JAMBOX puts a new twist on a portable speaker [REVIEW]

One thing we can all agree on. The built-in speakers on our smartphones are never good enough. Same goes with any music capable device like the iPod touch.

My sons were constantly complaining that they couldn’t listen to music on their iPod touch with their friends. Well, they could—it just didn’t sound good enough.

So I bought them these portable speakers. They did the trick but they definitely have limitations. For starters, you have to plug in the speakers to your device. They also run off alkaline batteries which doesn’t make them the “greenest” of devices. Not to mention the number of batteries you go through when your kids forget to power off the speaker.

Bigger and greener

The JAMBOX by Jawbone just may be the portable speaker upgrade people are looking for. It’s slightly larger (but still portable) so it has better sound quality than most portable speakers, especially on the lower bass tones. It runs on built-in rechargeable batteries which can be charged via USB from any electrical outlet (adapter included) or by plugging it into a computer.

It’s also wireless meaning no more carrying around the speaker with your device. Instead you can set the JAMBOX anywhere you want in the room and still enjoy great sound. Of course, this requires that your device has Bluetooth capability but most devices do these days. If wireless isn’t your thing, you can still plug the speaker directly into your device using the include cable.

Doubles as a speakerphone

The JAMBOX also puts a new twist on portable speakers because it doubles as a speakerphone. This means you can broadcast your phone conversation to an entire room. Not so good for privacy but great when you want the whole family to sing happy birthday to a distant relative (that’s how we roll in my family).

I tested the JAMBOX with my son’s iPod touch and my own DROID RAZR MAXX smartphone. Both took only seconds to pair to the speaker and both worked flawlessly. I even found it relaxing to listen to an audiobook in my family room using the Audible app on my smartphone while relaxing on the couch and not worrying about headphones or earbuds getting tangled around my head.

One last nice touch. The JAMBOX comes with its own carrying case, something you usually have to buy separately.

Nice compromise between price and sound quality

Do I think the JAMBOX is the best sounding portable speaker on the market? No, not at all. But it doesn’t cost $300 like the Bose SoundLink either. At less than half that price, the JAMBOX sits as a nice compromise between price and sound quality.

You can find the JAMBOX at your local Verizon Wireless store or online at Amazon.com.