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Small speaker, big sound. (Also: low price.)
Harman KardonSorry this deal is so late. The item I originally had lined up for today fell through at the last minute owing to a promo code issue.
Sorry, also, that it's another Bluetooth speaker. It's been nearly a month since the last one, and believe me when I say I've been working hard to avoid them.
That said, sometimes I feel like I'm robbing myself by constantly choosing lower-end speakers, which usually sound "good enough" but definitely lack some of the audio finesse of a premium brand.
So that's what makes today's deal a little different. For a limited time, and while supplies last, Verizon has the Harman Kardon Onyx Mini Bluetooth speaker for $49.99 shipped (plus tax where applicable). That price will appear once you add it to your cart. Other stores sell it for at least $70, and Harman Kardon proper still carries it at the list price of $199.95.
In the past I've extolled the virtues of the full-size Onyx, a top-rated model that's widely regarded as one of the best in its class (and can often be found on sale in the $80-$90 range).
The Mini is, well, smaller -- a battery-powered speaker good for up to 10 hours on a charge, according to HK. Its bulbous, rounded design makes it a little less travel-friendly than some models, but in return you get bigger, louder, clearer sound than your typical portable speaker.
CNET hasn't reviewed it, so I'll steer you to this write-up. Conclusion: "For its size, the speaker gets exceptionally loud, and does so without distorting. Throw in speakerphone functionality and a thoughtful design that includes upward-angled drivers, and there's plenty to like here."
Of particular interest, you can pair one Mini with another to get true stereo sound. There's also a line-in jack for connecting non-Bluetooth sources, but unfortunately the line-in cable is not included.
Again, I don't know how long Verizon will have these on sale -- and here's hoping it will handle orders better than AT&T did a few weeks ago with the Fitbits. (Oy.)
Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Many times I've encouraged purchasing a Gear VR headset, which offers a pretty sweet VR experience to owners of select Samsung phones. Want to make it even better? Add Samsung's new VR controller. It normally sells for $39.99, but Amazon and Best Buy both have it for $29.99. Better still, once you have your receipt in hand, you can get five free VR games from Samsung.
Bonus deal No. 2: What's your thinking on hoverboards these days? Silly fad that would have quickly faded even if they didn't occasionally catch fire? Or cool products that just needed a few engineering fixes?
If you're in the latter camp, Bestek (via Walmart) has a generic two-wheeled self-balancing scooter for $169.99 shipped, in your choice of black, blue or white. (Yellow and red are sold out.) Just as important as the low price: They're UL-certified.