Well, it’s late at night and I’m sitting here listening to my iPod on my new Logitech mm50 portable speaker system and I thought, well, heck, let me tell everyone what I think of this thing. Then I thought, why not add it as a review in this blog. Hey, it’s my blog and I can do what I want. Of course, you get to benefit form thinking like that. I’m going to keep this review short and to the point. There are lots of other sources where you can get the specs on this device (I’ll link to them in the review) and I just want to concentrate my opinion only. So here goes.
More of the review after the jump.
Okay, the short of it is: I really like this speaker. It’s small, but not too small. In my opinion, too-small speakers sound like crap. This one is just big enough to deliver impressive sound that is not to tinny or too bassy. This makes the mm50 just right.
I would consider this speaker system portable, but not too portable. It comes with its own protective case which holds the speaker itself, along with its remote control. The mm50 has an AC adaptor which does not fit in the case; big bummer. The case seems like it will protect the speakers well enough, and I like that I didn’t have to buy it separately.
The speaker has a built-in non-replaceable, rechargeable battery that lasts from 7-10 hours. When the mm50 is plugged into the wall, it will charge the iPod. When it’s on battery, it won’t. So far, while using it on battery, it has lasted a full day in my office. I have the AC standing by, just in case. I read reports that it loses its charge if it has not been plugged in for a day or two. I haven’t tested this.
You can sync the iPod to your computer by using the mm50 as a docking station. Nice feature. It has two flippy legs to let it stand upright. Elegant. It also comes with adaptors for the Nano and the Mini iPod.
There’s a remote control that adjusts volume, turns the unit on or off, and can fast forward the iPod from one track to the next. The problem with it is: you have to be pointing directly at the mm50 for the remote to work correctly. Doesn’t work too well from angles. But, the remote does work and I like that. I don’t know what the maximum distance it works at.
The sound quality is excellent for such a small speaker. The bass is really full and lots of room for the higher ends as well. In fact, I’d say it’s a little bass-heavy. This can be adjusted somewhat using the iPod’s built-in equalizer settings. The mm50 has a “3-D” surround sound button which can make the sound appear to be emanating from all around you. The sound fills a medium sound room nicely. It won’t replace you stereo system, but it could.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this if you have an iPod and want to play it out loud, rather than with headphones. I like the design as it matches the iPod perfectly. They are making a black one to match the black iPods. One thing that concerns me is the battery life of the rechargeable battery. Because it is not replaceable, when the battery goes then no more un-tethered use. But, I bought it to be played at home, where there is always a plug. The battery was a surprise to me, so this is not a deal breaker.
Pros: Sound quality, design, remote control, rechargeable battery, and sound quality (did I mention the sound quality?)
Cons: Non-replaceable battery, remote need to be pointed directly at unit, AC cord doesn’t fit in case.
Buy this at Amazon, for about $100.
Here are the specs.
