Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile

CNET editors' review

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Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile

If there's one thing Logitech does right, it's progress. The accessories company has been churning out iPod speakers for years, and its experience in this area shows in each new product. Rather than resting on its laurels, Logitech chugs forward with tweaks and improvements. Such is the case with the Pure-Fi Mobile speaker, the company's first stereo Bluetooth model. This ultracompact unit features a sleek, high-quality design, compatibility with all audio devices, and some nice extras. The $149.99 price tag isn't exactly a bargain and audio quality isn't stellar, but the speaker is a good value given the features and travel-friendly design.

The Pure-Fi Mobile is Logitech's slickest portable speaker to date. At 10.7 inches by 2.8 inches by 0.9 inch, it's noticeably more compact than the Pure-Fi Anywhere. It doesn't have an integrated iPod dock, but considering the multitude of other connection options, this is something we're willing to give up. The Pure-Fi Mobile can stream audio via A2DP (stereo) Bluetooth, or can be hardwired to any audio source via a 3.5mm jack found on the back of the speaker. The unit can even act as a computer speaker, drawing both power and audio from USB. Logitech includes both audio cables (minijack and USB) as well as a wallwart power adapter. There's no remote in the package, but there is a handy padded case for travel.

Along with being super travel-friendly, the Pure-Fi Mobile offers a sleek design with a high-quality build. Four 2-inch speaker grilles line the glossy black front panel, and the unit is wrapped in a nice, brushed silver trim. The backside is wrapped in a smooth, rubbery plastic. Two small-yet-sturdy metal legs flip out from the bottom for added support while the speaker is in use. The top edge of the Pure-Fi Mobile is lined with a variety of buttons. There are call answer, end, and mute keys for using the unit as a speaker phone with a connected phone. Dead center are the power and source buttons; the latter is used for switching audio sources as well as pairing with a Bluetooth audio device (an easy process). Last up are the stereo surround and volume keys.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile speaker is a reasonable performer, especially given the size. On the plus side, wired and Bluetooth audio quality sound roughly equivalent. Unfortunately, neither is spectacular. This speaker doesn't deal in bass, so if you want low-end response, look elsewhere. That said, overall audio sounds passable to good. High-end detail representation is impressive, and the mids are reasonably rich sounding. Music is lacking somewhat in warmth and depth, though, and sounds slightly tinny at times. The stereo separation feature is barely noticeable when activated, but the unit gets incredibly loud and doesn't suffer from distortion at the highest volume--shocking in a speaker of this size. The built-in, rechargeable battery is rated for 12 hours, which is about standard and certainly adequate.