Gadget: X-mini Happy MP3 Player & Capsule Speaker

Apart from tasty sausages and great company, every good barbecue needs some funky music. As I discovered last weekend, there are several ways to achieve this.

My first thought was to point the snouts of my speakers skyward and open the window. This solution was dashed by a previous DIY disaster, which had left my windows painted shut.

The next suggestion was a Sonos wireless home audio system with a wireless outdoor speaker combination. Although an elegant solution, it would have left my wallet quivering in the corner. It was, therefore, with some delight that I discovered the simple pleasures of the X-mini Happy.

Being a big fan of X-mini's previous "Honey I shrunk the speaker" offerings, I was eager to discover if the simple addition of a built in MP3 player could transform the X-mini Happy from a mere gadget to a barbecue necessity. By feeding the X-mini Happy the 2GB secure digital memory card included in the box, I was able to connect the little blighter to my PC and drag and drop some of my favourite summer tunes.

With the X-mini's memory belly suitably full, one twist later and the mini speaker had expanded like an accordion, showing off its famous Bass Xpansion System. With no LCD screen and only simple play, pause, skip track and volume controls - the X-mini Happy keeps it simple, although I did miss a shuffle function.

Plonked on my garden table between the Doritos and Italian Salad Selection, the X-mini Happy made the cherry tomatoes dance. At only 49.99, this petite MP3 speaker provided the aural spice that my barbecue needed.

X-mini Happy MP3 Player & Capsule Speaker

For more information see www.x-mini.com; available for 49.99 from www.play.com and www.amp3.co.uk