Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am writing this review as a head to head comparison of the three bluetooth speakers I have used right now: the Bose® SoundLink® Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II - Nylon, the Sony Bluetooth Wireless Speaker system, Black and the Eton Rugged Rukus All-Terrain Portable Solar Wireless Sound System (Green). I will cover the physical aspects, ease of use, battery life, sound, and miscellaneous for each speaker. Physically, the largest and heaviest is the Sony at almost 18 inches long and almost 5 pounds, not including the charger and carrying case; the Bose is next at 9 1/2 inches and almost 3 pounds, including the carrying cover but not the charger; lastly, the Rukus is a flat 6x6 1/2 inches weighing in at 1.2 pounds, no charger - it's solar. Ease of use is about equal, power buttons, bluetooth sync, volume, etc. are all readily accessible and usable, no rocket science here. All shut down after a suitable period if not in use to conserve battery. Battery life is a differentiator, the Sony is by far the longevity winner with at least 8 hours between charges, the Bose claims eight hours but I have felt lucky to get 4-6 hours, the Rukus will play for ever in direct sunlight and about 4-6 on charge (if only playing music not charging another device). Both the Sony and Bose offer great sound, I'd be hard pressed to select one over the other (I'm sure there are those out there with better ears, I'm not one of them). The Bose might offer slightly better range and the Sony offers better bass, but that's just my opinion. The Rukus is a far cry below in sound quality, more like a portable radio than a stereo speaker set. Misc. qualities - the Bose has its cover built in, which doubles as its stand; the Sony can charge your devices, the Rukus is SOLAR and can also charge your devices (though the battery life is suitably reduced). Ultimately, each of these devices has its prime use, the Sony is great for outdoor use if you need extended play time and don't need to carry it too far, the Bose is suitable for shorter outings and offers easier portability, the Rukus is for extended trip or camping where electricity is at a premium or non-existent and rugged construction is at a premium. The user will have to decide upon their priorities and select the appropriate speaker. P-)