The Logitech mm50 Portable Speaker system was designed for mobility, but it has all the features of a good set of desktop speakers.  One such feature is the pass-through dock.  This allows the iPod to connect to the computer while docked to the mm50 speakers.  Since Apple did not ship a dock with the iPod nano, users of the Logitech mm50 can use the mm50 as their dock.

The Logitech mm50 Portable Speaker system has built-in rechargeable Li-ion batteries.  The batteries are automatically charged, as is the iPod, when the AC adapter is in use. 

The Power button toggles the unit on and off.  It will also blink when the unit is charging.  When the internal batteries are fully charged, the light will stay on steady.

The second button activates the "3-D Stereo" sound effect... however, we tried a variety of music (Frank Sinatra to Britney Spears) and have to admit that we were not able to detect a noticeable difference.

The speakers are driven by what Logitech called "Max-X" high-excursion drivers with neodymium magnets and 3" pressure drivers.

Speaker volume is controlled via the IR remote or the +/- buttons on the unit.  Adjusting the click wheel on the iPod does not change the output of the speakers.  The volume level on the iPod changed when we adjusted the volume from the clickwheel, but did not affect the volume of the speakers. 

The IR sensor was hidden behind the grill on the right of the cradle (blue arrow).  We had no problems controlling the mm50 from across the room.

The speakers were able to output surprisingly high volume before we started to hear distortion.  These speakers obviously were not designed to compete with a home stereo, but they had no problem filling an office, study, or bedroom with high fidelity stereo sound.

We got eight hours of speaker use from the first charge, but we'll cycle the battery a few times and see if we get any different results.

We'll take these speakers on the road with us when we travel and see how well they hold up InTheWild.  We are also interested in whether others can tell a difference in the 3D sound... let us know if you can, maybe there is a problem with our unit (or our ears) :-)

The iPod, like the Sony Walkman, is a personal music device.  However, a lot of companies have come to the realization that, unlike the walkman, the iPod can also be the center of a pretty good music system.

Logitech is such a company.  They have been aggressively moving into the iPod accessories market for some time now.  They have also been moving upmarket in the quality of their offering as well.

The mm50 is one of their latest iPod add-ons.

In this review, we took a FirstLook at Logitech's mm50 portable speakers.  We'll show you the basic features of the unit and examine the quality of the construction.

In the FirstUse review, we'll check out the sound quality and see if it can turn the iPod from a personal device to party device...and for what size party :-)

Reviews:

1. First Look

2. First Use

3. In The Wild Report

Review Summary:

Initial Impression- iPod-like Styling

Usability- Easy to take along

Durability- 8 hr battery (first test)

Price- $150

Related Reviews:

1. iPod nano FirstLook

2. iPod nano FirstUse

3. MobiBLU

4. JBL OnTour