When I was reviewing the Myine IRA Wireless Internet Radio, I was kinda stuck for speakers.  Yes, headphones would have worked, but who wants to do that every time you want to sit down at your computer and listen to music.  I didn’t.  Thankfully I had the DevoTec Solar Sound Wireless Speakers to help me out. How did they do? Let’s take a quick look and see..

DevoTec Solar Sound Wireless Speakers

Specifications
The DevoTec Solar Sound Wireless Speakers are a small brick with a set of speakers, one on each side of the brick. The solar charging panel is on the top of the device, and you can charge and play at the same time.  The speakers are decent enough and there are a couple of things that you need to know as far as use is concerned.  However, here are the full device specs from DevoTec’s website.

• 2x 2W speakers for proper stereo sound
• Wireless connectivity to any Bluetooth® phone or MP3 player supporting the A2DP and AVRCP profiles
• Plug into any standard headphone jack with the included 3.5mm headphone retractable cable
• Built in Mic for hands free communication when paired with a suitable phone
• Large solar panel for charging the built in Lithium-Ion 1500mAh battery
• Up to 12 hours continuous play time via Bluetooth and 36 hours via the 3.5mm line in jack
• Can play and charge simultaneously, and can even play from no battery on a sunny day!
• Touch-screen panel for remotely controlling your music, including Fast Forward and Rewind buttons, as well as Volume Control
• Includes protective case, AC/DC plug and charging cable
• Charging time: from 4 hours by AC/USB, about 12-24 hours from solar panel
• Small Dimensions: 16.5 x 5.5 x 5.5cm
• Weight: 260g, about 0.5lbs

The first thing you need to know is that the speakers don’t have a lot of power.  Its easy to over drive them and create distortion.  So, if you’re looking for something to power the music for your party, this isn’t it.  These are nice desktop speakers for when you’re at work, or away at school, want music, but don’t want to disturb other people around you.

Secondly, the best way to get these charged and to keep them charged is to plug them in.  While the solar panel will charge it, its not something that is going to be able to keep the unit powered while playing.  Charge time is slow on the device, and you’re likely going to run out of power if all you’ve got going for you is sunlight, especially if you’re using Bluetooth to get sound through the speakers.

Use
For personal use, these speakers are pretty awesome. The sound was rich, and didn’t seem hollow or tinny. I was very pleased.  However, again…don’t expect to have these things jam out your party.  They just don’t have the punch to produce sound beyond your desktop.

The contents of the box. The speakers, power unit, retractable speaker cord and USB power cable…

Conclusion: The speakers are pretty cool, and work either wirelessly or via wired connection.  The recharge time via solar panel is longer than it really should be (12-24 hours); and its really not possible to play and recharge at the same time, as the speaker pulls more power than the solar panels can generate. in a pinch, though,  and at your desktop near an electrical outlet, the speakers are perfect for office or desktop use.

Cost: The DevoTec Solar Sound Wireless Speakers retail for 49.99 GBP (approximately $81 USD) directly from the DevoTec site, as of this writing.  You can get them for $79.99 USD from Amazon.

What I liked: Clear sound, compact form factor, recharge via solar panels.

What needs improvement: Recharge time and strength via solar panels.  Using the device pulls too much power from the battery to have it recharge during use.

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