Logitech mm28 Portable Speakers

By Justin Yu, CNET.com on 05/06/2006

More Logitech reviews , RRP: AU$100.00

The good:

  • Thoughtful design
  • Only 25mm thick
  • Incorporates a combination protective cover/stand and integrated cable management

The bad:

  • Use NXT flat-panel technology, a relatively new speaker breakthrough that is still in its infancy in terms of sound quality -- as a result, sound is rather flat and high-end heavy
  • Users with bass-driven music will undoubtedly be disappointed by the lack of punch that you can hear in other portable speakers in the same price range.

The bottomline:

Logitech's mm28 speakers will add style points to your decor but deliver less than satisfying audio fidelity.

Buying choices:

Editors' rating:

6/10

Users' rating:

7.3/10

The Logitech mm28 is one of the first portable speakers to incorporate NXT technology, which forgoes the traditional speaker cones and drivers for a sleek metal panel that translates sound signal vibrations into crisp, clear sound. One of the main benefits that NXT speakers have over the conventional variety is their ability to project surround sound using a single panel, thus allowing the user to be anywhere in the room and hear the music as it was originally intended. NXT also allows for slimmer form factors and the implementation of speakers where they otherwise wouldn't fit.

The Logitech mm28 definitely earns points for innovative design with its sleek silver casing and frosted speaker panels. The speakers are powered by either the included AC adapter or four AA batteries. We were disappointed to find that there are no lithium-ion rechargeable batteries included with this package, but Logitech more than makes up for this small deficiency with a massive 45-hour rated battery life. The mm28 attaches to any external audio device (such as an MP3 player or laptop) via a 3.5-inch stereo input cord, which cleverly tucks flush into the rear of the unit when not in use.

Since its introduction, NXT technology has had constant issues with low-end sound quality, and the Logitech system is no different. Although there was no distortion from the speakers, we were unimpressed with bass response and vocal body. The high end was extra-shrilly to our ears, and we found ourselves longing for cones to deliver the fuller sounds to which we've become accustomed. Although disappointing sound quality is common among speakers of this size and prize range, we'd recommend saving up a few more bucks and taking the Sonic Impact i-Fusion or even Logitech's own mm50 on your next outdoor activity.

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auscan
13/07/2007, 12:58 PM

rating
7
/10

These speakers wont blow you away, you wouldnt want to set up a home cinema with these, but compact design and great battery life, make these very portable speakers.

Pros: compact design, Long battery life, when closed the speaker is well protected

Cons: at high volume the sound isnt great, no volume control on unit.

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keegsmeister
01/04/2007, 02:27 PM

rating
7
/10

This portable speaker is an excellent piece of art, which sounds great too.

I bought this off Ebay for around 65AUD. This speaker is produces really HIGH-END sharp crisp sounds, which is excellent, but lacks the LOW END bass.

There are also some midtones which the 28mm cannot handle, it starts to rattle...probably due to the NXT flat panel technology imperfections.

It claims to be a portable speaker, but at 28cm it is quite significantly large to carry around. I find it hard to bring it to University. However, whenever I bring it around, the 28mm Logitech always get its praises with it's NXT flat panel technology.

The shielding of this speaker is excellent, Logitech definitely built this speaker to make it last for travel.

Overall, it is definitely a good buy...but given the opportunity to buy another set of speakers, I would look elsewhere.

Pros: Light weight, very low battery consumption, crisp high end sound, excellent casing, good value for money.

Cons: Very short wire leads, rubber ends of the speaker tend to wear off, crackle at low end bass sounds, no volume control.

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highendaudio
10/10/2006, 06:34 PM

rating
8
/10

More Boom for your buck.

This is a very sturdy piece of kit.

Thin enough to slide in a jacket pocket or bag.Very light but my word not when it comes to sound.I found it very much better than any of my computer or laptop speakers.The NXT technology (I do not have a clue how it works) just gets better and thankfully cheaper.

Battery power is stated at 45 hours approx and I ran mine overnight and got to 42!

I wouldn't expect to use them for dinner party guests but out camping,in the hotel or just about anywere on the move these, for the money are great value.

Pros: Sturdy case: Scratch resistant: Very Light in weight.Very slim:Excelent Low Battery consumption:Very good sound range:Very loud if required!

Cons: Cable is on the short side and no independant volume control

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