(SEE EDITS AT BOTTOM)
We've been using this on our laptop for two weeks and really like the sound quality it produces. It clips right on to the top or side of the laptop monitor without any issues (unless we forget to take it off and try to close the laptop with it still attached). The sound is certainly loud enough, especially if you'll be sitting right in front of it. We've watched several Netflix movies and it seems to do just fine.
It does take over the sound controls of your computer, and it seems like the interval jumps between volume settings is pretty big. Basically, you just have the options of Silent - Soft - Medium - Loud - Really Loud. But it's not a big deal. It does what it's meant to do. Our Dell Inspiron picked it right up when we attached the USB cable, and it's nice to have the volume and power buttons on top of the speaker itself.
Cons: There is no protective case for this. Just a wimpy cloth sleeve to put it in. Virtually no protection offered to the speaker. Also, I don't really care for the way the USB cable connects to the back of the speaker. It gets bent very easily because it sticks out from the back at a 90-degree angle and I'm afraid that will be the first thing to get damaged.
A nice, strong little speaker that does its job well without too much fuss.
[EDIT: The thing just died on us tonight, after only two months of use. A short has developed in the cable at exactly the place I commented above in the "Cons" section. I've submitted a request to Logitech about repair/replacement. We shall see what they come back with.]
[EDIT #2: I have been in touch with Logitech, and found them to be quite helpful. They suggested a couple of tests to make sure the cable was in fact the problem. After that, they sent me an email warranty verification form to fill out and return. I sent that in, and within 24 hours they responded that a new speaker and cable would arrive in 7-10 business days. I'm pleased with the response, and Logitech has kept me as a customer because of their good customer service.] Logitech Laptop Speaker Z205
This is a good size for a frequent flier. Big enough for great sound and small enough to fit in the laptop case. The "bag" that holds the speakers & cable is okay but I would have preferred a hard shell case.
But the important thing is the sound. It is incredible. The depth of sound is impressive. With surround sound sources it does very well at the 3D effects. This could also be a factor of my laptop having a great audio system too. But I couldn't hear that level of 3D with the built in speakers.
Logitech also put some thought into mounting. This can either clip to the top of the laptop or sit on it's base on a table. Very well designed.
The power and volume controls are easily manipulated. The USB drivers also self installed on my Windows 7 laptop. There is another plug on the unit for an alternate sound source (i.e. iPod) but I haven't tried that yet.
Sound quality: is distinctively better than most cheap laptop speakers, possibly not because these were that great, but simply because these are larger and outside of the laptop body. Still, no bass representation can be expected from these two tiny cones and they sure don't produce any. But the mid-range is nice, at least nicer than the build-in speakers.
Portability/Pouch: comes with a soft pouch, so the cable will not get lost, but it is a soft pouch, so it will not protect against pressure. If you pack it, don't put it into a soft-sided bag or next to something with a sharp edge. Otherwise build quality is solid and it has a grill to protect the cones.
Convenience: It is easy to install (both physically and the drivers), at least under windows7. The clip is solid enough to hold it even if you move the laptop around and it is padded, so it wont scratch, but the front should have been cut out to leave room for the camera / mic that is on most laptops nowadays. The buttons on the top are a very nice idea, but the clip does not hold the box strong enough for this, so you will have to be careful when trying to use them. It is a bit wobbly when you press it.
Other use: The clip is shaped so this can be just put down on a flat surface (even has four tiny rubber legs), does not have to be clipped to the top of a screen. Has extra input for a mp3 player, but no room for internal power source (batteries), so it has to be hooker up to a laptop to work. This is a limiting factor, otherwise it could have been used as a standalone speaker for your music player.
Another possible use would be to hook it up to a desktop, but for the same or little more you can get 2.1 speakers (including from logitech) with MUCH better sound.
Target audience: is the frequent traveler, who carries his laptop and wants to use it in the hotel room to watch some movies.
Value: For $20 this would be a good value. For $35 (which is what amazon typically charges for it, although I got it for $30) it is a bit too pricey.
Summary: It is an upgrade, but not that much of an upgrade. It won't work unless you hook it up to a laptop (not self powered), so not usable as standalone speaker. It covers up the camera and the mic on the front of the screen, so interferes with you using your laptop for video calling or even for just plain audio calling.
For watching movies on your laptop, if you watch it alone, you are better off with a decent headphone. If the headphone is not an option, i.e. you watch it with someone else, it is good, but not great.
There are a lot of good things here and it is certainly better than most built-in laptop speakers, but could have been better and sound quality is still just so-so. Should be cheaper. - Portable Speakers - Computer Speakers - Usb Speakers - Laptop Speakers'
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