Comments on: Logitech Squeezebox Boom: The ultimate Wi-Fi radio?

CNET's got a hands-on first look at Logitech's just announced Squeezebox Boom Wi-Fi radio.

[ice82]

Would be nice to have this on a nightstand

[johnsok0]

Can't wait for this to hit the stores. I'm totally in.

[keaura]

Looks great. I have a network drive that contains my music. All of the iMacs at home mount this drive and use it as their iTunes music library. If this box can play that music (most of which was ripped from CDs I already own; not much downloaded from iTunes yet) I think I'm sold. Perhaps your next review of this product can touch on that and its Mac compatibility.

Thanks!

[kpfeif]

In order to get at that music you'll need to be running the Slim Center software on a computer within your network - it runs on OS X, Linux, Windows, and some NAS boxes (right, Linux type ones).

[Rayg1968]

Are there buttons to store favorites?

[jively]

I have had the Squeezebox 3 since they first came out. It is the most perfect, timeless piece of audio equipment I have ever owned. I will preorder the Squeezebox Boom for it's portability ASAP.

[pixelpshr_va]

Wow! I just checked the Logitech site and their SqueezeCenter software isn't just Windows and Mac. The source is released under GPL and they provide Debian and RPM install bundles. They even have a bundle for Netgear ReadyNAS! This looks like a real winner to me. (Now if I can just get more info about supported web radio stations, like CelticRadio.net and XMRadioOnline.)

[Ocelotfr]

This is just great! I've had the Duet for a few months now and it has completely transformed the way I access and listen to my music collection (over 9000 tracks) from the PC. It's also stored on MP3Tunes.com for streaming to the Duet when the PC is switched off. Sound quality from the Duet receiver (using the optical connector in my case) is outstanding, well balanced and not bass-heavy. The firmware update to allow the Duet controller to play through the integrated headphone jack (thus allowing true "around-the-house" portability) still hasn't been released. I was thinking of buying another Duet receiver for use elsewhere in the house, but hooking up the associated hi-fi and speakers seems a drag, especially outside, The Boom will be the perfect solution, but only on the basis that it can be made to behave like a Duet receiver, meaning that I can both access it and control it from the Duet controller. If it can, then this is the ultimate wi-fi music and internet radio player, and is sure to remain so for some considerable time. I just hope that the speakers make the best use of the superb electronics housed inside the case. I can't praise Slimdevices (or Logitech) enough for the Duet and its controlling software (SqueezeCentre and Squeezenetwork, both under constant revision and improvement). Will the Boom turn out to be a Pop? I doubt it, but we'll see. I'm definitely ordering one just as soon as it's available!

[renGek]

To be ultimately lazy, this would be nice if it had bluetooth so that I can answer my phone without getting out of my bed. But a tad expensive.

[geneven]

In the final review, I would like to see a discussion of how this device compares to its real competition, the am/fm radio that we all have. For example, is it as quick to change channels as a current car radio? The lack of a battery option makes it seem awfully clunky at that price.

[tony7896]

Could I redirect the PC sound output to my Squeeze Box Boom, regardless of the sound source? You could simply select "PC out" as the source. Then you could use it with a web cam, games, etc. That'd be great.

[standto]

Would like to know how it sounds specifically compared to other pricey radios.

[BigAl35540]

So what's the advantage over say my Winamp with 24-bit reproduction directly connected to my stereo system with 5-foot high tower speakers? Who needs Rhapsody and itunes and all that stuff, you're just feeding the RIAA and their greedy friends whose time has long passed! I get all the Internet Radio I want with my Winamp application on my computer and the fidelity is a whole heckuva lot better! I think the Squeezebox that connects to the stereo system is far more interesting, small little 4-inch speakers like that just don't cut it! Wouldn't catch me buying one of those! All I need is to convert the music I ALREADY OWN to MP3 so I can play it portable and I'm entitled to do that because I already have the albums.

[naskren]

With out a doubt a must buy for me.

Sure I have the high-fi audio setup which allows me to play my mp3 collection at insane volumes and much higher quality than a boombox will provide. However, that's not always a practical or feasible solution. Firstly, I don't live alone, there are other people to consider who are most likely watching tv, playing games, or otherwise using the home audio system. Secondly, regardless of how nice a main audio system you have, chances are this will sound better when you're rooms away. My main uses of this will be in the kitchen, bathroom, and outside on the deck.

[patrick2h]

I think I could easily supplant my iPod clock radio with this item. For one thing, no antenna to hide from the cats and their incessant chewing all things stringy. Since it's Wi-Fi, I can take it anywhere in the house or out to the patio; and, no static on my favorite radio stations.

[Okra]

How's the sound quality on this unit? I love all the features but I'm also looking for good sound quality. After all, it is an audio system.

In the event that my laptop is turned off (or music library is unavailable) can I plug an Ipod into this unit?

[Dart56]

I have recently looked at a radio made just for the UK that had everything I ever wanted. Free HD radio, mp3 recording to flash USB or other. It was a portable boom box without the cassette recorder. It also had USB input to play any mp3 player. It was made by Sanyo.
Why is it that the radio manufacturers , that supplies us here in U.S.A, don't seem to want to provide a product that has all you need. Why do we have to get those cheesy made radio's, at horrendously high prices, that should have been left in the 1970's.
Why can't we get a radio that does it all ,including internet. I sent an email to Sanyo voicing my concerns but they did not bother to answer.
We have so much garbage in this country, it is about time someone stop the junk technologies from reaching our shores.