X-Mini Max II Capsule Speakers--photos

The X-Mini Max II Capsule Speaker is an excellent option for anyone looking for an ultraportable speaker that offers great sound quality at a very reasonable price.

Jasmine France

Dec. 3, 2009 1:06 p.m. PT

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Josh Miller/CNET

Portable speakers for your MP3 player are easy enough to come by, but the smaller of these often suffer from problematic audio. Every once in a while, though, we come across a supercompact speaker that surprises us. The X-Mini Max II Capsule Speaker is one such model, featuring an innovative, travel-friendly design and surprisingly good sound quality for just $49.95.

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Josh Miller/CNET

The X-Mini Max II Capsule Speaker could almost fit in a pocket, if not for its egg-like shape. When the two modules are connected for transport (called "capsule mode"), the unit measures just 4 inches long and 2.5 inches around at its widest point.

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Josh Miller/CNET

A relatively strong magnet on the bottom of each module keeps them in the egg position.

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Josh Miller/CNET

When you want to listen to music, you simply pull the modules apart and set them upright.

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Josh Miller/CNET

A twist of the tops pops them out accordion-style for maximum bass. Around the base of each speaker you'll find a power switch, an aux-in jack, a Mini-USB port, and an indicator light. The LED glows red during charging and blue when the modules are powered on.

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Josh Miller/CNET

Connecting an MP3 player or other audio source to the X-Mini Max II is a simple matter of attaching the included four-way cable. This rather messy setup includes two Mini-USB attachments, a 3.5mm straight plug, and a standard USB male connector.

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Josh Miller/CNET

One of the benefits of speakers that are designed with two separate modules is that you can set them apart for optimal stereo separation. As such, the sound space offered by the X-Mini Max II speakers is wider than many other ultracompact models. Indeed, sound quality in general is much better than what we'd expect from speakers this size--and at this price point.