Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod (white)
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 970173-0403
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod are useful and affordable--and they sound good, too.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod (white) price range: $127.88
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Edited by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 10/03/2005
- Updated on:03/08/2006
The good: Travel-friendly folding design; built-in rechargeable battery; includes travel pouch, wall charger, and remote; great sound; acts as an iPod charger when plugged in; line-in port for non-iPod MP3 players.
The bad: Slightly larger than other travel speakers; sound distortion at highest volumes.
The bottom line: The Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod are useful and affordable--and they sound good, too.
At 12.8 by 4 by 1.5 inches and 1.6 pounds, the Logitech mm50 is on the hefty side for a travel speaker, but the flip-out metal legs, the built-in rechargeable battery, and the included travel case redeem its portability. Like many made-for-iPod accessories these days, the mm50 hits the town in Ice White and Light Gray or all black, with two speaker drivers on either side of the built-in iPod dock. As long as the speaker is plugged into a wall outlet, your dock-connector iPod (yes, even the Nano) will be charged while in this slot. Logitech includes snap-on adapters to ensure a snug fit for your iPod, with the exception of the Nano. There's even a pass-through adapter on the back of the mm50 so that you can sync with your computer without ever removing the iPod from its mini sound system. In addition, the speaker has an auxiliary line input for use with a Shuffle or other non-iPod MP3 player, but you'll have to provide your own 1/8-to-1/8-inch cable. Along the top, you'll find the power, 3D stereo sound, and volume buttons; the mm50 comes with a wireless remote, so you're not limited to using these controls.
The Logitech mm50 remote allows you to control the functions of the speaker, such as power and 3D sound, as well as those of the iPod, which include volume, fast forward/rewind, play/pause. When you turn the speaker on or off, it automatically does the same for the iPod as long as it's docked, and the iPod continues to charge while the mm50 is switched off. The 3D-stereo-sound option is a nice extra--the effect noticeably widens the sound of the music without making it sound overprocessed.
Overall, the Logitech mm50 provided impressive performance, with clear highs, a good midrange, and decent lows. If you're looking for really booming bass, however, you may want a different brand, such as Bose or Altec Lansing. The volume levels for the mm50 were most impressive: Despite its relatively small size (if you take it as an "at home" speaker), it got really loud. You could definitely rock a small party. Just beware of the low-end distortion at the very highest level. Logitech's rated battery life of 10 hours is adequate, especially considering the fact that the battery is a built-in rechargeable. For $150, the mm50 is quite a deal for iPod lovers.
User reviews
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A nice compromise
by acohn on January 29, 2006
Pros: Tote and blast your tunes anywhere for hours.
Cons: Mediocre sound for the price, 1st-generation design flaws.
Summary: Until the Logitech mm50 came to market, you had the choice between cheap and very portable folding speakers that made your iPod sound like a transistor radio and $300 devices ...
Summary: Until the Logitech mm50 came to market, you had the choice between cheap and very portable folding speakers that made your iPod sound like a transistor radio and $300 devices from Bose and Klipsch the produced wonderful sound but didn't travel well. The Logitech mm50 is in the middle of this spectrum, with a fair degree of portability, and good clock-radio-quality sound that doesn't distort at higher volumes.
One of the unit's strengths is in it lithium-ion battery that, when fully charged through the AC adapter (which charges the iPod as well), last about 6 hours. You'll more battery life if you play your music softly, less if you blast your tunes. It's tempting to crank up the volume, because I experienced no distortion on either the high or low ends of the sound spectrum at volumes that I needed to shout over to talk to someone next to me.
At 13x4x1.5, you can't put the mm50 in your pocket, but it's been portable enough for me to listen to my favorite music of the moment in any room of my apt., including the bathroom while I shower (no shorts so far). The semi-soft carrying case made taking it to work and a party a relatively safe proposition.
I chose the mm50 over comparable products because of the reviews praising its sound as well as its portability. On this score, I've been disappointed, given the price of the unit (even with Costco's discount). Mid-to-upper range sounds are good, but bass and percussion sounds have very little resonance, sounding flat. The result is like a good clock radio, but not a rich sonic experience.
There are also some first-generation design quirks in the mm50. When you dock the iPod, you control the speaker volume with the iPod, even when you use the mm50's volume control. When the iPod is out of the dock, you control the speaker volume through the mm50 itself, but you can't tell what the effects are, because there's no built-in display to show you how loud the speakers are set. So, if mm50 is set to be soft, turning the volume on an iPod all the way up has little effect. Conversely, if you increase the volume setting on the mm50 before you dock the iPod, you could blast your eardrums, even if you had set the iPod volume on low. A small volume-setting display in the mm50 would fix this.
The mm50's infrared remote is poor, having a very limited range and requiring exact line of sight to the IR sensor on the speaker. Would it have killed Logitech to increase the range and put in a multi-IR-beam transmitter to let you control it from anywhere within a 45-degree angle to the unit?
The case also needs some design re-work. There's no handle or shoulder strap on it, and there are no compartments for your iPod itself or for the AC adapter. I'm not an industrial designer, but I think these features should have been obvious to include.
Using the Ipod's sleep timer and alarm clock, I'm thrilled to be able to go to sleep with my RelaxTracks playlist and wake up to one of a few custom music sequences instead of the crap on the radio or a jarring alarm. I love having my tunes with me in the kitchen, the bathroom, and the yard. I will, however, be on the lookout for the next-generation speaker from Logitech.14 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for the price!
by SuperJus on October 18, 2005
Pros: Sound quality. Portability. Built-in rechargeable battery. Extras (case, remote)
Cons: Speaker moves quite a bit when played loud. Remote rather weak. Charger is large and does not fit in the case.
Summary: I decided to upgrade to these from the Altec Lansings that I own. I travel a lot so I didn't want to lug around something as big as the ...
Summary: I decided to upgrade to these from the Altec Lansings that I own. I travel a lot so I didn't want to lug around something as big as the Bose or new Klipsch. Sound quality is not as good as those, but it definitely can't be beat for the price. My biggest problem so far is that the speaker actually moves a lot when I play it at reasonably loud volumes. I wasn't paying attention once and it moved itself all the way to the edge of my table and almost fell to the floor...That would not have been pretty.
10 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Value - Super sound
by rsimonite on October 14, 2005
Pros: Good sound; affordable; well built; remote control
Cons: Charger is a bit bulky and there is no storage in the case for the charger.
Summary: I'm very happy with the MM50. This is not a replacement for a home stereo system but the best compromise of qood sound quality and price that I have ...
Summary: I'm very happy with the MM50. This is not a replacement for a home stereo system but the best compromise of qood sound quality and price that I have found in a portable sound system for iPod. The MM50 produces really good sound for a unit this size. It is great for outdoors; camping; golfing; the beach etc.
The stero separation button actually works, producing a effective but subtle expansion of the sound. The MM50 feels very solid and comes with a durable protective case. This is one of those products that is does what it is supposed to do and at a fair price.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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VERY IMPRESSED
by gdavis9999 on March 7, 2006
Pros: Excellent Sound
Cons: IR range too short
Summary: My company makes chips for iPod docking stations (and for just about everything else). I am not rating this due to the fact our chips are in this model (they ...
Summary: My company makes chips for iPod docking stations (and for just about everything else). I am not rating this due to the fact our chips are in this model (they are), but rather because I have tested just about every audio docking station out there.
Now, if you have the room, the Altec Lansing IM7 is the best (it's that big tubular looking thing, and it packs a punch). For more portable applications, this Logitech mm50 is BY FAR the best system out there for the size.
You can easily spent more on other portable systems, such as smaller Altec Lansing systems, but *they do not even begin to compare*. The mm50 is simply the best. Great sound- deep base and crisp highs- and yes, it's loud. I measured over 120dB (C weighted) next to the speakers. That is a measurement of loudness SPL (sound pressure level), and 120dB is the equivalent of a rock concert (keep in mind, this is right next to the speakers). The other systems I have tested do not come close. You can drive these speakers into distortion, but with that power there is no reason to crank it all the way up.
Integrated LiION battery with AC adapter. IR remote (limited range). Switchable 3D sound expansion (makes the music appear to come from speakers that are further apart). Push button up/down volume control. Class D digital amplifier (battery lasts much longer). Has a jack on back for any MP3 player, or just dock your iPod in it, and the buttons on the unit (and the IR remote) control the iPod! It also has a second connector on the back for the iPod sync cable, so you can dock it and bring up iTunes on your PC, and be fully connected.
Interesting note: you can see four speakers in the mm50, but only two are active. The other two are passive cones, which, combined with the case cavity, is perfectly tuned to deliver FAR more sound than what you would expect. Try the mm50 for yourself, you will be very pleased.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT SPEAKERS, GREAT PRICE, GREAT PORTABILITY!
by spinalicat on February 3, 2006
Pros: Sounds good, cheap, small remote, rechargable battery, portable, comes with travelling case
Cons: Doesn't look as cool as JBL, have to charge for 5 hours before using
Summary: Let me just start off by saying that I was researching forever on what kind of iPod speakers to buy. It was between JBL On Stage II and iHome, at ...
Summary: Let me just start off by saying that I was researching forever on what kind of iPod speakers to buy. It was between JBL On Stage II and iHome, at first. After looking up reviews on here and Amazon, I decided to get the Logitech mm50 iPod speakers. Why? Because it's small, sounds great and is much cheaper than the Bose Sounddock and Klipsch iGroove!! I got mine at Costco for $98! The bass on the JBL and iHome weren't that great and the JBL is $150+. These speakers came with a travelling bag, 3 iPod adapters (20/30GB, Mini and Nano), AC adapter and a small remote. Also, the speakers have an internal rechargeable battery inside so they are portable enough for the beach or a hotel room! The sound is great too! The bass is really nice and the remote controls everything! Also, you can use these speakers as an alarm clock or sleep timer if you set it on your iPod (5th+ Generation only). Rave!!
* I have the 20GB iPod Photo, the one right before the iPod Video4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incredible speakers for you iPod
by ingallsra on January 4, 2006
Pros: Great sound
Cons: Haven't found any
Summary: I had the Altec Lansing M3 speakers and returned them after I read all the great reviews about the Logitech mm50 speakers. The mm50s blow the M3s out of the ...
Summary: I had the Altec Lansing M3 speakers and returned them after I read all the great reviews about the Logitech mm50 speakers. The mm50s blow the M3s out of the water for sound. The bass on the M3s was nothing compared to the mm50s.
They're very sturdy, the remote works great, and you can't beat the price for this quality.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound for the price
by RunSilent23 on May 4, 2006
Pros: Impressive sound for the size; remote control, rechargeable battery
Cons: Case doesn't hold adaptor; no housing for remote
Summary: I searched all over town for speakers for my daughter's nano. It just didn't seem right that most of the speakers cost almost as much as her iPod. (...
Summary: I searched all over town for speakers for my daughter's nano. It just didn't seem right that most of the speakers cost almost as much as her iPod. (It gives new meaning to the word "accessory".) Many of the speakers sounded either thin or tinny.
After listening to the mm50's at Costco ($96), I was sold. The sound is on par with a decent boom box. The remote is a great option although I wish the case had a housing for it. With the rechargeable battery, this thing goes everywhere. The case provides good protection for the speakers but doesn't have room for the AC adaptor. Expect about 7-8 hours of life until the Logitech needs charging.
You can find better speakers out there for your iPod (i.e. Bose) but they will set you back quite a bit. For the money, you can't go wrong.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding sound quality in its class and sounds almost as good as a full size speakers from Bose.
by ibmford on December 27, 2005
Pros: Neodmium magnet speakers. Tidy setup. Nice stereo seperation.
Cons: While audio-in cable plugged in from laptop you can't listen to IPOD as sources from IPOD and laptop would conflict. This is same for most if not all external speakers though. Buttons on speakers are
Summary: Executive summary: mm50 is an outstanding speaker system that is as good as Bose or Klipsch (almost). You can't find better sound at this size and tidy, single piece ...
Summary: Executive summary: mm50 is an outstanding speaker system that is as good as Bose or Klipsch (almost). You can't find better sound at this size and tidy, single piece design "period"
Details:
I primarily use the mm50 with my 20GB ipod and listen to internet radio from my laptop. My primary objectives was to keep the desktop clutter to a minimum while getting good sound quality at a reasonable price.
The generous size neodmium magnet speakers provide full and balanced sound. Unlike with some other speakers the 3D sound feature actually improves sound quality. Listening to Dire Straits; private investigations, or Gipsy Kings; No Vivire, one can immediately see the sound is well balanced and realistic. The aqustic guitar sounds real, vocals are alive, you can hear fine details such as the foot steps and breaking glass in the back ground...
I consider anything less than mm50 as a toy category. I don't understand why people are so bent on cranking up the volume at maximum. To evalueate the fidelity of a stereo system, you take dire straits, pink floyd or gipsy kings CD (assuming you don't have a "Dragon" turn table system and vinyl) and play it at regular or low volume and see if the instruments and vocals sound realistic and see if there's good seperation. The best system is not the loudest speakers with the most artificial base.
Future considerations:
Buttons on mm50 speakers are a bit stiff, and has poor tactile feedback but the remote feels and performs very well.
I wish in order to listen to my laptop instead of having to use a seperate audio-in cable if I could only use usb cable to sync ipod and hear sound from my laptop it would reduce the cable clutter...
A built in LCD with FM clock radio...
Instead of 4" diameter, 6" neodmium speakers would be swell...
I don't mind if unit was higher, as long as it doesn't get fat or thick much more...
BOTTOM LINE: These are great speakers.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product
by fajitas on October 10, 2005
Pros: Price, Sound Quality, Dock Capability
Cons: Sound Quality is better on other items
Summary: For the money, this is the right buy. If you can afford the hefty 300 dollar Bose, then gratz to you, because it sounds amazing. However, this thing charges the ...
Summary: For the money, this is the right buy. If you can afford the hefty 300 dollar Bose, then gratz to you, because it sounds amazing. However, this thing charges the iPod, you can dock to the computer with it, and it has a 7 hour internal battery, along with a nifty remote. I am completely satisfied with my product.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The sound quality blows you away!!!
by Slats325 on October 5, 2005
Pros: Super sound, great size, remote control, great price
Cons: A little heavier than I thought it would be
Summary: Graduating from my Creative Travelsound 200 to the new Logitech MM50 was similar to being in the service and promoted to a Captain from a Private First Class. You are ...
Summary: Graduating from my Creative Travelsound 200 to the new Logitech MM50 was similar to being in the service and promoted to a Captain from a Private First Class. You are thrilled that you made the big change but you are not sure how it worked out so well for you. The look of the MM50 is sleek and compliments and coordinates with the color of the basic iPod white. The built-in docking station allows for iPod battery charging and you can sync the speaker system to your computer for iTunes transfers. The sound quality is crisp, clear, and surprisingly bold. The MM50 does have a 3-D effect button which gives it a "bigger" sound and does offer the impression that the speakers are farther apart from each other than they really are. The Logitech MM50 comes standard with a remote control that allows for basic operations and is a real plus. The speaker system comes with a very durable rubber-coated carrying case that offers great protection and contributes to ease of packing and storage. The built-in Li-ion battery holds a 10-hour charge, but I managed almost 12 hours at a fairly high speaker volume. The accompanying charger allows you to run off AC current and also charge the speaker system's battery. The sound of the MM50 rivals that of the Altec Lansing IM3 and for the money, gives the JBL speaker system a run for its money. The MM50 is a great compliment to any docking iPod and I think that Logitech outdid themselves on this product. Nicely done!!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 970173-0403
- Description: The incredible bass and enveloping experience of a home audio system is now available on the go. The Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod use 3" pressure drivers to maximize bass and minimize distortion. The rechargeable Li-ion batteries last up to 10 hours, and you can charge both the speaker system and iPod battery simultaneously. Using 3-D sound processing that "widens" the stereo effect, this system's sound seems to come from an area about two feet wider than the speaker itself. And with a custom travel case, you can take the big sound from this small package anywhere.
General
- Product Type Portable speakers with digital player dock
- Enclosure Color White
Speaker System
- Speaker Type Active
- Magnet Type Neodymium
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Protective case
- Remote Control Remote control
- AV Furniture None
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Run Time (Up To) 10 hour(s)
Battery
- Type Speaker battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Product series
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Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod (white)
Manufacturer: Logitech
Specs: portable speakers with digital player dock, White, Active
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Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod (black)
Manufacturer: Logitech
Specs: portable speakers with digital player dock, Black, Active
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
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