Tech Review: X-Mini II Capsule Speakers

I like small. Small is cute. Small is understated. Small can also be surprising, that and many other adjectives; and while I could roll out a long, wordy introduction that the product in question fully and rightfully deserves, I’m going to to take a simple leaf out of their book and just say this – small is awesome.

Hailing from Singapore company Xmi Pte, winners of Red Dot Design Awards product design 2008 and Infocomm Singapore Awards, the X-Mini II Capsule Speakers are palm-sized devices that are the very literal definition of bijou, while packing the punch of heavyweight peers on the market. Currently in their second generation, the X-Mini delivers an unparalleled audio experience for both size and cost thanks to a larger 40mm driver over the original, which gives phenomenal bass and a delicious depth of tone from any music device; and is something that is best experienced to truly appreciate. In fact, if you were to hear the clarity in the flesh and didn’t know the price, you wouldn’t be remiss in willing to part with more than the retail cost.

They’re intriguing, oozing with a sci-fi flare that conjure up thoughts of a Goa’uld shock grenade. That was my immediate thought, yes. The X-Mini are as an aesthetic marvel as they are tactile and have a substantial weight that belies its size, but is so telling of its stunning build and audio quality. Case in point – in order to reveal the speaker, you twist the cast resin body to pop open the capsule.

Built into the pods is a rechargeable battery that allows for up to twelve hours of playback once charged via USB, with a – operative word, again – small LED light on its base that changes from red to a neon blue when at capacity. Also at its base, coiled under its stand, is the audio-jack, ensuring that the streamlined design is maintained. However, the biggest draw, and niche, of the X-Mini, aside from their obvious portability and quick and easy on-the-fly set-up for any party, is the BuddyJack system.

Originally implemented as a way for the first generation X-Mini’s to be compatible with the new line, you can connect other X-Mini’s in a modular-expansion to make an infinite row of pods to create an unsurpassed audio spectacle. One X-Mini is more than enough however, but when I connected another, it was absolutely extraordinary.

As said, these are perfect for those random moments that demand for music, twisted shut and thrown in your bag, ready and poised to stun; but are also fantastic to provide the soundtrack to a party or small gathering of friends, standing inoffensively and gleaming on your shelf or the like. While I’ve only discovered these recently, I’d honestly go so far as to say that they’re my gadget of the year, and timing and price-wise, these make for a charming little gift for music or general gadgets fans for the holidays.

About Rob

Rob Kidman is an aspiring writer, have-a-go designer, avid tea drinker and geek from birth. Oh, and he’s British. What he doesn’t know about Doctor Who, isn’t worth knowing. Sends text messages in full, perfect grammar, no matter if it costs an extra 10p, as he believes txtspk to be an affront to the Queens’ English. Partial to cheese and pickle, random gherkins, and a fan of the miniature sombrero.

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