Logitech Squeezebox Boom: The ultimate Wi-Fi radio?
As with other Squeezebox products, though, the Boom can also be accessed through its online control panel--available from any browser. There, you can fine-tune a variety of details, from the menu display and screensaver options to setting alarms (the Boom doubles as a clock radio, allowing you to wake to any Internet radio station or digital playlist you prefer). Likewise, the Squeezebox Boom can interface with the digital music on your PC (with the downloadable SqueezeCenter software) or to the above-mentioned panoply of Internet radio and subscription services (via Logitech's online SqueezeNetwork, which aggregates multiple services into one easy-to-use control panel).Not all's perfect, of course. The high-gloss finish and rubbery controls attract fingerprints and smudges, respectively. The single control wheel takes a bit of getting used to--there's a separate volume rocker to the right, but--like the iPod--the knob can also (sometimes) double as a volume control. And we were kind of bummed that it's AC-only--there's no battery option for truly wireless operation, though it is small enough to easily move from room to room.And there's the DRM bugaboo: while the Squeezebox can access plenty of proprietary services (such as Rhapsody and Sirius), it can't stream copy-protected music purchased from iTunes.(DRM-free "iTunes Plus" downloads work just fine, however, as do those from Amazon, eMusic, Napster, and other sources. The same goes for home-ripped music, even if it's in more obscure formats such as Ogg or FLAC.)Still, for those of us whose online audio choices have moved beyond Apple's walled garden, the Logitech Squeezebox Boom looks to be a strong contender. It will be hitting stores in September for $300.(Compared to the $650 Tivoli Audio Networks, it's a steal!) That's somewhat pricier than most other Wi-Fi radios we've seen, but those who value the strong feature set and geek-friendly customization options will likely find it worthwhile to pay the premium.We'll have a more in-depth review of the Logitech Squeezebox Boom soon. In the meantime, what do you think? Is this a crave-worthy digital audio product, or are you more than happy with your iPod clock radio?
