X-Mini Capsule Speaker
I wasn't a big fan of Boom Boxes in their era. Unfortunately, the iPod kept the listener tethered with wires to uncomfortable 'earbuds' (as did the Walkman in its day). Apple has since upgraded its painful in-ear headphones, but then the Capsule Speaker came along.
I have re-configured my iPhone to play my music (albeit with monophonic sound) through the very nice X-Mini Capsule Speaker (which looks like a golf ball with a tether). The X-Mini, engineered in Singapore, can be dangled from a lanyard like a piece of Asian jewelry. This little wonder is remarkable in its size, sound quality and versatility. I have more than one.
-- Kevin Manson
[This unusual Singaporean speaker twists open to form a booming little portable megaphone. -- Bruce Sterling]
Favorite (15)
Julia
Always available for $24.95 here:
http://www.thepocketsolution.com/PSI-53605/Samsung+Instinct+Mini+Speaker+Pod.html
I have no connection with them, except as a satisfied customer. And ignore the "Samsung Instinct" part, you're getting the same speaker, possibly with an additional cord so it'll go into the phone.
John
How loud are these? I'm always looking for somewhat loud battery powered speakers but cannot find anything to replace my old discontinued Radio Shack pair with 4 C batteries.
Bruce Sterling
I don't own 'em, but researches suggest they're ALARMINGLY loud, especially in the bass response.
ealmasy
The X-Mini has been supplanted by the new and improved X-Mini II:
http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/01/21/get-ready-for-bigger-sounds-from-the-x-mini-ii/
Available from Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/X-Mini-II-Capsule-Speaker/dp/B001UEBN42/
(Unfortunately high shipping cost, but it doesn't seem to otherwise be available yet in the US.)
ryan meier
I got this last xmas, it's a great little device. However, the cable broke at the 3.5mm end, and I've been unable to find a replacement. I contacted the manufacturer but didn't receive a response.
So if anyone knows where to find one, please respond in the comments. It's male mini-usb at one end, then splits in two at the other, with standard male USB and a male 3.5mm audio jack.
Nilay Shah
I own a pair and absolutely love them. Very handy for travel... works well with my iPhone and MacBook. They are nice and small, cute, and truly sound good. Once fully charged (from the USB port of my computer or the USB port I carry for charging my iPhone), the battery lasts for many many hours. I've noticed a tiny electrical hum at times when I'm listening to audio WHILE charging them from the wall. At these times I just let the speakers charge up for a few minutes, then listen to them without charging, thus eliminating the electrical hum noise.
Ethan
I bought the first generation at this site called 100milligrams.com. They shipped from Hong Kong but it was fast and had no problem with it whatsoever. I see they are selling the 2nd gen now: http://100milligrams.com/xmini-second-generation-capsule-speaker-p-200.html . Total include shipping is around US $38.
Emily
Received a complimentary pair of very similar Chill Pill speakers when I purchased an iPod Touch at NYC's Tekserve.
Amazing sound, not just for the size; can be charged from a USB port; extremely small and portable; and the cables retract back into the speakers, so finally there's at least one device in my arsenal that doesn't get tangled up with the others, or sit dormant while I try to remember where I last put down the cable.
For those of us who don't get fetishistic about our audio gear, these are as close to perfect as it gets.
$39 at Tekserve: http://www.tekserve.com/products/10/Speaker_Stations/-1359