The NYNE NB-200 can go on a bike, but I prefer it on my desk.
The Nyne NB-200 ($129.95) is a Bluetooth speaker that provides great sound in a small package and an affordable price. Its black eye-shape design allows it to fit neatly on a bookshelf, but still has the presence to be out in the open.
There’s plenty of competition in the Bluetooth speaker arena, but one of the first things I look at on any Bluetooth speaker are the controls. Most of the ones I test are awkward at best — the controls are often tiny, embedded in difficult to reach spots, or positioned such that they require two hands — one to hold the speaker while you push the button. Fortunately, the NB-200 breaks that trend, placing its controls front and center and makes them easy to use without having to exert too much pressure. This includes the Bluetooth sync as well as volume, phone, and forward and back controls.
The NB-200 uses Class II v2.1 Bluetooth that works up to about 30 feet before the signal begins breaking up. It has a solid sound range, lithium ion rechargeable batteries, built-in microphone, a water-repellent housing all in a 5.7″ x 3.38″ x 2.8″ package. The batteries have a life around 5 hours of continuous play and a stand-by time of about a day.
The sound quality is also impressive, with deep lows and high highs provided through its uniquely design enclosure. Also, if you need to take a phone call, it has a built in mic for conference calls.
The NB-200 also comes with handlebar mounts for a standard bike, allowing you to mount it like a backer on the front. Honestly, though, I’m not clear on the use case for the handlebar mount is. If you want to listen to your music while cycling, having it on your handlebars facing forward may be safer than headphones in traffic, but would seem to lose a lot of sound quality in the whistling wind, as well as guarantee that the people around you are likely to be annoyed. Maybe an exercise bike at home? Definitely good for a stroller while out walking baby. Maybe mounted on Batman’s bike for warning criminals to pull over?
Nyne will be showing off this and its other new speakers this week at CES 2013, so if you happen to be around, I recommend you check it out for yourself.
The Nyne NB-200 Can be bought online at www.onecall.com/nyne.
Disclosure: NYNE provided sample products for review.
