Review: iLuv Mo’Beats bluetooth wireless speaker

by Bill Palmer

Most bluetooth speakers are designed under the assumption that users want their mobile device in their hands at all times so they can use it, and that’s increasingly correct. But the idea of docking your device into a speaker isn’t quite dead yet, and the iLuv Mo’Beats allows you to split the difference.

Mo’Beats (model number iSP245) is at heart a tubular wireless stereo which will generally sit off to the side somewhere and play your device’s audio. But unlike its competitors it has a shelf built into the front for those times when you simply want to park your device and listen to music or watch video. The despite the simple design of the shelf, I tested it with devices as large as the full size iPad and it was plenty stable, thanks to the slide-out leg on back.

Unfortunately the versatility of the Mo’Beats appears to get in the way of its audio quality. Most bluetooth stereos have speakers firing out their entire front face, but that wouldn’t work here because any device sitting on the shelf would block them. So instead the Mo’Beats relies on side firing speakers, and it’s noticeable. The audio is passable, but it’s more along the lines of what I’ve come to expect from $49 bluetooth stereos. That means you’re paying quite a bit extra for the versatility of the $99 Mo’Beats. In that sense it’s a shame that the laws of physics have prevented this product from delivering better audio, because its design really is clever and handy. It’s recommendable, but only for certain users.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 • Price: $99 • iluv.com

About Bill Palmer

Bill Palmer is Editor in Chief of Beatweek Magazine. His editorial contributions include interviews with musicians and iPhone industry coverage.