Logitech 28mm Portable Speakers featuring NXT Technology

The Geeks received Logitech’s first product to employ NXT’s flat-panel speaker technology, simply called the Logitech 28mm Portable Speaker. NXT provides unique sound solutions and they are best known for their flat-paneled speaker technology which exploits their expertise in bending wave physics. We have tested several portable speakers before with lackluster results… read on to see if NXT flat-panel speaker technology can make portable sound rich and full.

NXT is a provider of unique sound solutions, best known for its flat panel loudspeaker technology based in the UK. The company has its origins in the world-renowned British audio industry and is responsible for the development of the Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML), an award-winning audio technology that can be applied across numerous industries to create highly differentiated products and solutions.

Today, NXT technologies can be found in audio systems, buildings and facilities, mobile phones, commercial audio systems, PCs and laptops, TVs, cars, aircraft, railway stations, motorcycle helmets – even a sofa is available with NXT loudspeakers. More than 250 companies based in over 50 countries license NXT technologies. Today, over 100 NXT-based products are available to purchase.

Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. The company’s products combine essential core technologies, continuing innovation, award-winning industrial design and excellent price performance.

The portable Logitech 28mm speakers are only 1.24″ thick and can easily be packed in a suitcase or otherwise easily carried along on a trip. As a matter of fact, the Logitech speakers traveled up and down the east coast during this review process. While traveling, I packed the Logitech 28mm’s in my suitcase which was carried along with me once and survived the airline’s luggage handlers for another trip. The speakers are long but very narrow so they were easy to pack and did not take up too much space.

The speakers have multiple power options including 4 AA batteries or an AC adapter. The 4 AA batteries are supposed to last for a whopping 45 hours! The batteries initially installed still work. Unfortunately the AC adapter is like every other AC adapter… bulky. I took the AC adapter on my first trip but opted for just installing batteries in the speaker unit for my second trip.

The unit has an attached protective plastic cover that folds backwards and acts as a stand. The protective cover opens to a speaker that covers the entire front surface. Another feature the speakers offer include an integrated cable with the standard 3.5mm jack to plug into any MP3 player, DVD player, laptop and other portable devices. The cable recesses in the back of the case when not in use.

So, after all, since the Geeks are reviewing a speaker… how do the Logitech 28mm speakers sound?

Employing the NXT flat-panel speaker technology, the Logitech 28mm Portable Speakers create an incredibly rich and full sound including outstanding bass, midrange and even treble. Compared to other portable speakers, the bass on the Logitech 28mm’s truly create a “wow” effect the first time you hear them. Also, unlike other portable speakers where the treble range tends to be tinny, the treble output is crisp and clear.

In the portable speaker sub-$100 range, the Geeks think you will be hard pressed to find speakers that compare in sound quality unless the speakers are driven by the NXT flat-panel speaker technology.

Logitech offers a 2 year limited warranty on the product.

The Logitech 28mm Portable Speakers can be purchased at most Logitech retailer and the MSRP is listed at $79.99.

J&R has the Logitech 28mm Portable Speakers for $64.99.

What’s Groovy: While there are a couple of cool features such as the built-in recessed cable with a 3.5mm jack and the fact that the speaker is 1.24â€?, the richness of the sound is the grooviest feature of the Logitech 28mm speaker.

What’s Sucky: The speakers are not cheap but they are worth the price, but the AC adapter is a bit bulky and not made for portability.

Features	Performance	Quality	Value
Having a recessed cord with a 3.5mm jack attached to the speaker, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring a cable with you (nothing like traveling and schlepping speakers along that you cannot use!). Also, the sheer thinness of the entire speaker system is an excellent feature for portable speakers.	These are the best sounding portable speakers I have heard. Portable speakers aren’t supposed to have rich bass!	Logitech seems to always make nice quality products and the 28mm Portable Speaker system is no exception.	These speakers deserve the top rating for value, especially with the $64.99 price from J&R. NXT’s flat-panel speaker technology allows these Logitech speakers to sound as good or better as any portable speaker system out there.
Overall
Overall, the amazing sound emanating from the Logitech speakers utilizing NXT’s flat-panel speaker technology created the “wow� factor the first time I heard the speakers. With that said, the Geeks figured there is still some improvement needed… after all, can’t they make an extraordinary sounding speaker that’s paper-thin?