wireless speakers/bluetooth and wifi

[Dutch445]

I have been considering picking up speakers to put outside on the back patio, they don't
really have to be "outdoor" style, but would like to be able to have them broadcast
from our sony home theater (which has internet capability) I would also like to broadcast from my phone or
laptop, as we like pandora, but the speakers on the laptop are terrible.
I'm not looking for audiophile performance, but, it would be nice to have
something that sounds nice. I have seen small bluetooth speakers
that are the size of a coffee cup, but i'd like something with better
sound than that.
I see a few systems out there, SONOS is one, and there is another one that
may just be coming to North America that has been overseas, Pure has
a Jongo speaker system . Both of these would probably work for what I
want to do, but they are more money that i'd like to spend at the moment.
Any thoughts on what might work, that is easy to setup, and won't cost
+$300?
I would prefer battery if possible, but if I had to use ac power I guess
I could come up with that, around the house, or at a campground,
with extension cords.

 

[Coyote machine]

Crutchfield.com

 

[pwright]

There are a number of portable speaker units with bluetooth from Jawbone, JBL, Creative, Logitech, etc..

http://www.amazon.com/Jawbone-JAMBO...1374612385&sr=8-3&keywords=bluetooth+speakers

FWIW, I love my Sonos setup but mine are all inside the house as they aren't weatherproof nor portable really. Given your mention of use camping the bluetooth units are probably a better choice.

 

[like2wheel]

I have an Eton Rukus NRK100 (not the solar version) that I use like you are planning & I'm quite fond of it.
Great sound, very portable & the Bluetooth pairs well. Batteries seem to last a long time, but it is slightly louder on ac power.

Also have the Logitech Z515 speaker, but I wouldn't recommend that unit.

Bluetooth is very convenient.

 

[cletus99]

You can check out cnet.com for reviews on them. I was looking for the same thing not too long ago. I still haven't gotten any yet though.

 

[sshaw]

I have a Sonos system and the Jawbone Big Jambox Bluetooth speaker. I would highly recommend either one. The Sonos is great for all around the house or out on the patio. I use the Jambox with the phone, ipad, or laptop when I'm down at the pond out of range of my WiFi network and as a speaker phone.

For what you are trying to do (Pandora, Internet music, music from laptop, input from TV, etc.) I would look at the Sonos system, but you can't do all that for <$300. However, a Play3 plus a Bridge would run you $350 and would provide most everything but the phone and TV input. I can't vouch for the Play3 sound quality though, as I have Play5s.

I've tried numerous small portable/Bluetooth speakers in the $100 to $150 range and I'd say they were all a waste of money. The Big Jambox sounds the best to me so far, but it's $300.