As most can relate to, the speakerphone built into your phone is probably not the best for listening to your MP3s with. This is why it can be very handy to have Bluetooth (BT) enabled ultra compact speakers. How about throwing in actual speaker phone capabilities as well? Sound interesting? Then you will be interested in our review of the Motorola EQ5 Wireless Travel Stereo Speaker. To find out if it can live up to the name of Motorola or if this is just a good try that may not be worth the money, take a look inside.
QUALITY OF BUILD
When first opening the box, the unit is both impressive by its looks and by its small size. It feels solid. The arm in the back does feel a bit fragile, but this is mostly a first impression misconception. If the arm is bent back to far, it will simply pop out of its hinges before any damage will come to the speakers or the arm. The buttons are firm and easy to push. The front plate is a shiny black, which looks cool, but is a fingerprint magnet. The speaker grill is made of metal to help increase its durability and travelability. It also includes a 3.5mm jack so you can use the speakers with any non BT device as well, like your MP3 player or even your Nintendo DS. It boils down to a sleek design that fits right in your pocket.
EASE OF USE / SOUND QUALITY
Pairing the speakers to my phone was quick and simple. You have all the basic controls you would need including volume up and down, play / pause, fast forward / skip to next song, rewind / skip back to previous song, along with the speakerphone answer and hang-up button.
I immediately opened up Windows Media and started playing my MP3s. The sound was not a Bose "blow you away" experience, but very respectful for its compact size. The play / pause and fast forward and rewind buttons controlled Windows Media perfectly.
I then launched Sprint TV and started watching Ghostbusters. It was a lot better experience than trying to listen to it through my phone's speakerphone. It would be nice if it was able to be a little louder, but I get the impression that it would not be able to handle it without starting to distort the sound quality.
When a call comes in, you simply press the answer button and take the phone call as the Motorola EQ5 doubles as a speakerphone as well. The sound quality as a speaker may not be the best bluetooth speaker phone I have used, but does not get any complaints from me either.
SUMMARY
The Motorola EQ5 is impressive enough to show off to your friends, easy to stick in your pocket or bag when on the go, and delivers an adequate sound quality experience for its size and expectations. My only suggestion is that with an item so portable, it would have been nice if a travel pouch of any kind was included.
JUST THE FACTS
Specs
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Play Time: Up to 8 hrs
- Battery: Rechargeable, non-replaceable
- Weight: 100g
- Dimensions: 116x65x15 mm
- Bluetooth: Version 2.0 +EDR, HFP1.5, A2DP1.2, AVRCP1.0
- Codec Support: SBC, MP3
Features
- Pocket-sized, sleek form-factor
- SRS WOW HD™ enhanced stereo performance
- Speakerphone and controls for hands-free functionality
- Noise-reduction and echo-cancellation technology for clear communication
- Bass ports for improved sound
- Discreet desk-stand
- 3.5mm jack to connect to non-Bluetooth enabled music-players
- Micro-USB connection for charging and power
| Ratings (4 out of 5)Overall: 4 stars out of 5 | ProsSleek designCompact sizeDurable enough for travelDecent sound quality for its compact sizeConsWould be nice to be able to have more volumeNo travel pouch included |
