Eton’s Rugged Rukus solar-powered Bluetooth speaker now available

By Ted Kritsonis Updated May 24, 2013

Check out our full review of the Eton Rugged Rukus bluetooth speaker.

Eton has launched a new portable solar-powered Bluetooth speaker called the Rugged Rukus, which has a splash-proof body designed for use in outdoor settings.

This speaker is the latest in the Rukus family, and it has a ruggedized frame that is IPX4-certified splash-proof. Five hours of direct sunlight on the solar panel can charge up the battery from empty to full. Playback can last eight hours on one full charge, though that may vary, since the Rugged Rukus can also charge up a smartphone via USB.

Plugging in the speaker using the included AC adapter cuts the charging time in half, so the Rugged Rukus can be up and running faster.

Users can stream audio wirelessly to the speaker via Bluetooth, or through a wired Aux-In connection. While there is a focus on smartphones, it can play audio from any mobile device, be it an iPod, MP3 player, tablet or laptop. The speaker has two full range speaker drivers giving it some range for playback outdoors.

There are caribiner-ready loops for strapping it onto a backpack during hikes or outdoor excursions, which shouldn’t be too much of a hassle since it only weighs 1.2 pounds. In case it accidentally drops, it has a drop-proof height of 3.3-ft. The splash-proof certification covers a certain level of water-resistance but isn’t waterproof, so it should be kept at a fair distance from the pool or beach.

The new Rukus is available now at the Apple Store (and online), Amazon.com, REI stores and Eton.com for $100.

A/V Writer

A tech journalism vet, Ted covers has written for a number of publications in Canada and the U.S. Ted loves hockey, history…

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