UPDATE 6/27/11
Although I still like the Squeezebox, I find that every second or third use it becomes befuddled in some way. Can't recognize the network, gets stuck somewhere and won't go back or forward, continues to play a song despite navigating away from that service, etc. My only fix is to disconnect and then reconnect the power cord. I wish it had an iPod dock rather than just connecting with a tether. I'd purchase the battery pack but these software bugs stop me cold. Why invest in something that may not improve? Darn it!
This Squeezebox Radio is the "Jumbo Shrimp" of Internet radios. It does just about anything and everything you would want in a small and stylish package. I received it several days ago and I am constantly playing with it, turning it on, surfing audio services, surfing radio stations, listening to my iTunes library, carrying it from room to room as if it were a favorite child.
So many options, so little time in a day!
Pros:
1) It is affordable, especially on Amazon
2) It is a perfect size for a kitchen counter or bed side table: 5.1" x 8.7" x 5" deep, approx.
3) It connects to the Internet with Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, whichever you prefer. One could easily use the Logitech HD Powerline 200a Starter Kit for Logitech Revue & Internet-Connected Devices (930-000131)to connect it.
4) Initial set up is extremely simple and fast.
5) It provides almost limitless access to thousands of free Internet radio stations, and online services such as Pandora (my personal favorite), Slacker Radio, Napster, SIRIUS, Rhapsody, Lastfm, and social sharing sites such as Facebook and photo sharing site Flickr.
6) It provides a connection to your MP3 or iTunes library on your computer (see Cons, below). To connect, one needs to download and install "Squeezebox Server" software from Logitech on one's computer and this software needs to be running in order to access the files.
7) There is a 2.4" color LCD screen
8) The color screen displays a clock and calendar! Take that you rotten AT&T Cordless phone!
9) It is an alarm clock
10) The sound is pretty good, all things considered.
11) It is sleek and attractive looking.
12) Software updates are automatic.
13) This radio is totally mesmerizing!
14) Did I mention that I love it?
Cons:
1) Power is supplied only by plugging it in to an electric wall outlet. An accessory kit with a battery pack and a remote control offered on Amazon costs almost as much as the radio itself!(Purchase it from Logitech directly for about fifty dollars) Having a battery pack would be an appreciated feature. This is a small and lightweight radio that can play music anywhere there is a Wi-Fi connection. It would be nice to be able to move it from room to room without having to plug and unplug it.
2) Initial set up is one touch, but one needs to download software to one's computer to activate the "My Music" feature. The provided link to this software did not work, necessitating a call to Logitech Customer Service. The good news is that Customer service picked up after 10 minutes, was based in California, and provided a working link as well as some helpful setup hints.
3) Most buttons are self explanatory but a few are not. The "More" button, for instance. Different functions are assigned to different buttons during different programs one might use. This is very confusing until one learns what to do.
4) There is a quick set up guide that comes with the radio but I found that I had to go to the Squeezebox web site and print up the full 31 page "Feature Guide" in order to fully understand all of the radios outstanding features.
5) There is no iPod dock. One connects one's MP3 player with a line-in cord (supplied).
6) One would think that connecting one's iPod would be unnecessary as downloading the Squeezebox Server software allows access to the music files on your computer. However, if your iTunes library contains songs that are DRM (digital rights management)"protected" files (purchased from the iTunes store prior to 2009) they will not play on this radio. :-(
In order to overcome this, Apple is happy to remove the DRM protection on these files, naturally for a fee. Since I have not done this, I find that only a percentage of my iTunes playlists will play on this radio when accessing them through Squeezebox Server. If I just plug my iPod in however, everything plays just fine.
7) Registering and setting up the Squeezebox radio is easy but to access and use all the available services one needs to register and set up each one, one by one. This is time consuming and repetitive. Other reviewers have commented on this, but it is highly recommended to register and set up the services on one's computer and not the Squeezebox.
This is a nifty, enjoyable music player. I plan to give it years of use. Hopefully it will.
- 4 VIDEOS
Using Pandora with Squeezebox RadioMerchant Video
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Product information
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 5.25 x 8.75 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Logitech |
| ASIN | B002LARRDK |
| Item model number | 930-000101 |
| Customer Reviews |
3.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank |
|
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 3, 2009 |
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Having read through the reviews here I thought I'd give the Squeezebox a try. I am most pleased with the radio. Pros: It's constructed well with a good solid fell and very responsive user controls. Setting up the radio was very simple with a graphical user interface that walks you step-by-step through the one time set-up. It connected first time to my WiFi network, used DHCP to find an IP address (entered itself into my network) and took the wireless WPA password with ease. The radio updates itself automatically. Sound quality is simply amazing! Full and rich like a much bigger radio. Good size, not very big at all. Sharp and clear screen. Clock function with various screens - dot matrix, analog, black screen digital ... Assorted built-in applications and beta features. Mac and Windows server clients to allow the Squeezebox to access your computer's music files. Lots and lots and lots of radio stations and programs available from Pandora. Alarm clock function. Cons: Uses a "wall wart" power supply - but with a nice long cord. Doesn't include the battery to make it portable - but includes the cavity to install it. The gloss black finish is a fingerprint magnet - but looks good when clean. Overall an amazing product with lots of features and a very good quality build and sound.
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