I-O Data rolls Out CPSPK/BT Bluetooth Speaker System [Aesthetically Challenged Wireless Speaker]

Some companies go for minimal styling at it works, and works well – we’re thinking specifically about Neil Poulten’s designs for LaCie here – whilst others try and fail, spectacularly. I-O Data very much fall into the latter camp when it comes to their new CPSPK/BT Bluetooth Speaker which boasts all the charm and aesthetic appeal of a cardboard box (and an especially bland one at that).

Quite why I-O Data think that their CPSPK/BT Bluetooth Speaker will appeal to anyone from an aesthetic standpoint wholly eludes us but, being that this is very much the finished article, they obviously either feel that it will or they simply could care a less. Which it is we’re uncertain, but, as undoubtedly shallow as it is, we like our gadgetry to look the business and this does pay a part in us making purchasing decisions and, to be frank, the CPSPK/BT just leaves us cold – as you’d probably gathered.

Perhaps all is not lost, however, as perhaps, under that insipid, half-hearted styling there lies the Bluetooth enabled speaker of our dreams – a device that’s just so desirable in specification alone that we’re willing to overlook its ugliness in the same what that my wife is capable of overlooking mine due to being at least partially fond of me on occasion.

The I-O Data CPSPK/BT Bluetooth Speaker System offers Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.0, HFP 1.5, HSP1.1 compatibility and will happily pump out sounds from any paired Bluetooth device (cell phones, iPhones, DAPs, PMPs, et al) for up to 10 hours prior to needing its rechargeable battery re-juiced. That said, if you’re near an AC mains outlet you can plug it in courtesy of the supplied adapter or, if you’re within reach of a USB port it’ll happily draw its required power from your PC, laptop, notebook or netbook.

Quite whether the above – which brings nothing new to the table in terms of functionality that’s not already ‘out there’ – is enough to charm you into building an immunity to its hideously dull styling is, of course, down to the individual but, for us at least, you’ll excuse our filling it under the eminently forgettable.

There’s no word on pricing yet, incidentally, be really, are any of us that interested?