What Are Wireless Speakers?

Wireless speaker systems use a radio transmitter that attaches to the sound output of your computer to send sound to speakers up to a hundred feet away. Improving technology is producing wireless speakers with sound that can be nearly as good as wired speakers, but without the hassle of running all those wires.

Why Do We Recommend Wireless Speakers?

We recommend using wireless speakers to expand the reach of ADD Planner's spoken and audible reminders. With a set of wireless speakers, you can have your computer play your choice of music to wake you up in the morning, interspersed with spoken reminders to tell you what you've got scheduled for your day. You can also set up spoken reminders to keep you aware of how long you have until you need to leave for your next activity, so you can get places on time. You can also pipe your selection of music throughout your home, so you can listen to your favorite tunes in every room!

Using a set of wireless speakers takes ADD Planner to the next level. Instead of having to remember to check your planner, all you have to remember is to set up the reminders. If you're at home, and in range of any speaker, you'll never miss a reminder again. There's nothing like getting involved in something in the morning before leaving for work, and then hearing, "You have to leave for work in 15 minutes!" Those of us here who use wireless speakers at home would never be without them - how did we ever get out of the house on time before?

Where Can I Find Wireless Speakers?

The wireless speakers below are sold through Amazon.com, which has a 30-day return policy. Since wireless speakers can have difficulties in some locations due to interference from other appliances, building composition, or even geographical location, we strongly recommend you buy from a company that allows returns, and that you test the speakers to make sure they work for you before the return period has expired. Amazon generally has good prices on electronics, and they have a long history of customer satisfaction, but check return policies from affiliated vendors before you buy.

What's The Best Wireless Speaker For Me?

We have the most experience with the Advent AW820 speakers below. These are the speakers we use for demos, and have tested in our homes. The speakers can be used as a stereo set, or they can be set with a switch on the back for mono, which means you can use them in separate locations. They're inexpensive, reliable, and have very nice sound. Though all the speakers below are good quality, we think this one is the most bang for the buck.

The Advent AW-811 is also a good, inexpensive speaker, and it has the advantage of being water resistant, so it's a good choice for locations where moisture might be a problem, like a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoors. We also demo with this model, and it has nearly as good reception as the AW-820. It's also great to be able to put batteries in, and take it out in the garden, on the deck, or out by the pool!

We've also heard great things about Sony wireless speakers, but we don't have as much experience with them. The Sony speakers are appreciably smaller than the Advent speakers, and they look really cool. They also have a rechangable battery (the Advent speakers don't), so you can take the speaker outside with you. Some people swear by the Sony speakers, and say they get reception with them when they couldn't with any other speaker.

The speaker that's right for you is the one that works. Make a choice, and see if that speaker gives good reception and fits your needs. If it doesn't, try talking to the manufacturer, they can often help you make some changes that get things working. If the speaker really isn't working out, return it, and try another.