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Time to get the wife a B-day gift..she wants a wireless speaker for her iPhone 4S. Price range around $300
I have done some research, but I have a couple questions.
First is Airplay vs. Bluetooth. I checked out the 2 formats and Airplay seems to be better mostly b/c it runs over your WiFi, can handle multiple devices, and has better sound quality. Bluetooth seems to pair more reliably. My question is, if either the source (iPad or iPhone) or the Airplay speaker is out of range of your wireless router, will it still work? I.e., can the 2 devices talk to each other if they were alone at the park or beach, or do they need an already existing network to "see" each other. The reason I ask is my home WiFi is weak in parts of the house and definitely does not extend outside.
Also, I am debating a portable battery powered speaker vs. one that needs AC power to work.
My list so far (in order of preference):
Portable:
1) Big Jambox ($299)
2) Philips SoundRing ($299)
3) Gulp..can't believe I am going to type this...Bose Soundlink ($299)
4) iHome iW1 ($233-249 range)
AC power:
1) Audyssey Audiodock Air ($349)
2) Philips SoundCurve ($399)
3) Philips SoundAvia ($176)
4) JBL Onbeat Air (list $249, currently $135 at Vanns.com)
So, of those, has anyone used/heard any of them and what recommendations would you make?
I read some bad reviews about the iHome and JBL products, which is why they are lower on the list. I am leaning, right now, toward the Big Jambox which is Bluetooth. Mostly b/c of long battery life, the success of its predecessor, the Jambox, and my poor home Wifi coverage. Also, it looks cool and she would probably like it. But, the supposed sound quality of the Audiodock Air has me hesitating.
Thanks!
I have done some research, but I have a couple questions.
First is Airplay vs. Bluetooth. I checked out the 2 formats and Airplay seems to be better mostly b/c it runs over your WiFi, can handle multiple devices, and has better sound quality. Bluetooth seems to pair more reliably. My question is, if either the source (iPad or iPhone) or the Airplay speaker is out of range of your wireless router, will it still work? I.e., can the 2 devices talk to each other if they were alone at the park or beach, or do they need an already existing network to "see" each other. The reason I ask is my home WiFi is weak in parts of the house and definitely does not extend outside.
Also, I am debating a portable battery powered speaker vs. one that needs AC power to work.
My list so far (in order of preference):
Portable:
1) Big Jambox ($299)
2) Philips SoundRing ($299)
3) Gulp..can't believe I am going to type this...Bose Soundlink ($299)
4) iHome iW1 ($233-249 range)
AC power:
1) Audyssey Audiodock Air ($349)
2) Philips SoundCurve ($399)
3) Philips SoundAvia ($176)
4) JBL Onbeat Air (list $249, currently $135 at Vanns.com)
So, of those, has anyone used/heard any of them and what recommendations would you make?
I read some bad reviews about the iHome and JBL products, which is why they are lower on the list. I am leaning, right now, toward the Big Jambox which is Bluetooth. Mostly b/c of long battery life, the success of its predecessor, the Jambox, and my poor home Wifi coverage. Also, it looks cool and she would probably like it. But, the supposed sound quality of the Audiodock Air has me hesitating.
Thanks!