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Introduction
If your have recently purchased one of the smaller Netbook laptop computers it is easy to assume that you got it mainly for the small size. I can also assume that you do not like the fact that when you got the Netbook one of the first things you notice and disliked was the lack of quality sound the device was able to provide. Since you initial hope was small size we are positive that an additional set of speakers is not something you want to add to your luggage on your next business trip.
BGears has come up with a small but powerful device that may fix this problem and dilemma and it goes by the name of the BGears ViBRO Sound System. So come on along as we check this device out.
Features
- Compact design replaced the traditional huge speakers with messy wiring.
- Power and Play music through one USB connetion.
- Plug and Play. No Driver needed.
- Utilize the whole table surface as a virtual surround sound speaker.
- Compatible with all Operating System: Windows or Apple.
- Low Power Consumption and RoHS compliant.
| Power Dissipation: |
Max:2.5W |
| Input Voltage: |
5V |
| Audio Input: |
Digital signal |
| Frequency Response: |
20Hz ~ 20KHz |
| Thermal Protection: |
85°C |
| Operating Conditions : |
Temperature:0°C ~ +40°C
Humidity: 10% ~ 80%
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| Storage Conditions: |
Temperature:-20° ~ C+40°C
Humidity: 10% ~ 90%
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| Unit Size: |
60x60x45.5mm |
| Weight: |
300g |
About BGears
Bgears is the new name for Bluegears Incorporation which was established in March 2005. Due to lots of confusions and support issues between Bluegear Notebook Systems, Bluegear Digital Cameras, and Bluegear Network Cards, we have decided to change our name to Bgears from July 1st 2007. All existing Bluegears Products (b-Enspirer, b-Cool, b-Flexi, b-mobile, b-PowerStick, b-ice, and partner products by Revoltec and be-quiet) warranty will be handled by Bgears. With the strategy of standing behind our customers to ensure their total satisfaction and trust on our product quality, Bgears will continue working closely with its customers and focusing on providing innovative quality PC products, Battery Chargers products and Services to keep up with the fast changing market.
Bgears is the forerunner of innovative products related with Consumer Electronic and PC peripherals. Bgears Taiwan R&D office and Bgears China factory has been established since 2000 and has been focusing on OEM and ODM market initially for many leading PC brands in the computer industry. Bgears USA was established in California, U.S.A. in March 2005, focusing on manufacturing and distributing top-quality consumer electronics products under Bgears brand for worldwide market. Currently our R&D and manufacturing facilities reside in Taiwan and China. Bgears' R&D has over 20 years experience in computer industry and vowed to develop the highest quality products with cutting-edge technology. In Q3 2007, Bgears will introduce a series of new PC products: Cases, Power Supply, Cooling Fans, PC Monitoring Panel and more. Also, in Q3 2007, Bgears will introduce a series of Universal Battery Chargers for Cell Phones, Digital Cameras, Portable Music Devices, and Notebooks. With its strong partnerships in Europe and Asia, Bgears has met the ever changing needs and has been successfully distributing its own brand products worldwide and introducing our Europe Partner Brands, Revoltec and be-Quiet, into the US market.
Our team contains worldwide marketing capability and extensive sales network. Bgears has been active in all major Computer Trade shows, PC Gaming events, Lanparties, Internet Medias, and Print magazines worldwide.
Bgears' ultimate goal is not only to introduce top-notch consumer products but also to gain 100% customer satisfaction from our cutting-edge products and impeccable support. Bgears will be committed to build stronger and longer lasting business relationship with our global partners and distribute first-class service and products to our customers.
A Closer Look
For a device that promises to deliver full audio sound reproduction I was less than convinced when I took the package of the box it was shipped in. The box that holds the ViBRO sound system is an startling 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" x 2- 3/4 and it tipped the scales at about 300 grams, in other words the same weight as a average factory heatsink for your computer.
If find it rather funny reading the side-panel of the box where it lists the devices and other programs it is compatible with. I think it would be easier just to say that if you have a device that needs a speaker and you have a USB port handy you will have a small yet very effective sound source available for your device.
The rear of the carton has a list of all of the product features of the ViBRO, they range from the device being plug and play and it never needs any drivers or additional software. It is also compatible with all current software. Also, if you are using your laptop on a large wooden table the entire table will be utilized as a speaker.
The last panel of the box has the specifications for the device and this is where I was first surprised when I read the unit is able to push out 2.5 watts and the frequency response is 20Hz to 20Khz which is not as good as some other speakers but we are not expecting the sound quality of a Bose wave guide radio here are we?
BGears has taken extra care in making sure the ViBRO arrives safely by enclosing it in a clamshell type enclosure that protects it once it has been placed inside of the shipping carton.
With the ViBRO out of the carton we checked it once again and found out the it measures 2.25" x 2.25" x 1.5". At this point we are, how should we say it "a bit concerned of how well this device will work". We then decided it was time to test it using our Lenova Netbook which has about the poorest speakers you can find anywhere on the planet, they are used, but only under the worst conditions.
The ViBRO comes with a very nice length USB cable which will allow you to place the device just about anywhere you want on the table or desk you might be using. As we go along we will tell you more of our experiences and what we found to work best for us when using the device.
The finish of the ViBRO is near perfect and overall the unit makes a very nice addition to you laptop or netbook all the while taking up a very small footprint near the source.
Okay so lets talk about how the ViBRO works, located on the bottom of the unit is a silicon contact wafer that is attached to the cone of the internal speaker of the ViBRO. When the unit is place on any hard surface the Silicon comes in contact with the surface of the desk or table you want to use it on. Then using the principles of a transducer the sound wave are bounced off of the mating surface to create the new sound waves. In our test we found that by placing ViBRO on a soft surface the audio was barely audible. Yet when placing the device on the empty box the device it shipped in produced far better audio than the Lenova could produce.
Conclusion
If you wish to have better audio reproduction from your laptop or netbook than you currently have the BGear ViBRO is just the device for you. With the sub-$30 dollar price tag this device in with in range of anyone pocketbook and it will do an admirable job of producing the bass and mid-range portion of the audio spectrum. Just remember this is not a direct replacement for quality speakers, it is just temporary substitute till you can afford or chose to purchase them.
A special thanks to BGears for allowing us to review this item
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