X-MI is a new generation company from Singapore focused on bringing the very latest in high-tech multimedia gadgets to the global market. They believe that in the course of gaining worldwide recognition, emerging technology will certainly put an end
to the remnants of age-old norms and accelerate the development of new ideas and concepts. The X-mini capsule speakers that incorporate this ideology were with us last month.

As a first impression we thought that this is a small red hi-tech paperweight or maybe it's an air freshener that we could hang in our car. But it's a loudspeaker
so small that you can just keep it in your pocket and move about without anybody ever having an idea you're carrying one. Available in black, red and shiny blue finish, this stylish X-mini speaker comes in the form of a capsule that uncoils to form a mini loudspeaker.





Technology
The X-mini features a special vacuum chamber, which opens up like an accordion. The makers claim that this design resembles the acoustic properties of subwoofers, significantly enhancing the bass output when compared to
other compact speakers. And it certainly does. At only 52mm at its widest point and 25mm when closed, this lightweight (52g) X-mini capsule speaker fits into
a very compact package. Its 2.4-watt speakers produce very good sound in the mid and high ranges as well.

The X-mini connects through a standard headphone jack and also has a USB connection, which can be used to charge the built in battery. The connection lets you share your music without the need for an external power source. The pocket-sized speaker's battery can be charged via a DC power source or through the USB connection to your computer giving you anywhere from 2-8 hours of playback through the speaker, depending on the decibels you're blasting out of it.





Performance
The performance of the X-mini is all about how it sounds and how easy it is to use and we don't think it could get any easier - the switch serves to both, power it on and control the volume. We just had to twist it open to stretch out its patented bass extension system and we all were set to taste these small toddlers.

First things first, the sound produced by the X-mini was way more than what one would expect from speakers this size. Though you are not going to be using this for a party, it is loud enough to be carried in a backpack and grooved to while hiking or on the move.

We tried the speakers on our computer and the iPod and were pleased to see that it performed well in both situations. The high range sounds were very good and the low range sounds made their presence felt nicely with that special vacuum chamber working to the fullest. It could clearly render the details in many of the electronica, Asian underground and also Indian folk songs. However, when we cranked them up, there was a slight distortion in the midrange and in terms of intelligibility of words. But as always with small speakers you don't want to turn them up very loud, right?

Conclusion

The XMI X-mini Capsule Speaker might be small in size, but it's relatively big on performance. It's eye-catching design will make it a unique member of your portable entertainment gear. We recommend it.