Jawbone JamBox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black Diamond

Often not compelled to write a review, but this fantastic speaker is really so good, I wanted to share my experience with it.

I was looking for a single 'box' speaker that was unobtrusive, and I could move from kitchen table to bathroom, patio etc.

Competition
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I spent some time looking (and trying) Tivoli Pal, Tivoli Model One, lower end iPod docks and even a PicoIR internet radio.

But all I wanted was a *speaker* - I have radio etc via my iPhone - the sound was lovely (esp. Tivoli), but I felt like I was paying for a feature I don't need.

And then I remembered this Jambox device; I'd written it off as gimmicky when it was released. Shows what i know, huh? :)

Audio quality
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This has the same audio performance as a Tivoli, I reckon- a nice, warm sound, which definitely benefits from decent quality AAC/source files - you notice the difference with iPlayer's 'HD' and 320k iTunes material.

The audio is noticeably 'box bound' (depending on the track), but as it's the size of *two Wii remotes* - it's an amazing audio performance for it's size.

If this was simply a mains-powered, smallish speaker, with audio-in, as I thought I wanted, I'd be really happy.

Usage
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But of course, this also has a 10hr battery and bluetooth connectivity (and a headphone-in if you need it), so I can carry it from room to room, with my iPhone (or Mac) left behind (30 feet range - I've not reached that limit yet).

I didn't think I needed this sort of portability, but it's absolutely brilliant - you really do find yourself using it whilst cooking, showering, etc.

I didn't think I'd need a speaker to carry around my flat, away from the phone/mac, but it's really useful.

And it looks pretty cool! It's like a nifty piece of lego...not some horrid nerdy hifi object with flashing blue LEDs. It feels extremely rugged as well; thick rubber on both sides and a meaty metal grille.

**UPDATE**: I've been using this for a week now, and the battery is outstanding - I've charged it once, and used it for: afternoon's loud listening, a movie, an evening's background music, an afternoon's listening, morning's radio. Still reporting 'about 3/4 full', and the iPhone's battery indicator (v. cool) looks about 2/3rds.

It's been a week, and no run-down on the battery whilst idle, either. Absolutely fantastic.

Bluetooth
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It's also a doddle to pair by holding the power switch for a few seconds - I haven't tried more than two devices (iPhone and Mac), but it shows up as a source in every audio-enabled iPhone app I've tried so far.

One thing I was concerned about was the syncing of audio for video playback (I was previously unfamiliar Bluetooth audio), but it's perfect.

Because it's battery+wireless, this has transformed how I watch movies on my laptop (I place the speaker near my head, and the laptop at the bottom of the bed :)

Accessories
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Some thoughtful extras in the box are two lengths of micro USB cable (the shorter one is great for travelling), and a lovely thin headphone-heaphone cable (I suspect audio nerds will detect improved quality sound with this - I couldn't hear much difference over Bluetooth).

But best of all is a really nicely designed 'slipcase', with toughened sides, so you can carry it in a bag.

Note for Mac users
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Word of warning to Mac users - it shows up twice in Sound preferences - the default source is 'headset' and that is really rubbish and tinny. Be sure to select 'Bluetooth Headphones'.

**UPDATE**: I've had some problems connecting my Mac over Bluetooth (iPhone is flawless). I think the Mac has a Bluetooth bug which requires you to wait for 15+ seconds to connect successfully. If you try and access System Preferences > Audio in the first 15+ secs, before the device driver has become active, the Sound prefs hang, or you get a 'can't connect' error.

As the iPhone is flawless, and instant, I'm going to put this down to buggy/sub par BT audio drivers on 10.6.7...I'll just have to learn to be a little patient when using my Macbook :-)

Conclusion
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It's not full-on hifi, but you've probably already got a dock/stereo/whatever for that.

This is basically a near-perfect kitchen table speaker for connecting an iPhone/laptop.

Then it becomes one of the best travel accessories I've come across - the battery and size (and weight) means it'll slip easily into an overnight bag (it comes with a nice slipcase...never suffer hotel room audio again!

If you like well designed, thoughful objects, like good sound, but are willing to compromise a bit for wonderful portability and lots of opportunities to actually use the thing, I don't think you'll regret buying this.

Grt little speaker, was shocked when I 1st opened it by how small it was. However, it delivers amazing sound for such a small unit. I listen to base heavy electronic music and the sound it produces is very good, fantastic for a regular business traveler like myself and I use it for hands free calls and music on the road. No chargers or cables needed is an added bonus - battery stays charged for 12hrs continuous. Syncs perfectly with my HTC android.
However, it is not all great:
1) The price, I think 100GBP would be better aligned with the the product
2) If you have it on full volume on a smooth surface, it bounces around on the base and yesterday it bounced off the sink unit of my hotel room onto a hard floor, ouch! Luckily it is still ok, but I have learnt to place it on a small towel, or something similar to stop it moving

I was a bit dubious of getting this thinking something that small wouldn't sound very good. WOW ! Was I wrong. This thing gives out a super sound with lots of volume and nice bass. You won't be disappointed with this.
Easy to setup, paired with my phone (HTC Desire) very quickly. The first time you have to press the button to put it in pairing mode, after that it connects automatically. One useful thing I found is the charging connector on the jambox is the same as my HTC phone, so I only need to take one charger to charge both....bonus !
Smaller than a packet of biscuits, it's also very well made and looks good. I give it 5/5.
It also came by DHL next day, so hats off to Luzern in Ireland who I purchased it from.....Jawbone JAMBOX Wireless Speaker Hi-Fi, Stereo, Speaker Black Diamond