Logitech S715i

Logitech have gone all out on the design for the S715i, it really is one of the most attractive speaker designs ever, with the close attention to detail visible in the precision curves of the protective grill, the gorgeous mix of matte and sheen black plastics and the intuitive stand and protective cover combination. Six of the speakers lie in the front of the device, behind the rubberised metallic grill, accented with silver finished surrounds. Indented atop the device is the seat for the iPod, three buttons and an IR input surround the dock. The dock itself is also provides yet more evidence of the painstaking care in the design, with the connector featuring a hinged construction allowing it to securely stow the iPod without the need for Finnish and annoying dock adapters.

This is the area in which the S715i really does excel. Its custom designed array of eight speakers pump out music that is crisp, clear and shocking loud. Even at the highest volume (which is certainly loud!) the music remains incredibly clear and deep, with the woofers providing heart stopping bass and the tweeters rich highs, complimented clearly by the mid-range speakers. As well as featuring a tip quality iPod dock, the speakers also include an auxiliary input, allowing those not blessed with an iPod or iPhone to enjoy the incredible quality of the S715i's.

The device itself is reasonably large in comparison to some audio docks, coming in at roughly six iPhone widths across, one iPhone heights in height and around three or four iPhones deep. However, although it may be larger than others, it without doubt provides the most quality for quantity. Its rechargeable battery makes it ideal for use on the go, and it lasts for several hours at full volume. However when portability is not a concern it also makes for an excellent stationary dock, with the maximum volume increasing when plugged in as well as charging the connected device.

The packaging of the speakers is relatively simple and elegant. A simple coloured cardboard cover surrounds the thicked cardboard inner which opens to reveal the speakers, as well as a remote control and a carry case that carries the speakers as well as the remote and charging cable. The remote takes design cues from the old white plastic Apple remote with a minimalistic approach to buttons. The buttons themselves feel far too rubbery and are hard to press making the remote one of the very few let downs of the S715i.

The S715i is actually pretty hard to fault. Featuring the very best in portable sound quality, combined with one of the most attractive and intuitive speaker designs, the S715i should without doubt be the first preference for anyone in the market for a portable sound system.