Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile

A versatile portable speaker system that also boasts the ability to handle phone calls, Logitech's Pure-Fi Mobile features Bluetooth, meaning it can handle A2DP music streaming. Although this is a handy feature, the Pure-Fi is ultimately let down by average sound quality.

In terms of design, this is one of the better looking portable speaker units on the market. The Pure-Fi Mobile stands out thanks to a gloss front finish, silver sides and a rubberised rear casing. Its compact design makes it ideal to take with you when travelling, and the build quality means you shouldn't have too many issues in this regard: the Pure-Fi Mobile feels sturdy and capable of taking a few knocks.

The controls all sit along the top of the unit and the buttons are raised enough to ensure comfort and tactility. Operation is straightforward, and the buttons are conveniently divided into sections. On the left are call-handling controls, including answer call, end call and mute keys. In the middle lies a power button and source key, the latter switching between the Pure-Fi Mobile's three modes: Bluetooth, USB and line-in. On the right, Logitech has included volume controls and a 3D Surround Sound button.

Using the Pure-Fi Mobile is simple. The unit runs off an internal rechargeable battery that Logitech claims will last for up to 12 hours; it comes fully charged out of the box. Press the power button to turn the unit on and use the source button to select an audio mode. For Bluetooth, holding down the source button until the Bluetooth light flashes puts the unit in pairing mode, allowing you to connect it to your A2DP compatible mobile phone.

The audio quality of the Pure-Fi Mobile varies depending on what mode you use it in. Obviously quality while using Bluetooth audio streaming doesn't compare to using a regular device with a 3.5mm headphone jack. In Bluetooth mode there is a slight hissing sound in the background while music is playing; on soft tunes this quickly becomes annoying. The volume level at the highest setting is also marginally lower in Bluetooth mode.

While using the unit with a device that has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack or with a PC in USB mode, sound is marginally better but still not great. Considering the size of the unit, we weren't surprised to learn that audio levels at the highest volume aren't loud enough to fill even a small-sized room with sound. We also expected better clarity. The Pure-Fi also suffers from poor instrumental separation, with individual elements in the music being washed-out at decent volume levels. For travellers, the audio won't really be an issue, but those looking for quality are best advised to look elsewhere.

A useful feature of the Pure-Fi Mobile is its ability to work as a wireless speakerphone to handle phone calls. According to Logitech, it features two built-in microphones — one to pick up vocal nuances and the other to monitor and block unwanted background noise. Both incoming and outgoing audio levels were loud and clear and we managed to hold a conversation at least five or six metres away from the unit.

Logitech includes a zip-up case and an AC charger in the sales package, and the unit can also be charged through a PC via the included standard mini-USB cable.