Motorola ROKR EQ5 hands-on
by Chris Ziegler 
posted May 31st 2008 at 7:20PM
Happily, our misgivings here were largely unfounded. The prototype unit we tested looked great, felt great in the hand, and slides into just about any pant or bag pocket for safe stowage. It paired like a champ with a Samsung BlackJack II and a Nokia N95 8GB (in fact, we had no manual and still managed to get it working on the first try, so that's quite a testament to the ease of use). The thing was plenty loud and clear for quick 'n dirty use as a pocket boombox -- we could've used lots more bass, but that was to be expected. Basically, sound-wise, the EQ5 seems to do the most it can with its limited dimensions.
It doubles as a serviceable speakerphone, and a 3.5mm line-in jack allows the less Bluetooth-inclined of your audio devices to get in on the action. We didn't test battery life (nor would it be a fair test, since this is a preproduction unit), but the rated 8 hours should give you plenty of time to rock out -- and thankfully, it charges off a standard microUSB cable. Overall, we're really impressed; converted, even. We never would've seen ourselves picking up a device like this, but you've shown us the light, Moto. Now just try that same trick with your phones, would you?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
greenlight @ May 31st 2008 9:00PM
A2DP is a strange beast. The "default" codec is SBC, which sounds absolutely horrible. Some devices I've used, such as a pair of Phillips headphones and the infamous CECT P168 ("iFOE") use this, and that's the codec which has given A2DP a bad rep. Good devices (such as Sony Ericsson phones + earbuds) will use MP3 or AAC, and will sound seamless.
OziD @ Jun 1st 2008 4:55AM
I thought this was the back of a phone at first glance.
I think I would have liked it more if it was.
Some Kid @ Jun 1st 2008 1:23PM
i thought it was the back too
ok, its a mini boombox, but where is the phone part
and plus, i thought that Moto cancelled the rokr a while ago because it sucked soo much
i was wrong
El Taco @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:22PM
When is the release date for this?
Tim Bramlett @ Jun 22nd 2008 7:06AM
Ok now where can I buy these "nifty" Bluetooth speakers?
They Look Great!
Good review.