Logitech mm28 portable speakers review: Logitech mm28 portable speakers

Editors' Note: The rating on this review has been lowered from 6.0 to 5.7 due to changes in the competitive marketplace.

The Logitech mm28 is one of the first portable speakers to incorporate NXT technology, which forgoes the traditional speaker cones and drivers for a sleek metal panel that translates sound signal vibrations into crisp, clear sound. One of the main benefits that NXT speakers have over the conventional variety is their ability to project surround sound using a single panel, thus allowing the user to be anywhere in the room and hear the music as it was originally intended. NXT also allows for slimmer form factors and the implementation of speakers where they otherwise wouldn't fit.

The Logitech mm28 definitely earns points for innovative design with its sleek silver casing and frosted speaker panels. The speakers are powered by either the included AC adapter or four AA batteries. We were disappointed to find that there are no lithium-ion rechargeable batteries included with this $80 package, but Logitech more than makes up for this small deficiency with a massive 45-hour rated battery life. The mm28 attaches to any external audio device (such as an MP3 player or laptop) via a 3.5-inch stereo input cord, which cleverly tucks flush into the rear of the unit when not in use.

Since its introduction, NXT technology has had constant issues with low-end sound quality, and the Logitech system is no different. Although there was no distortion from the speakers, we were unimpressed with bass response and vocal body. The high end was extrashrilly to our ears, and we found ourselves longing for cones to deliver the fuller sounds to which we've become accustomed. Although disappointing sound quality is common among speakers of this size and prize range, we'd recommend saving up a few more bucks and taking the Sonic Impact i-Fusion or even Logitech's own mm50 on your next outdoor activity.