Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile Review

The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile's versatility and thin profile give it an advantage among portable Bluetooth speakers. It can function as a speakerphone, USB computer speaker, and Skype phone, though it doesn't charge iPods or other gadgets. At $149, the Pure-Fi Mobile falls midway between the tiny Samsung BS300 and the boombox-sizeiLuv 399, making it suitable for the desktop as well as for the road.

Design

The Pure-Fi Mobile fits nicely in a bag or briefcase, measuring 10.9 x 2.9 x 1.1 inches and weighing 3 pounds. It has a nonslip-coated back with a mini-USB port and a 3.5mm input jack, and metal grilles cover the four 2-inch speaker drivers on the glossy black front. A pair of metal legs with rubber feet fold out from the bottom so the slim speaker can stand on a flat surface. The buttons along the top--Send, End, Mute, Power, Input source, Stereo XL (a sound enhancer), and volume--are labeled with backlit icons, and a charge indicator displays the built-in battery's status. The speakerphone includes two small mics. The package includes a padded carrying bag, a mini-USB cable, a stereo line-in cable, and an AC wall adapter.

Performance

Like nearly all speakers this size without a built-in subwoofer, the Pure-Fi Mobile just can't do big bass. But on our tests this unit delivered clear output at low to moderate volumes. The Pure Fi Mobile's Stereo XL button (on top) widened the sound a bit and provided a bit more low end. Snoop Dogg tracks like "Tha Shiznit" sounded fine at louder volumes, though modern rock tunes (such as R.E.M.'s "Hollow Man") turned to mud when we cranked the volume. This is definitely an indoor speaker, despite its portability.

We like the ability to use the speaker via USB with your computer, and it didn't require downloading drivers. Stereo Bluetooth also worked well, pairing easily with ourSamsung P2media player and giving us 15 to 20 feet of reliable range, even through walls.

Taking Calls

Paired with ourNokia N95, the Pure-Fi Mobile's speakerphone had very good clarity and top-notch noise reduction (even with a construction site across the street), thanks to its dual microphones. Callers sounded loud and clear, and they reported that we sounded fine as well, despite being in a fairly noisy environment. The convenient onboard Send/End and mute controls are easy to use, and you can quickly switch between sources.

Battery Life

The built-in battery is rated for 12 hours; it lasted easily through about 1.5 days of moderate home-office use, though we did most of our music listening via the line input. The battery also charges via your computer's USB port.

Verdict

The Pure-Fi Mobile is a solid choice for a home office or other small room where you would like a moderately loud speaker for a computer or music player/phone, and a Bluetooth speakerphone. It's also a good buy for business travelers. If you're more interested in a compact Bluetooth speakerphone than music playback, check out the Samsung BS300 ($129), which is much smaller and cheaper but still effective. Nevertheless, we'd take the Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile over other portable Bluetooth speakers for its versatility.