[Review] Scosche BoomCan external speaker - Nook Color Accessories

For a couple months now I've been looking for a pair of external speakers for my nook color and cell phone. I saw an Engadget blurb about these BoomCans and decided to roll the dice. I picked up two of them, black and blue, and have had several hours to mess with 'em today.
Here is a link to the specs and details on Scosche's website.
I'll stick to the basic categories: Sound-quality, Build-quality, and Utility.
Sound-quality
I'm pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, though the controlling factor is the volume. The on/off button acts as a simple volume control configured as such: [off/low/high].
With mid-range volume the speakers sound awesome. The speaker is just big enough for the low's to get across while not drowning-out the high's, and a sufficient db and signal-to-noise ratio to project fairly crisp highs. Compared to cell-phone/tablet/laptop speakers of course.
On low volume they sound even better, and when I say 'low volume' I mean speaking level.
When you want to blast the tunes is when you'll get into some trouble. The speakers just can't handle how loud they're able to be pushed. It is possible to max out the speakers with them in the low mode which is a bit disconcerting, because I'd hate to blow one by accidentally having the media volume turned to max. Which is quite the design flaw.
You are able to daisy-chain the BoomCans together, but with one flaw. No left/right, just mono feeding mono. To be honest though, mono is good enough for any application they're suited for. I personally got them for camping/fires and the like.
Build-quality
The speaker enclosure is the best built part of this product. Which is a really good thing, and annoying at the same time. The enclosure is solid feeling metal, possibly aluminium, but I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be pot steal. It's capped on top and bottom with plastic caps. The bottom having the mini-usb in (for input and charging) and a 3.5mm out for daisy-chaining. This brings us to the aspect I dislike most about this product, the cordage. As you can see in the image below the mini-usb to split usd/3.5mm input is both far to short and poorly made. They had to cut some corners i guess to get it to the $25 price point.
/edit
The battery seems to be as good as marketed. I've got a little over six hours of playtime so far on the initial charge. Time will reveal the quality of the battery, and it's ability to sustain the max charge.
There's also nothing proprietary about the cable. Seems to be charging just fine with a standard mini-USB to USB cable connected to my ipod classic charger. Any USB charger with an out of 500mA or above should be quite safe to use.
edit\
Utility
Being only 2.5'' tall and 2.0'' wide, these are quite portable. You are also given a pouch for scratch-free carrying. The technically unlimited times you are able to daisy-chain these is dumb at best, but I believe a very nice feature for only two or three of 'em.
If you're looking for some external speakers for a phone/tablet/laptop I would cautiously recommend these.
The good
-Quality feeling speaker enclosure
-Low-mid volume sound quality is great
-Advertised 4-7hr battery life
-Relatively low price point: $24.99/ea
-Designed to Daisy-chain
The bad
-Feedback audible while charging
-Able to be pushed past DB limit on low volume switch setting
-Mono only with daisy-chaining
-no A/C charger included
The ugly
-Very cheap cables (cable is a male mini-usb ---> split male-usb/3.5mm audio)
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Edit: Added some battery info

Related

Monster Beats by Dr Dre Headphones (Can Type)

I decided to get these headphones after seeing them on various gadget websites and seeing them on display in the shop.... OMG they are awesome! I can't believe the audio quality I am getting out of my HD2... of course, I "knew" quality headphones were important for listening to music... I have never been too crazy about music/tunes except when I do my workout laps at the pool ... then, the underwater headphones are crap and don't seal properly...
So, I have been missing out. I thought the earphones that came with the HD2 were pretty good. I have never had a decent seal with the in ear type plugs without being uncomfortable... This was until I walked into the store and by some chance decided to try these cans which were on display... after having been wowed by the display set, I tested this on my HD2 and was SOLD immediately.... they are expensive at $300 to $350 but heck... you MUST try them! THey do fold and when folded, becomes a more "compact" package than BOSE's offering... but the bass on this with crystal clarity in the treble blows the BOSE I tried away IMHO...
The BEATS come with a nice case and cleaning cloth... it also has TWO interchangable cables. One standard red one and another black one with a mic on the cable and a simple remote. This cable lets you take calls by pressing a button on the mic. The same button functions as a play pause button also. Nothing more is offered but the addition of a mic is a surprise for cans of this quality! And very welcome indeed... it can take a lot of time to have to pull out the headphones, remove the full size headphones and then take a call.... the mic cable is black in color and come with gold plated plugs. Finally, both a HiFi plug adapter and an airline adapter are also included
Downside... these headphones require power... power to power those drivers and also to run the noise reduction electronics. If the juice (2 x AAA) runs out, you won't get sound. The batts should run for a long time though... I have been using these for a while and have even forgotten to turn them off many nights... still running strong on the original Duracell batts I will be swapping these out with Eneloop AAA batts when these run out though.
I am really happy with these. The comfort level is amazing with ultra soft pads over each can. the build quality of the plastics could be better I think for $350 headphones... but I am still wowed each time I wear them. The noise reduction is great for airplane or train journeys too... if you want to hear what is going on around you to engage in conversation, just press a button on the right ear... this disengages the noise reduction and mutes the music and viola, all can be heard! Sweet!
Don't take my word for it, go try them out!
Oh... I also use SRS WOW which I installed on my HD2...
ah nice ive tried them before and they are pretty good but very pricey.. i use these... they are made by an english company and the quality is supurb!
they are kam khp1500!
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Don't they give you a bad neck?
paulking said:
Don't they give you a bad neck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the neck, they are annoying for long periods... on the head and over the ears, I could wear my Beats all day You just can't get that same sound from in ear buds....
smorg12 said:
ah nice ive tried them before and they are pretty good but very pricey.. i use these... they are made by an english company and the quality is supurb!
they are kam khp1500!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interested in these headphones, do they ship to netherlands + got a site where i can take a look at the price etc?
there are quite a few sites selling them if you search but they are usally about £30 - £50 so around 40 - 60 euros
here is 1 site.. they are £35 but shipping to eu from £15
http://www.djstore.com/item/kamkhp1500pro.htm
in my opinion for the price they well out perform anything anywhere near its price region
smorg12 said:
ah nice ive tried them before and they are pretty good but very pricey.. i use these... they are made by an english company and the quality is supurb!
they are kam khp1500!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this advice I just got a set after reading this and they are very good, especially for the money!
Ta
Can headphones are ALWAYS going to have an edge ... TRY these BEATS headphones though... really!
stuart-buchy said:
Thanks for this advice I just got a set after reading this and they are very good, especially for the money!
Ta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol nice to hear but try them in a stereo aswell.. you will feel them rumble from the base!
smorg are you saying thats a good or bad thing ;-) ?
rich_13 said:
smorg are you saying thats a good or bad thing ;-) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol the stereo they were plugged in to was very powerfull and I was running some very basey songs.. its not a bad thing and its not enough to really notice tbh

Any other headphones with mic?

Hello,
does anybody use different headphones rather than those from Motorola? I would like to buy a better ones but I really like possibility to use them during calls.
Are there any of these really existing?
Have a look at Sony Ericsson Xperia X10's earphones. I think Sony's earphones are better than Motorola's.
yup
Sure there is a earphones.
I'm using the Ultimate (UE) SF4Vi w/ my Milestone.
It equipped w/ a mic and answer button, could play/stop music, hope y'll like it.
Pics:
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i am using OEM headphone..but i burnin first for 48 hours before use..now i have a great headphone.
how to burn in your headphone:
http://www.burninwave.com/
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/56744/headphone-burn-in-faq
I just use my iPhone headphones. Seem to work fine.
Sent from my Milestone XT720 using XDA App
There are a variety of aftermarket headphones available with mics these days. I can't attest to the quality, but know that both Samsung and Skull Candy offer models that you should be able to find in any electronics store.
get a philips bluetooth headset, it's great.
Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk
I'm using skull candy holua headphones. the earbuds are all wood, multiple sized rubber inserts and also foam inserts for comfort, in line mic, button to stop and start music, they sound awesome.
I don't recommend Skullcandy, because the sound quality is subpar at best. Better off getting Ultimate Ears Metro-Fi's or Klipsch Image S4i.
question is whether your earbuds will outdo your phone or not.
I have the Super Fi 5 Pros and the Triple Fi 10 Pros and I have to say those are all overkill for a Milestone. LOL.
But still, they are both nice as they accept Ultimate Ears' vi cables which adds a mic.
Yeah the Milestone might not have good sound quality anyway, but still it's nice to have good quality buds. I've heard the TF10's and they are quite amazing, on par with the Sennheiser IE8 and Shure SE530, in my opinion.
Google "Sentry HM300". $5 bucks at Big Lots, and fairly cheap elsewhere. Sound is crisp, with a bit of punch at the low-end, and thus far have been pretty durable. The mic has a start/stop/answer switch. The colored portions you see are actually metal, and they look nice, too. I've been very pleasantly surprised.
And if you misplace them or accidentally jerk them or something, you won't have that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that comes with a $80-200 pair of earbuds.
dmo580 said:
question is whether your earbuds will outdo your phone or not.
I have the Super Fi 5 Pros and the Triple Fi 10 Pros and I have to say those are all overkill for a Milestone. LOL.
But still, they are both nice as they accept Ultimate Ears' vi cables which adds a mic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...not if you amp the Milestone I only wish that the Milestone had a line-out cable like the iPhone LOD.
I tried out a work colleagues skullcandy buds he other day which had a mic and were noise cancelling. The noise canelling effect in particular was impressive for the price.
You can buy any iPhone compatible earphones. The only one with in-line mic and answer button. Not the control talk models (with volume up and down) because it got some problems with our phones. Pay attention for Samsung and Nokia compatible because they don't work: GND and Mic contacs are swapped on them (like OMTP standards and our Milestone is not OMTP compatible).
I got a pair of Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket with in-line mic and it's not so bad. I've got also the Atomic Floyd HiDefDrum + Microphone and these are much better, best earphones ever had. Really comfortable and the sound is great!!! Little expensive (to be sincere) but sound is wonderful.
Be really carefull if you search for the Monster Beats Tour or others made by Monster because there's some fake chinese models clone that really look like originals. You can find more information about this on the web or ask me for more if you need
Bose mobile... expensive, a little overkill on the base, but fantastic sound quality! Go to Amazon or NewEgg... don't buy anything @ Veri$on store. They want double price for a 32g microSDHC, and about $30 extra for the Bose earbuds!
via Droid, Liquid Gingerbread v.1.92
The Klipsch S4i have not been mentioned i think...
the earphone from Jays seem good

Computer Gurus?

Ok Im pretty much just making a thread here in the OT section to help get some interest in a computer case from Case Labs. I usually hang out over in Overclock.net since I'm more inclined in PC's than in phones. So this thread is pretty much just here to help get interest in the other thread over on OCN. If anyone is interested in the hopefully soon to be mATX case or any of the other cases stop on over.
Heres a link to the thread for the mATX Case Labs case.
http://www.overclock.net/case-labs/958444-matx-magnum.html#post12634240
Heres a couple shots of the M8/M10, the mATX case would be similar in design, just smaller.
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Here is the original thread for the Case Labs M8/M10 if anyone is interested.
http://www.overclock.net/case-labs/939034-magnum-m8-m10-now-shipping.html
thats what she said joke in 3 , 2 , ...
@nagle3092: So, like... what's that a picture of?
A computer case that has more features than you can shake a stick at.
nagle3092 said:
A computer case that has more features than you can shake a stick at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks pretty sexy, is that infrared I spy with my little eye?
-If ignorance is bliss why aren't you smiling?-
Looks like a nice case for a server build. Quality built and tons of features.
Unfortunately a bit to pricey, but then, such quality has its price !
I recently crammed 3 hdd's into a Apex DM317 and it was ok for the beginning. But then, the heat buildup and the noise are terrible. On top of that, I came to realize that eventually 1.5 TB won't be enough in the long run.
So far I have looked into the Lian-Li PC-V354 as an alternative, but it's quite pricey.
/maybe the easter bunny will be nice to me
That's a nice looking case, but I wouldn't get one unless hot-swap HDD bays were available.
They also have expansion enclosures that can go under or top of the original case. I have yet to see any other case that has as many features as these cases do. Granted these cases are pricey but the amount of features that they have you would think they would cost even more.
Heres a list of features
MAGNUM M8/M10 Standard Features:
All aluminum construction - .090" (2.3mm) chassis .063"(1.6mm) doors/covers.
Choice of ventilated or solid doors and covers (on a panel by panel basis). Right and left side windows are available in a variety of colors in two sizes: Standard ($15.00) and XL ($20.00).
Slide out MB tray.
Choice of one HDD cage assembly (4 drive capacity): either standard or flex-bay mount. Note that the flex-bay mount deletes one of the 3U filler panels.
Four single bay filler plates and two triple plates.
Four sets of mounting brackets for 5.25” devices.
I/O panel with firewire, four USB 2.0 ports, HD audio and microphone connection.
Lamptron anti-vandal style switches and wiring harnesses: blue ring for power and red dot for HDD activity. They are standard switches that can be easily swapped out for custom color combinations.
Filler plates for top and bottom fan openings, 40mm fan openings on MB tray, card slots, and one PSU.
Four rubber feet with screws (casters are available).
Misc. hardware: Thumbscrews, MB standoffs, Tie-wraps, etc.
Case Dimensions (same for both): 15"W x 19.06"H x 20.06"D (381mm x 484mm x 510mm) Rubber feet add .75" (19mm) to height, optional casters add 2.63" (67mm).
The M8 supports ATX boards up 10.75" wide
The M10 supports XL-ATX boards (but not HPTX like the SR-2)
Supports Video Cards up to 17" (432mm) using Fan Mounts
Weight: 21 lbs.
@OP: I would have been drooling a few months back... I was looking for a case, but settled on a donated case from my dad.
I think I'd rather have one of THESE:
2 PSU's........watch out National Grid!!

Post your LCD or Plasma TV.

Post pictures of your LCD or Plasma TV and why you prefer one over the other. I have both, and like each for different reasons. Ihave a 52" Sharp Aquos Quattron LED LCD, and it has a very sharp picture. The other day, I threw my remote across the room (team lost) and it hit the lower left hand corner. Needless to say, I was off to Best Buy. I spent a good two hours checking out a few TV's, and decided to purchase a 59" Samsung Srries 5+ 550 1080p Plasma +1 3D 600hz TV. This TV is pretty awesome. Crisp detail, bright, and it has the deepest blacks if any TV I've ever seen before.
I almost purchased the Samsung Smart TV series, but in my opinion, wasn't worth the $3k+ price tag, consideting Best Buy is kniwn fir slashing prices fairly often. My new TV is a perfect example. It had an original retail price of $1,899 just a month ago, but I got it for $999.
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Below is my Sharp Aquos Quttron:
I just purchased the quattron last year from Best Buy. I wasn't happy about breaking it, but now I have a 59" Plasma.
The picture quality on the Plasma is super tight and really crisp. Super deep blacks make for clean definition and clean lines. This is supposed to be the best Plasma TV on the market, and it's looking great so far. It's slso got the loudest speskers I've ever heard on a flat panel. Really freaking loud.
Sent from my Galaxy Note (SGH-i717) using XDA Premium.
I have a 120hz Samsung LN52B630. Fantastic picture, and the 120hz feature adds depth and clarity. It also has an outstanding built in media player, 4 HDMI inputs, and a swivel base. What's not to like ?
Here's the review I wrote for viewpoints.com:
Great feature set, and well-rounded overall performance.
Overall Rated 5 out of 5.
As the 2009 models are being cleared out to make room for the 2010's, you might want to consider picking up one of these great LCD TV's before they are all gone.The extensive feature-set includes 4 HDMI inputs (3 rear,1 side), 2 USB inputs, and several component inputs, in addition to a PC input. The built-in USB media player has functionality which rivals separate stand alone units, and the inclusion of a swivel base and a slim profile makes placing this unit in tight spaces easier to accomplish than most models in this class.(plus it's really handy having 3 of the 4 HDMI inputs on the back of the set)
Another feature which sets this unit apart from similarly priced 52 inch sets are the separate Blur and Judder reduction controls. This allows you to fine tune the characteristics of 120Hz frame interpolation to your liking, and to adjust for optimal picture quality regardless of the source. Picture quality is very good (although not quite perfect) and immerses you in a quasi 3 dimensional viewing experience.
When you take into consideration the extensive feature set, great picture quality, and close-out prices on this unit, one would be hard pressed to find a better value in a 52" LCD TV.
Grab one of these 1080P sets while you still can.
http://www.viewpoints.com/Samsung-LN52B630-review-809c1
Westinghouse 46in 1080p 120Hz.
Not a smart TV, but I have a Roku XS so it doesn't matter.
Audio Source Sound Bar
Panasonic Receiver with 5.1 surround sound with HDMI pass through
(yeah, having both the Sound Bar and the Panasonic is overkill, but I use them at different times for different things... The Sound Bar is for news...ect, the receiver I use for movies and well, music
Verizon FiOS Ultimate Movie package (every premium channel available)
Wasn't me!! I didn't do it!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Jeep Grand Cherokee - removable dash mount

With the prices of the 2012 N7 dropping with each day I decided it was about time to snag one. The main purpose of buying it was to install into my 1998 Grand Cherokee but I also wanted it removable for a few reason. One was because I also wanted to run a radio still. The radio I'm using is controllable through an app with either Android or iPhone. So it seemed only natural to hide the radio and use the tablet as the interface for it. When the tablet is removed the radio is visible and functions as normal. This also means I don't always have to have the tablet with me to enjoy tunes. Since the tablet can control the radio via blue tooth I can remove the tablet walk over to the camp fire and fully control the radio still. I also wanted it removable to make it easier to deal with doing things like testing new roms or just plain using it in the house or around town for other things.
After going around and searching I ordered an OTG Y cable that I though was going to work but wound up only charging the tablet but wouldn't allow it to go into OTG. Really didn't feel like ordering another one and having it not charge or what ever. So I decided to hack and splice my own together. Also wanted to have it hooked to a USB hub for things like DAC, SP 3 controller, various drives whether it be flash or hard drive , as well as possible web cams in the future.
Parts:
SYBA SD-CM-UAUD USB Stereo Audio Adapter
BELKIN F5U404PBLK USB 2.0 4-Port Mobile Hub
Nexus 7 NVIDIA Tegra 3 1GB Memory 32GB
For now I'm using a hacked cigarette adapter for a step down to 5v for the USB hub
Fiberglass cloth
Resin/Hardener
2 Large safety pins(you'll see)
cables were in a drawer....you all know the story
Onto the pictures
Dash panel with the heat vents removed. The center bar was removed and the entire hole was slightly enlarge a bit more to get rid of the accent bead the goes around the area.
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Next I went online and found a cheap 8 gig unit with a broken screen to use as a mold and wrapped it up and made an place for the release.
Fun with fiberglass
After letting it cure and some clean up
Some shaping got it to fit the area I wanted to take up. The dash originally leaned toward the driver a bit. I didn't want it like that I wanted it to be straight so it would be easier to view for all passengers for watching movies yada yada.
Test fit with radio in place
Next was making the catch/ release. Took some more fiberglass ,some brake line, some all-thread, and those big safety pins
Those large safety pins are the springs (after being modified of course)
Second test fit with it fully bonded to the dash panel
Some primer and a thumb press on the release to make it easier to use
Fully painted
I will admit the finish could have been a bit better. I should have spent some more time sanding and finding a better paint that matches the other small areas that are black on the dash but it's for a 4 wheel drive Jeep that get used as a rock crawler how pretty does it need to be. It will be an on going project for sure. I have steering wheel controls so that will most likely get added to the list. A better power supply . Web cam/s kind of hoping for multiple cams for several location around the vehicle. For filming while wheeling.
Here's a pic of the cables used.
So it's the home made OTG cable, USB hub, and hub power wire splice to a USB end to plug into the cigarette adapter that's hard wired behind the dash. When I reopen the dash to do the USB extension I'll get some pics of that.
Good job man:thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

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