I previously mentioned that portable speakers seem to be all the rage right now. Almost every electronics manufacturer that you can think of has recently one or more models. The goal is to keep us grooving and moving wherever we are. With the ongoing popularity of smartphones, more people are choosing to use portable speakers while traveling, visiting friends, having a picnic, or moving their listening to another room of the house.
When I was originally asked to do a shop for the Carbon Audio Pocket Speaker which is exclusively available at the Apple Store I was stoked. I mean, what geek does not enjoy a chance to browse through the Apple Store? My intention was to visit the Orland Park mall location here in the Chicago area. However, after some checking, and a suggestion from a friend I found that there was an Apple store located less than a 10 minute walk from my hotel in SoHo, New York City where I was headed for a couple of days. SCORE!
I love walking around NYC, so I decided that was where I needed to shop.
As you can see I looked at just about everything in the Apple Store before heading upstairs to the audio section. There are a wide array of speakers available. I located the Carbon Audio Pocket Speaker and checked out all of the available colors.
Of course I decided on the white trimmed in pink. I checked out using one of the available employees. BTW, I love the way that any employee in the Apple Store can check you our using their nifty little neck iPhone credit card system.
I headed back to the hotel and opened up the Carbon Audio Pocket Speaker. Pairing it with my iPod Touch was a piece of cake. Simply put your device in Bluetooth Pairing mode, push and hold the button on top of the speaker, and pairing is done within moments.
The speaker was quite LOUD. I actually jumped and turned it down. LOL. I could not test it completely because I was in a hotel room. However, as soon as I got back home in Chicago, I cranked it up. Its small size was not at all obvious when listening. At just over 5 inches long and less than 3 inches high, it is not much bigger than my hand, and it really does fit in a pocket!
The specs:
- Bluetooth 3.0
- True Wireless Dual Pairing Capability
- Frequency Response: 120 Hz – 20000 KHz
- Maximum Power: 5watt RMS / 8watt Peak
- Weight: 5.75 oz / .16 kg
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Play Time: Up to 8 hours on a single charge
- In the Box: 3.5mm/USB Hybrid charge cable, User Guide
The extra small, extra loud speaker produces 360 degree sound which can fill up a good sized room. I very often use my tablet to stream videos when in hotel rooms, or even at home in the kitchen. This speaker is perfect for streaming my favorite shows, or listening to music.
It also includes an internal microphone, so when you are jammin to your tunes, you can use it as a speakerphone. And even cooler, if you own more than one Carbon Audio Pocket Speaker, you can pair two of them together to produce even louder, richer sound. How cool is that?
The Carbon Audio Pocket Speaker is available exclusively at the Apple Store. When I first saw the price tag of $99.95 I thought “for a speaker that small?”. However, after testing this little baby I have to say that it is worth it. I am looking forward to adding this to my arsenal of travel items.
I enjoy walking around NYC too! Love how walkable it is.