Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 for Laptops, Ipad and Iphone

I was looking for a Bluetooth wireless speaker for my Motorola Xoom but I didn't really want to spend a lot either. (This review focuses on the Bluetooth aspect rather than the USB wireless audio the speaker is also capable of.) This product not only meets those expectations but exceeds them.Once I saw this for $54.99 from Amazon, I had to pick it up because typically it retails for about $100 at your local brick and mortar store. (You may not be so lucky as of this review since Amazon seems to have "caught up" to what the other online vendors are charging, which is around $75.)The speaker itself is solidly built and feels somewhat hefty. It's about 10 inches across, 4 1/2 inches high and about 2 1/2 inches deep. (About 4 inches deep with the flip-out kickstand in the back out.) The speaker cones are protected by a stiff, solid mesh in the front and surrounded by dense plastic that looks somewhat stylish in its simplicity. The right side (as the speaker grille faces you) contains the power LED and wireless activity LED as well as a 1/8" stereo minijack and an AC power/recharging jack.On the back, you'll find a fold-out kickstand that also houses the USB dongle for your desktop or laptop computer. You'll also find the power button (in the center), a concave "volume down" button on the left (again, as the speaker grille faces you) and a convex "volume up" button on the right. It's very easy to find these controls as a result.The speaker comes with "getting started" instructions for everything you needed to know about the speaker's functions (like what the various states of the charging LED indicate), an AC adapter/charger as well as a convenient storage pouch to carry both the speaker to keep the dust off when not in use. (The pouch also can house the charger in a separate pouch separate from the speaker...I hope I said that right. lolThere are also separate instructions for pairing the speaker with your iPod or iPad, but as all know by now, this product can pretty much pair up with any Bluetooth-capable devices like those using the Android OS.I don't claim to be an audiophile (I'm a musician, does that count? :D but this speaker sounds fantastic. Others have complained of less-than-stellar audio but, honestly, this is a wireless mobile speaker, not a $10,000 home theater system. One shouldn't even bother making comparisons. Others have also noted that Bluetooth audio doesn't sound as good as hardwired (i.e., hooked up via the 1/8" stereo minijack). I've tried to make comparisons but I've come up with the same conclusion: These people are on something as I cannot tell a discernible difference between the two. I've tried different audio sources at the same volume both Bluetooth and hardwired and don't hear much difference. Everything sounds nice and clean. (I've tried everything from metal to early music to movie soundtracks. Movie soundtracks and other modern music sources with deep bass are the weakest but that's not exactly bad because they still sound great nonetheless. You can still hear the bass but won't exactly feel it gut-punching you. As I said earlier, I wouldn't expect it to.)Yes, it's not THX-quality but it's very, very nice for what it is and how much is asked for in this price range. It can be quite loud (it fills your average-sized room quite nicely) and it's much better than the built-in speakers on the Xoom.The range, being a Bluetooth device, is not too bad. I was able to walk down my house's hallway (filled with plaster walls and mesh) from my bedroom (which is at one end of the hallway) and got the signal to start breaking at the end of the hallway, all in all about 20 or so feet. Regardless, I plan on keeping the Xoom and speaker together as I just wanted to listen to my music collection with a better set of speakers.I am able to control the volume with both the Xoom and the speakers. (This may create some confusion because if you set the volume on the device low, you won't get much volume out of the speakers.) It might be better to "set and forget" on the device and control the volume on the speakers in my case but it might be the reverse on yours.I have not tested the durability of a full charge just yet. It took about 3 hours from a half charge to completely full. I've maybe run it for about an hour but if anything changes I'll update my review. (You can use the speakers while they are charging.)In summary, if you're sick of the built-in speakers of your mobile device, give this a shot. For what they are, Logitech scored a home run on this one. Fantastic audio at an affordable price.

I got mine recently and had a really hard time deciding between the D100 and these from Logitech. In the end I picked the Logitech out of brand loyalty.I have Logitech wired speakers, keyboards, mice and I have had products replaced during warranty with 0 hassle whatsoever.Not only are all the products I own by Logitech tried, true and proven in terms of quality and how long they do last before problems occur, but the process to get your item replaced is a pretty easy one and they seem to really try to take care of their customers. Creative on the other hand, would not replace a set of speakers I owned when 1 of them stopped working well within the warranty and they also refused to replace a MP3 player that just stopped working, also well within it's warranty period so, burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me. This goes to show there's something to be said for keeping your customers happy. I was so close to getting the D100 when I considered "what does Logitech have to offer in this department?" and the Z515 became a contender.So on to actual performance? I find them full sounding and am not disappointed at all. They go really loud and I haven't even been loud enough to get distortion...and I've been loud.The ONLY issue I have and may be typical to just me is that I would have liked a deeper bass sound, not easily achieved without a subwoofer I imagine. Don't get me wrong, they have good bass for a portable bluetooth speaker but it's nothing to call home about. I don't think I will get the 'perfect' bluetooth speaker system until I'm willing to spend $190+ and I'm not at this point as this is MAINLY going to be used as a travel component (for hotel stays) and for bedtime music.If price is not a concern with you at all, you may want to look into else. Keep in mind that there are a few shortfalls for some people.Pros:Full sound, great surprise for the price.Solid construction, well thought out portable design.Duality in connection is nice, bluetooth for quick phone/slate/tablet connections or usb wireless for easy laptop/pc connectivityRange is amazing. I have earpieces that crackle up at less distance.I stand behind the brand replacement policies.***If you have a smartphone (Android or iPhone certainly, not sure about Blackberry, Symbian or WebOS), you can always rig up a remote control for any bluetooth speaker using wifi and an app that allows your phone to control your PC/Laptop. Your smartphone is a controller itself if it is what is connected, but if your PC/Laptop are the playback devices, you can look for free apps which control your computer with a little setup and your wifi connection.Long battery life.Cons:You'll be able to get better sound (deeper bass at the very least) for a premium. So those with disposable/throw away income or don't care about the price are free to scout more.Some people want to be able to use their BT speaker as a speakerphone, currently the only profile I'm seeing is for media audio.***A dedicated remote would have been icing on the cake. Suffice it to say, this is some great cake with not a drop of icing; likewise, the speaker doesn't come with actual playback controls which some people want on their BT speaker.The battery doesn't seem to be easily user replaceable. It's built into the speaker and I have no clue what happens when it starts to degrade, I will check that out and make an update. This probably ties into the long battery time though, I doubt AAs would afford 9+ hrs of constant play for anywhere close to a similar weight or size.I recommend this product.

My goal was to extend sound from one room to another so that both rooms are reflecting the same music/sound source. I have a conventional receiver in one room where I stream audio (i.e. Pandora) using IE. And for the record, I have always been very satisfied with logitech devices. Unfortunately, I discovered that some of my expectations wouldn't be met.Installation instructions are pictures - was surprised that there weren't any drivers needed - and didn't realize until it didn't work, that I needed to change my default audio playback device. It doesn't say this in the instructions (because there are no words) and it also meant that I won't be able to share playback over the sound card to my receiver because it's effectively turned off when playing through the USB adapter.I used the IM chat w/ tech support because after installation, I was not hearing sound. Was told on first attempt to not contact them for support until the unit had charged for at least 8 hours. On day two, after the unit had charged I contacted them again - went through all of the troubleshooting and was asked to try the unit on a 2nd PC since I was still not able to hear sound. A light bulb went on before I disengaged chat and asked about streaming audio - that's when I found out that streaming audio won't work. I fired up iTunes and unit started working.If you are planing on extending sound from your laptop into another room, then this device is for you. It's easy to install (almost too easy) and the sound quality is just OK. If your goals are to extend sound from an existing system into another room using your PC as the gateway, then be prepared to jump through some hoops.