More features
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LCD display. This screen makes device control more visual: it can display the operating mode, equalizer settings, battery charge level, etc.
— Handle/strap.
The presence of a handle or strap makes wearing the speaker more comfortable. So the handle is used mainly in large stereo speakers and makes them similar to boomboxes (
cassette recorders) of yesteryear. The strap can be used both for large speakers and for miniature ones, which allows you to hang them on your hand, on elements of a backpack, etc.
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Flashlight. This feature likely won't replace a high-end, dedicated flashlight. The power of the built-in flashlight is usually enough to illuminate at least a distance of 2 - 3 meters, and models with a bicycle mount (see above) can even play the role of a headlight (although, again, they are inferior to specialized bicycle lights).
—
Carabiner/suspension A device in the form of a latch that allows you to attach the speaker to items of clothing, backpack straps, etc.
—
Bicycle mount. A special device designed to mount the speaker on a bicycle, usually on the handlebars, at the user’s fingertips. Such models are often complemented by a hands-free function, which allows you to communicate on the phone without taking your hands off the
...steering wheel.Battery capacity
Theoretically, a
higher capacity allows to achieve greater battery life, but in fact, the operating time also depends on the power consumption of acoustics — and it can be very different, depending on the characteristics and design features. So this parameter is secondary, and when choosing it is worth paying attention not so much to the battery capacity, but to the directly claimed operating time (see below).
Charging time
The time it takes to charge a fully discharged device to 100% charge.
Waterproof
The presence in the design of the acoustics of
a protected housing that prevents dust and moisture from entering the sensitive electronic filling. The specific degree of such protection in different models may be different — some speakers are able to endure even complete immersion under water (
waterproof), others are designed only for exposure to moderate rain. Therefore, the specifics of the protected case should be clarified separately according to the manufacturer's official data. However, anyway, such speakers will be more resistant to bad weather and better suited for outdoor use than those that do not have dust and water protection; therefore, if you are choosing acoustics for outdoor trips, it makes sense to pay attention to models with this function.
Some models with this feature are officially IP certified. The IP index includes two digits — for example, IP54. The first digit indicates the degree of protection against dust, the second — from moisture; the higher the number, the higher the corresponding degree of protection, detailed data can be found in special sources.
