Creative Muvo 2 Blue

Since the death in its dotage of my first portable Bluetooth speaker (2009-2016), I've searched high and low for a replacement. Though obscure at the outset, the ultimate goal of the process turns out to have been more the clarification of my own expectations for a 2016 model Bluetooth speaker than, merely, finding what "sounds best." After auditioning several highly-rated products (and reading about many more), I hit upon a short list of features that I, at least, could not do without:1. Solid, attractive design and build. The aesthetics of the speaker, itself, are important to me, as is the durability. Out of the gate, this requirement eliminates the lowest price tier (under $40 or so), entirely; however, as I was willing to spend up to perhaps $200 for the right solution, this was quite helpful in the elimination process.2. Pause-the-Bluetooth-play. When I began this quest, I naively imagined that every decent Bluetooth speaker could, at minimum, start and restart play from the Bluetooth device with a press of a button (like my old one). I was sadly mistaken. In fact, most highly-rated Bluetooth speakers cannot perform this simple function, let alone skip or repeat tracks.3. Water resistant. I like to be able to use my Bluetooth wherever I want in the house, even while taking a shower. I don't need the Bluetooth speaker to bathe with me, but neither do I want one whose performance and durability would be undermined by exposure to significant humidity (or the errant drop of water or two). Happily this feature, by itself, is rather common in mid to high-end models these days.4. SD playback (yes, seriously). One of the best (and most expensive) Bluetooth speaker's I've auditioned (bought, tried, and returned to Amazon), the Creative Roar Pro, had this feature; I was struck by how useful it was. Interestingly, I once had a house full of wireless speakerphone/intercom "cubes" (from Oregon Scientific) that had this function, and the last survivor of that poorly constructed but very innovative class still performs this function in a corner of a room where (1GB maximum) of soothing classical piano is sometimes required. With a 32GB microSD like the Roar (and now the MUVO 2) supports, a whole music collection can now be available without computer or smartphone wherever, and with whomever, I place my speaker. The rarity of this feature in good Bluetooth speakers (as opposed to a dozen cheap ones among whom it appears ubiquitous) makes it the final sprinkling of gold pieces atop the pot at the end of my Bluetooth rainbow.Pros:Well, tonight, as I sit hear happily listening to my new Creative MUVO 2 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, my goal seems all but accomplished. It fulfills my four criteria above, and does very well with the more common features that most would consider essential, too. My music sounds great (though I do not require heavy bass) as do spoken-word recordings. Bluetooth contact (once paired initially) occurs instantly with my playback device each time the Creative MUVO 2 is turned-on (as indicated by a blue light which first blinks, then remains steadily on). Toggle the "M" (mode) button and change source selection to "AUX-in" (a steady green light), then to "SD-Card" (yellow light), and finally to "USB Audio" in (purple light) . Charging is convenient (with a handy micro USB cable, included) and quick (under three hours to a full charge), plus a red light remains lit until charging completes. Finally, the Creative MUVO 2 is agreeably attractive (photos do not do it justice) and suitably compact with a confidence-inspiring sturdiness about it.Cons:Connection of the Creative MUVO 2 with the micro USB cable does not, unfortunately, enable drive access through a pc or smartphone to the microSD card for editing of tracks, etc. Only playback (as from the other audio sources) is supported. One problem which may become a real drawback: volume is increased or decreased with buttons which have (in my brief experience) too few increments of control; in other words, volume that seems too low can then seem too loud even though the "+" volume button has just been pushed once more. These complaints may be little more than quibbles (especially the former), but at this price point ($80), I think, every detail noted is worthy of consideration. Time will tell more....Verdict:Highly recommended.N.B. I purchased the Creative MUVO 2 in red (of which I am, therefore, a "verified" purchaser). Ironically (considering all the myriad ill-advised review combinations among Amazon's listings), Amazon has chosen not to combine the reviews for the several color choices of this product. Additionally, I fully intend to update this review as my time with the Creative MUVO 2 increases. Please, add any questions below. Thanks for reading!