For chirpy clear sound on the go, Logitech just released its Logitech Z205 laptop speaker in India. We let it settle on our netbooks and notebooks to gauge its performance for a comprehensive review. On the go computing has helped ease off several strenuous and otherwise time consuming tasks. Work accompanied by music, games and movies could make us happily wile away time when on a business trip. Moreover, digital entertainment erupts as a great option while vacationing as well (unless you are trying to find solace away from hustled connectivity). Evidently, laptops and netbooks have helped simplify this to a great extent. However, one complaint we’ve always had from most of the netbooks and some laptops is the audio output. The built-in speaker can now be overpowered by Logitech’s newest portable option.
This Logitech device is something most of us would dream about – extremely light, space saving, no installation or setup required and with an alluring price tag attached to it. These incentives could surely tempt every mobile enthusiast. The Z205 exhibits a somewhat bar-type shape, sized as a car’s rear-view mirror. The device goes all classy black, be it the subtle metallic grills, somewhat glossy black surface covering half of the edge or the rest portion dipped in matte black. Although, the base of this handy speaker follows a different color scheme with an integrated gray clip and similar colored rubber feet. On clasping the device in our palms, it came across quite sturdy.
Simplicity to the core, the device accompanied by a USB cable and carrying case jumps right out of the box to settle directly onto your device. As aforementioned, this plug and play product does not require drivers or any set-up process, just plug the cable into the USB port of your device and it is ready to use. The speaker is light enough to be clamped on the laptop. The mini USB port and a 3.5mm jack are housed on the rear portion of the speakers. It occupies less space while seated on the lid or in a bag, sporting 7-inches in length and 2.5-inches in width (widest part). Plus, the volume controls and power button has been embedded on the upper edge of the device for easier accessibility. If you decide to use the 3.5mm jack then manage the audio cable as it is not inclusive of the bundle. Well, with detailing and consumer-convenience that tags along with Logitech, we wonder what made them not include a cable.
We could easily clip it to our Toshiba, Sony and Asus netbooks and also Dell and Acer notebooks. Though it settled neatly on our devices, the top portion can be wobbled easily. The grip is firmer on the lower end but a little pressure on the top portion shakes the speaker. Nevertheless, it does not pull off the attached speakers completely. Well, no one is to be blamed for this as the speaker clip isn’t custom designed for a specific device. On the other hand, desktop users with a cluttered desk, looking for space saving speakers could find it difficult to zero in on this one. We recommend you to check the width of your LCD monitors as we couldn’t clamp it on ours. The clip was too small to accommodate itself on our Samsung SyncMaster P2350.
If commanding audio quality takes a seat higher than portability on your list of preferences, then the device wouldn’t completely disappoint you either. The audibility levels were good. It managed to maintain the sound quality to optimum unless a few times we found it shaky while listening to music with heavy base. The sound was clear all other times, harmonics are evenly distributed. The internal sound card and stereo speakers do their job efficiently. The sound is seldom distorted and the bass isn’t effective as it comes minus a sub-woofer.
Somehow, the audio quality also differed to some extent depending upon the notebook/netbook used. We watched a couple of movies from our long awaited list and the sound quality also appeared detailed at most times. The audibility levels dimmed a couple of times. Overall, the peripheral did handle how much was needed. The Z205 isn’t an ideal gaming peripheral with every minute detail captured, but for fun-filled casual gaming moments, it’s simply apt. Moreover, we are looking into an affordable on-the-go device to accompany laptops, so don’t expect a surround sound home theatre or complete music system experience.
Talking about portability, if one has dropped their notebook to clutch an ultra-portable netbook then this peripheral could make an alluring solution. It aptly fills in the space for a portable speaker. While pushing the device into purses or backpacks, it stays well protected from scratches, enclosed in a nylon carrying case. The device draws audio as well as power from the computer it’s attached to. The clip on/off process is simple and the length of the USB cord is maintained to curb clutter but one can’t position the angle of the device. The angular limitation could be a hassle to some users.
This audio solution could make a great companion for frequent travelers, owing to various travel-friendly attributes. Furthermore, it offers compatibility with PC and Mac. The various enthralling aspects of the USB-powered speakers which could allure users include portability and space-saving form factor. A price point which won’t drill a hole in your pockets, audibility levels and negation of driver installation add to the convenience. On the other hand, Logitech could have enhanced the sound quality and packed in a 3.5mm external audio cable.
All in all, we’d still say that the device puts forth the category of portable and small laptop speakers with certain limitations. Though, a few factors of the device could be improved, the Logitech Z205 has managed to deliver a decent experience. Putting aside a few flaws, the device gets a thumbs up from us for those looking for a size and price that comes along with it. For its class, this audio device strikes the right chords and gets a rating of 8 on 10 from us. The Z205 Laptop Speaker is priced at Rs. 2199.
