Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere Compact Speakers for iPod (White)

Perfect for My Needs [Posted on 2008-01-30]
When I learned that my boys need to sell raffle tickets in front of places like Wal-Mart and other grocery stores as a part of their youth symphony membership requirements, I suddenly found myself in need for a portable speaker to play their violin accompaniment pieces. For their first of ongoing sales performances, I borrowed a neighbor's portable CD player. But I didn't want to keep borrowing for future performances, so I decided on purchasing an iPod speaker. I figure it's definitely a better option since I already have an iPod and that CD players are going out of fashion. My criteria for the speaker were:

1) portable and light enough not to be burdensome when carrying it around; 2) has to operate on both battery and AC power; 3) good sound, if not great; 4) good overall reviews from sites like CNet and others; 5) decent pricing; and finally, 6) esthetically pleasing design and construction.

When I started researching on the available iPod speakers currently out in the market, I quickly found out that there wasn't one that met all the criteria listed to my fullest satisfaction. If I found one that I liked, it turned out that the unit doesn't operate on battery; if I found another one that caught my attention, then it had bad reviews on sound quality, or exorbitant pricing, etc. etc. Until I paid my attention to Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere.

It didn't have the very top reviews of all the iPod speakers out there, but it turned out that most of the negative reviews -- not that there were many -- were based on faulty understanding of the unit's functions, particularly the complaints that the speaker is "weak" when in fact there's a button you need to press for a wider stereo sound.

This beautiful find is just perfect for my needs. It's the only product that truly met all of my criteria listed above: 1) it's not only very light and portable, but unlike other products, it comes with a clam shell case that you can store the unit for traveling. The case may not be made of a genuine leather or metal, but I'm very gratified by this nice, considerate touch. 2) For my need to play the unit "Anywhere," this product does exactly that with the rechargeable battery that lasts for 10 hours. Other brands, if they operate on battery power at all, don't last as long, at least on paper. Although the built-in rechargeable battery is not replaceable, I'm happy enough that I'm not going to be too picky. 3) While I was hoping to get a decent sound out of this small unit, I was really impressed and thrilled to find that the sound quality definitely exceeded way beyond my expectations. My ears may be getting old, but I truly couldn't tell a difference between this unit and the $300 Bose that I tested at a local Sam's Club. I was simply wow'ed! 4) This product would have received a much higher rating than the 7.7 that CNet currently has if it weren't for the misunderstanding mentioned above. 5) Spending under $100 for the quality product like this, I think, was a steal. I'm sooooo glad that I didn't pull out my credit card for that Bose at the Sam's Club the other day!! 6) I'm glad that my iPod is white to go with the white version of Anywhere, as I think it looks cleaner (less dust visibility, for one!) to what's already esthetically pleasing design.

Lastly, I'd like to mention three other "thoughtfulness" of the product package that I very much appreciated -- apart from the clam shell case: 1) the unit comes with a small and pretty wireless remote to control the power switch, volume level, activate stereo to widen the sound field, navigate the iPod menu and tracks, and adjusting shuffle and repeat. It's not the most perfect remote control I've used, but it's quite functional within 15 ft. I'd have been exceedingly happy even if the unit didn't come with the remote (many other competing brands don't even provide one), so who cares if it doesn't work from two rooms away? 2) The unit comes with a bunch of universal dock adapters to choose yours from. The adapter snugly held my iPod that it wouldn't fall off even when I turned the unit sideways. I think it wouldn't fall off even if you turn the unit upside down, but I'll have you check that out and report back. And finally, 3) the provided AC power adapter is of international voltage (100-240V), a nice touch for those traveling internationally. Furthermore, this AC adapter is designed such that the cord can be neatly wrapped around the base of the adapter itself. When traveling you can tuck the AC adapter into the dock of the speaker unit and then into the clam shell case.

Won't play a song past 1 minute [Posted on 2008-06-02]
I read all the great reviews and bought this unit. Unfortunately, we did not open it up and actually use it until last week--so we are now beyond the 30 day return policy. We have tried everything, but after you turn it on, it plays the first song for one minute and then goes dead. Seems this happens with these, and logitech never responds. We've tried resetting the Ipod, recharging all of the batteries, etc. No luck.

Great Speakers [Posted on 2008-06-14]
These speakers have great sound and great quality. Sometimes if the volume is up too high, there is some slight distortion, but if I have them turned up that high, they blast me out of my whole house anyhow! The sound carries unbelievably and can easily be heard throughout a 1500 sq. foot house when not even on the highest volume.

I would like to see a strap and a place to put your iPod built into the case though.

Great little speakers [Posted on 2008-06-30]
Great little all-in-one speakers. I wouldn't know how it compares to the Bose speakers since I bought mine from Amazon.com. But I have no complaints. It sounds good. It travels easily. Haven't given the battery a full work out yet, but so far so good. I can get a good loud sound out of it for a roomful of people. I like that both my old 3G iPod with the dead battery works with it as well as my 160Gb new Classic. I am happy with my purchase. Got it on sale for a great price too!

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