We recently started the process of redoing our living room to turn it into more of a library/sitting room (versus what it had been before: a non-descript room with too much stuff in it). As part of that process, I wanted to have the ability to play music in that room with a few requirements:
1. Whatever the setup, it had to have a small footprint and be visually unobtrusive.
2. It should work with a variety of devices (meaning, not just an iPod dock, not just an Android dock).
3. The sound should be decent.
After a lot of searching around, I stumbled across a device I’d seen mentioned a number of times over the past year, but had never really looked into very deeply: the Jawbone Jambox. The Jambox is a tiny speaker, just slightly larger than the palm of one’s hand, that packs a punch in terms of sound and features. Its bass response is impressive, it’s firmware is upgradeable, and it’s design is pretty nifty and low-key.
I’ve lived with it for a few weeks now and it’s really grown on me. In addition to having it as a speaker in the library and playing quiet background music while I read, I’ve taken it into the basement with me and streamed podcasts wirelessly via Bluetooth while I work. I’ve also brought it into the kitchen so I can listen to music while I cook or do dishes without having to crank up the stereo in the family room. And when I’m working from home, I can use it in place of my tinny laptop speakers to listen to MOG. I even brought it on a recent trip with me since it really is that small.
The range is pretty impressive, too. I walked upstairs with my phone in my pocket and music continued to stream to the Jambox downstairs in the kitchen.
Oh, and when paired with your cell, it can be used as a speakerphone. But I haven’t tried that yet.
It’s a tad bit pricey, but keep an eye out for a deal and consider it if you’re looking for a small speaker with a flexible feature set and good sound.
Posted in Technology, Television, Movies, and Music