Based on what I saw at Outdoor Retailer, two trending items were insulated cups and portable bluetooth speakers. Designing one of these products to stand out from the crowd is the real challenge. JBL had on display, five of their newest portable speaker options. Ranging from their smallest offering, the Clip 2 to the ultra powerful JBL Xtreme and the light integrated Pulse 3. I focused on a model planted right in the middle of that range, the JBL Flip 4.
What really had me interested in the Flip 4 was it’s size to sound ratio. This mid size portable speaker is about the same as a small bottle of water. Making it a perfect fit for the cup holder on a golf cart. Or the side pocket of a daypack. And weighing only 1.2 lbs, this speaker fits nicely into your hand as well. Off to the beach for the day? The 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery has you covered for 12 hours depending on volume setting. No need to worry about a splash or even a drop into the water. The Flip 4 sports an IPX7 rating allowing the speaker to survive being submerged. Available in 6 vibrant colors, the Flip 4 will match whatever motif you have going on.
JBL Flip 4 Specs courtesy of jbl.com
- Bluetooth version: Â 4.2
- Support: Â A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
- Transducer: Â 2 x 40mm
- Output power: Â 2 x 8W
- Frequency response:  70Hz – 20kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio:  ≥80dB
- Weight: Â 515g
- Dimensions: Â (H x W x D)68 x 175 x 70 (mm)
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Battery type: Â Lithium-ion polymer (3.7V, 3000mAh)
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Battery charge time: Â 3.5 hours @ 5V1A
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Music playing time: Â Up to 12 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
- MSRP: Â $99.95
This certainly isn’t my first portable speaker. I have two teenage boys in the house and they bring the music wherever we go. I will say that JBL has a solid contender with the Flip 4. Linking the speaker to my iPhone was hassle free and quick. The Flip 4 can also support up to 2 phones or tablets simultaneously. Allowing more than one person control the beats. Additionally, up to 100 speakers can be linked together providing a ridiculous amount of sound. A built-in speakerphone allows crystal clear calls and a simple push of a button engages Siri or Google Now. Don’t be left in the dust this summer. Grab a portable speaker from JBL by Harmon and bring the tunes along on your next adventure.
