check out Creative Travlesound series, like Travelsound MP3: http://www.americas.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=678&category=521&maincategory=2

Anyone used those?

ctmagnus

05-22-2003, 02:25 AM

I did a little research. I'd recommend you check this out:
http://boostaroo.com/

And then just find suitable speakers (PC speakers perhaps) & find a good combo. Use the boostaroo as your portable amp to power some quality portable speak's.

I got one of those. Terribly disappointed at all the "background" noise it also amplifies (plug it in to device, plug speakers/phones into boostaroo, turn it on, instant HISS)