Why You Can Trust CNET Get a Braven 570 portable Bluetooth speaker for $29.99
Available in your choice of colors, this refurb might make for an excellent gift. But it may sell out quick!
I first encountered the Braven brand a few months ago, when I reviewed the Braven 850 and found it to be one of the best Bluetooth speakers I'd ever used -- though a decidedly pricey one at $299.
I can't say with any certainty that all the company's speakers are that good, especially the lower-end models, but I know they make at least one damn fine product.
Today only, and while supplies last, Tech.Woot has the refurbished Braven 570 portable Bluetooth speaker for $29.99, plus $5 for shipping. Price if purchased new: $99.99.
Any Bluetooth speaker for $30 would make me sit up and take notice. This one has a few aces up its sleeve, starting with a 1,200mAh battery that's good for up to 10 hours of playtime, according to Braven. In fact, the speaker can double as a mobile charger; just plug your smartphone or MP3 player into its USB port for a little top-off action.
If you're working with an older iPod or some other audio device that doesn't do Bluetooth, you can just plug it into the 570's line-in jack using a 3.5mm audio cable -- which, conveniently, is included in the package.
Finally, like a lot of Bluetooth speakers, this one has a built-in mic so it can pull speakerphone duty.
I like the rather industrial look of Braven's line, and the 570 comes in your choice of colors: black, purple, red, blue, and white.
CNET hasn't reviewed this model, but a handful of Amazon customers gave it pretty solid marks, praising its battery life and overall sound quality but questioning its value as an outdoor speaker. (It is, after all, pretty small.)
Because this is a refurb, its warranty expires after 90 days. My only real concern is whether the packaging has a new or, well, refurbished look, as the latter might preclude this from going under a tree (or menorah). Still, at this price, I'd give the Braven 570 serious consideration.
Bonus deal: New print-on-demand service Hellopics is offering a 5x7- or 6x6-inch canvas-wrapped photo for $1 when you order via its Android or iOS app. (The easiest way to find the deal is to search for "canvas" within the app.) These normally sell for $20-25. Even with the $6 shipping charge, it's a superb deal on a framed, ready-to-hang print.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
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