Rugged Bluetooth speaker works best in pairs

FUGOO GO cranks out loud audio in both a directional and 360 orientation, making it perfect for outdoor use. Two full range drivers and two bass radiators deliver 12 watts of full-range fidelity, making is perfect for all styles of music. (Handout/TNS)

FUGOO GO cranks out loud audio in both a directional and 360 orientation, making it perfect for outdoor use. Two full range drivers and two bass radiators deliver 12 watts of full-range fidelity, making is perfect for all styles of music. (Handout/TNS)

The Fugoo GO is a great sounding and versatile Bluetooth speaker with rugged, dust-proof, mud-proof and waterproof construction.

But after using a single 12-watt Fugoo GO, I was convinced it wasn’t enough and I had to have a pair, which was a great idea. The speakers pair together and setting them to stereo mode gives you even better room sound from each 360-degree speaker.

The speakers pair with Bluetooth 4.2 up to 100 feet apart. Once they are playing you’ll hear these aren’t just another pair of Bluetooth speakers. The amazing deep bass is crystal clear; produced from two full-range drivers and two bass radiators.

The GO only weighs a pound, measures 1 7/8-by-8 7/8-by-3 5/16-inches and has an elastic mounting cord wrap on the end making it ideal for biking, boating, a shower or hanging from most anywhere.

While the main body of the speaker has a black cloth grill, controls and the cord are color coordinated with choices of red, black or blue.

Its IP67 rating means it can withstand 5-foot drops or hang out in water submerged up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.

You can even hose the speakers off if your activates get it covered in dirt, dust or mud.

As is the case with Fugoo’s other speakers, the GO is compatible with the company’s line of accessories (sold separately) including bike, tripod and strap mounts.

A built-in, USB charged Lithium-Ion battery will go for about 10 hours with the volume at 50 percent.

www.fugoo.com $99.99

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Speaking of tough and rugged, the ToughTested Pro+ safe charge cable with lightning connector is pretty impressive.

It stands out from the competition because of the built-in circuit breaker, enabling it to detect damaging power surges, voltage or current within a tenth of a second. Once a safe current is detected it switches back to a safe charging mode.

This can happen during bad weather or even when your device is plugged into a car adapter while turning the car on.

The 4-foot cable ($29.99) comes with a 5-year warranty and is certified by Apple to meet the company’s performance standards. The exterior has a durable and protective fiber Armor-Weave design and is chemical/heat/abrasion resistant. A microUSB version is available for $24.99.

With a 2.4 amp rating, you’ll get 75 percent charging vs many other cables.

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STM’s haven laptop backpack has it all — endless storage compartments, great craftsmanship and a great looking design.

A padded compartment can store up to a 15-inch laptop, tablet or whatever needs to be secured with padding. The storage area includes a unique feature that suspends the contents off the floor with what STM calls sling tech protection. Your laptop is surrounded by padding to keep all sides protected.

Inside pockets store everything you need including sunglasses in a fleece lined pocket. A Stretch water bottle pocket, external pockets with cable pass-through for charging, a front side quick storage pouch and adjustable straps are just a few of the other features that stood out to me.

The exterior is made with a lightweight fabric with a water resistant coating. A cushioned panel rests on your back with 3D foam cores with soft mesh, and a central air channel for comfort and great ventilation.

Compartments for storage are never ending everything well-positioned for storing everything I could think of. I also like the weight of the empty backpack, which is just 1.87-pounds.

www.stmgoods.com $99.95, in choices of black, forest gray, Moroccan-blue, and steel

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Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman