Inateck has released it’s BP 2001 Bluetooth speaker, a speaker specifically designed to work with iPads and iPhones. A groove across the width of the speaker holds an iPad, iPad mini, or iPhone and any one of them will instantly pair with the speaker. The design of the groove means that it should work equally well with future versions of iPads or iPhones.
BP 2001 bluetooth speaker
The built-in lithium battery offers 5-6 hours of play time. There is a single built-in high sensitivity microphone. Pairing is instantaneous once the device is in place the the speaker is turned on. There is a fold out stand on the back that allows the speaker to hold the iPad or iPhone straight up for easy viewing. Connections for the charging cable, auxiliary port, and on/off button are located on the back The package includes a USB charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a manual. The speaker weighs 11.64-oz (330g).
Back view
The MSRP for the BP 2001 is US $59.99, but is is currently available on Amazon for US $29.99.
The speaker is 9.5 x 2 x 1.5-in (24.13 x 5.08 x 3.81-cm). The speaker supports all venues of media playback, and is of a size that can fit into many bags or cases.
Speaker with iPhone mounted
Using The Product
There is instant pairing as soon as the speaker is turned on. I tested it using an old PBS series wherein the actors all had Scottish accents. My thinking was that the primary use of this speaker may well be for listening to, and viewing, streamed videos because of the convenience of mounting your iPad or iPhone using the groove. It really is quite convenient to use the speaker this way. I choose a series with Scottish actors because I find the Scottish accent to be the most difficult to understand during casual conversation. I viewed about three hours of the series and had absolutely no problem understanding the actors, which I consider a major element when rating the quality of a speaker’s sound. I viewed the series using an iPad mini.
Speaker with iPad mini mounted
I also want to point out that the groove designed in the top of this speaker is of a size and depth that it should continue to function well as the size of iPads or iPhones change sizes. Note though that the devices need to be free of cases when using this speaker.
Do I Recommend It?
I do. Particularly if you are able to purchase it at the price currently available on Amazon. US$30 is a great price for a usable speaker. The sound is good and the speaker design indicates it should continue to be usable as the size of our devices change.