It was perfect timing that the Braven BRV-1 appeared in our store this week — I’d been researching good water resistant speakers for a couple of weeks. This is another item on my “It’s dangerous for me to work in this store” list, because I don’t have a lot of self control when it comes to cool new gadgets. I immediately sent this email to Rachel:

We’ve talked before about how we think waterproof and water resistant things are key for a happy summer on Cape Cod. From Lifeproof speakers to the splash proof Jawbone, it’s nice to keep your technology protected at the beach, pool, on the boat, in the rain… So a speaker that can be used in the rain, near the pool, by the shower makes perfect sense. It’s not waterproof — don’t drop it in a pool and expect good results — but it’s rated IPX5 water resistant, meaning that it can withstand direct jets of water, rainfall and splashing (read more about IP resistance ratings here).

Here’s what I like about it: it’s simple. There’s four buttons on the top that control everything you need to do, from volume to switching songs. It’s tough — the body feels solid in your hands, and you feel like it’s a safe device to bring with you out doors. The sound is actually very good — loud and full. The charging ports are covered with a cap that closes tightly.

It’s also a good speaker for traveling because it will serve as a backup battery for your phone or mp3 player (it is not strong enough to charge your iPad though). It will average 12 hours of playtime, and it takes about 3 hours to charge (mine was almost fully charged when I unboxed it). Once paired with your phone or iPad/iPod, it’ll remember the pairing and auto pair when available. It makes a friendly, reassuring beep when you turn it on and when you turn it off so you are sure of its status. I like friendly noises from electronics — they make me think of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, with a Don’t Panic button on the front. Electronics can be baffling, so anything that makes them a little friendlier is a big plus!

The Braven is $149.95 and is available in Lava (orange & black) and Glacier (blue & black). Come in for yours today!