Introduction

Nowadays there are many portable devices beyond the laptop/notebook to keep us connected and entertained while on the go. From gaming devices like the NDS Lite and PSP to MP3 players and PDAs, we can be certain that we won't be far away from some sort of multimedia devices. However, with these devices' small size, the speakers often aren't very good, or are not present at all. After all, it's hard enough to make such a capable device anyway, and good speakers will most likely increase the size and weight, something no one wants.

Titan aims to solve these problems with their Mini 2.1 Speakers. These are claimed to be the "world's smallest 2.1 channel speakers", meaning that there are two satellite speakers as well as a subwoofer included in the package. With a standard mini-stereo input, options for running off USB power or batteries and small footprint, it is intended to provide audio for portable devices such as laptops and MP3 players.

Specifications

There aren't too many specs, so I'll re-post them from Titan's specifications page. The review unit was the PT-101, the white version of the set. Many other colours are available. This is a "2.1" speaker set, but both the satellites and subwoofer are small and packaged in the same enclosure.

• Dimensions: 113 x 94 x 45.9 mm ( L x W x H )

• Output power: 2W (RMS)

• Subwoofer: 1.5W (RMS)

• Satellite: 0.25W x 2(RMS)

• Driver Size: Subwoofer 2", Satellite 0.7"

• Frequency Response: 200Hz~18KHz

Other things to note is that the set runs off of 5 V(DC), and draws 500 mA. This gives about 2.5 W of consumed power, which is in line with the output power of 2 W. This can be provided by either a USB port or 4 AAA batteries, which aren't included. There is one mini-stereo input for connecting your source, and there is also a headphone jack on the speakers for when you want privacy.

The Titan Mini 2.1 Speakers come packaged in a nice "gift box" that certainly sets the bar when it comes to pre-packaged goods. They definitely put a lot into it, almost to the point where it'd make you sad to throw out the box. Opening it up, you'll find the following:

• 2.1 Speakers Set

• Retractable cables for USB power and line input

• Carrying case

• Instruction card

The retractable cords are helpful for portable devices, since you often find yourself packing and unpacking up when moving around, so these cables are one less that won't get tangled up and don't need to be carefully packed up. The USB cable does not provide audio; it only serves to draw power from a USB port (more on that later), and all audio comes in through the mini-stereo jack.

Package.

Well protected.

What's included.

The included carrying case was definitely not an afterthought, as it's quite well-designed. It features both a removable carrying strap and a removable belt clip. The belt clip can be rotated so that it connects at an angle. All ports are accessible when in the case, and the speaker drivers are not blocked by the case. The speakers fit very snugly inside the case, and the case straps shut using some sort of magnetic connector that works very well.

In case - subwoofer visible.

In case - satellites/inputs visible.

Belt clip and strap.

The speakers' enclosure itself is a peculiar shape, somewhat resembling the outline of a stingray. The enclosure houses both the satellites and the subwoofer, as all of these drivers are quite small. In fact, the whole package is smaller than the satellite speakers of most systems; the size is comparable to a roll of packing tape. This makes the speakers easy to transport, as they'll fit easily inside most any laptop case.

Subwoofer driver on top.

Inputs and satellites.

Curved back.

The subwoofer driver is at the back, centered on top. The two satellites sit on the front, surrounding the inputs. With the satellites being spaced so close together, there may not be enough separation to achieve the effect of discrete channels. As can be seen in the profile view, the package is somewhat thick, but not so much as to be hard to handle. The bottom of the unit also has rubber feet to help keep it in place.

Profile view.

Inputs.

Closeup.

There is one 3.5 mm mini-stereo input for your source; the other jack is for plugging in headphones for private listening. (Plugging in headphones automatically mutes the speakers.) The 5 V input draws power from a USB port using the included retractable cable. Finally, there is a blue power LED to indicate when the unit is on. Note that there is no on/off switch - the speakers automatically turn on when you plug something into the input jack. There are also no volume controls, so you have to rely on the volume control of the device you're plugging this into.

Takes 4 AAA batteries or USB power.

Retractable cables.

Warning card.

Instead of using a USB port to power the speakers, you can use 4 AAA batteries (not included). This, of course, adds more weight to the package but removes the need for another cable, making the speakers easier to setup. The retractable cables feel kind of thin, but I guess they have to be that way in order to be retractable.

Finally, a warning card advises you what to do when experiencing "sound distortion" with these speakers. Generally speaking, lower-quality speakers experience more distortion, since they clip at lower levels or can't reproduce the required range of frequencies.

Installation

Just a quick note about installation - as mentioned before, these speakers can be powered off a USB port, since a USB port provides a 5 V DC source. However, when I plugged these into a USB port on my older Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop, I got a "Power Surge on Hub Port" message.

My Inspiron 5100 only has two USB ports, and the only other device I had plugged in was a USB mouse. However, after reading into it more, I believe the problem was because these speakers are specified to draw 500 mA of current. From what I know, each root USB port can provide up to 500 mA of current; so these speakers' current draw is right on that limit. If the USB mouse was on the same root hub as these, then the current demand would have been more than could be provided.

Curiously, the speakers still worked after this warning, and there was no damage to my USB ports. However, I decided to continue on using 4 AAA batteries to power the speakers, just for safety's sake. I would recommend the same to anyone else.

Testing

I tested this unit with my laptop, an older model Dell Inspiron 5100. I tested it mostly with music and a few movies. The first thing that bothered me was the lack of volume control on the speakers; you have to adjust the volume within Windows. Same for the lack of an on/off switch.

Compared with my laptop speakers, the Titan Mini 2.1 speakers were a bit better. The addition of the "subwoofer" driver in the speakers provided better low-range performance, and the mid-range was slightly better as well. However, don't expect excellent sound quality from these - I would compare the sound quality to a cheaper CD boombox. Additionally, you'll want to keep the volume down, as I noticed distortion when levels were too high.

One other thing to note is that stereo separation - the ability to hear distinct left/right channels - is hard with this set since both the left and right drivers are so close together. However, this is also true for many laptop speakers.

Conclusion

The Titan Mini 2.1 Speakers were easy to setup and use, but how much benefit do they provide? The quality was not that much above my old laptop's speakers and many newer laptops today are featuring better built-in speakers. The added burden of carrying around another set of speakers may offset the benefit, and if you use a USB port to power the speakers, you're not saving battery life either.

However, these portable speakers may still have a use with devices that lack any external audio capability, such as MP3 players and the like.

Pros:

• Compact size

• Retractable cables

• Well-designed carrying case

• Easy to setup and use

Cons:

• Sound quality not much better than laptop speakers

• No volume control or on/off switch

• Possible current draw problems when using USB power

• One more thing to carry around

Thanks go out to Titan for making this review possible.

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