Review: Logitech Laptop Speaker Z205
Don Bradbury shows you how to boost the audio power of a laptop PC
| Product | Laptop Speaker Z205 |
|---|---|
| Company | Logiteh |
| Web | www.logitech.com |
| Price | £34.99 |
| We like | Easy to set up and use; decent sound quality; automatic sound source while in use and reverts to default when disconnected. |
| We don't like | mini USB connector mount is, as usual, a little weak |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
The main thing that folks miss when then substitute a Desktop PC with a laptop is generally sound volume and quality. In comparison with the most basic of external speakers you can add to a Desktop PC, integrated Laptop speakers offer an abysmal audio experience. That's mainly down to their diminutive size; there's simply not enough space in the typical laptop case to house a decently sized pair.
While at substantial expense some Laptop manufacturers are now offering an expanded case to house speakers of half-decent size, by far the easiest and cheapest way to improve matters is to pop an expansion box like the Z205 on top of the Laptop's display. Such can comfortably house a stereo pair of speakers of more appropriate size and quality.
Logitech have made this attempt and we take a look at their new 1.35 inches thick and 2.5 inches tall Z205 device here.
Being only half the length of a typical Laptop's casing makes it difficult to refer to as a stereo setup; there's not sufficient stage separation for that. But the speakers themselves are far better than a typical Laptop's own. Certainly in terms of volume that's available, though these are not hifi speakers, we have to bear in mind, and the quality is just a mite tinny. But you can easily adjust the volume as well as turn the speaker on or off using the buttons located on top of the speaker, you don't have to resort to using Windows'.
Power
The Z205 plugs into any available powered USB port to get it's power supply, and a cable is supplied for that duty. The only problem with that arrangement is that it terminates, at the speakers end, in a mini USB plug, and such we find somewhat flimsy. Not for the first time when using mini USB plugs, we found the mount bending a little when it came under significant pressure. That you might find yourself applying while you grope over the rear of the mounted unit to find the Bulldog Clip mechanism that's used to hold the speaker case on the top of the screen display. Just be careful over that.
This clip can hold the Z205 in any suitable location along the top of the Laptop screen. It may be that the Laptop's closure clip will get in the way, or its own webcam may be covered up if you use the one that's built into the Laptop. Otherwise you have to place the speakers off-centre.
Of course the Z205 does not have to be mounted on the rim of a laptop; it can be placed anywhere the USB cable will let you reach, but rim mounting integrates the device with the portable PC.
Other additions
The other device in the Logitech range that integrates nicely is the QuickCam Pro 9000 that we reviewed recently. That, too, was intended to be located on the rim of a laptop PC, and while the 9000 would ideally be located centrally on the rim, with the Z205 taking a back seat in this regard by having to be located off-centre, the pair sit together and function rather well. Each compliments the other when they are used together, and although each consumes a precious USB port, their speciality contribution to the overall package is substantial.
Some cable clutter there undoubtedly is, but this sacrifice will probably be found tolerable and, in any event, can be largely overcome by careful positioning, hiding, and binding.
We did not consider the Z205 alone, or indeed the coupling with the Webcam 9000 Pro, to be intolerable in terms of either weight or placement. The very effective upgrading of the sound quality - and also the visual web link if the webcam was also in use - contributed substantially to the PC's facility and performance.
Alternatives
The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700, that we also reviewed recently, offers an alternative way of improving the audio quality of a laptop PC. It brings even bigger and better speakers than the Z205, and they are mounted separately in the N700's casing, not on the laptop's rim. While at £69.99 this device also adds a cooling function, it costs substantially more than the Z205, so it's a case of which features and design you prefer.
In conclusion
KEF Reference 105 BBC Monitors these speakers are certainly not, but those in the Logitech's Z205 kit would make worthy additions for anyone who fancies better sound from their Laptop or Netbook. There's still no worthwhile stereo separation, but much more volume is available, with less distortion and easier listening all round. An included carrying case protects the speaker unit while out and about, and this we found to be a welcome addition.
Since all of this comes at a quite reasonable price, the Z205 is recommended.
