It didn't take long for Logitech's new Pure-Fi Anywhere speaker system to become my travel speaker system of choice. With its myriad of thoughtful features and surprisingly rich sound for its size, I have yet to find a portable speaker system I like as well.

What's so good about it? Well, first and foremost it sounds better than most other similarly-sized iPod speaker systems. (For the record, that size is 3.6 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches and 1.6 pounds.)

According to Logitech, the reason these speakers sound so good is that they:

...deliver dynamic, full-range sound quality with their dual 2-inch Max-XTM, high-excursion drivers with neodymium magnets. Additionally, 3-inch pressure drivers maximize bass response and minimize distortion. With the combination of active and pressure drivers, the Pure-Fi Anywhere speakers provide crystal clear highs and powerful, thumping bass.

I'm not sure what all that means but when I first read it I was skeptical. After a few days of using these speakers to listen to many different styles of music, I have to say they sound better than speakers so tiny have a right to sound.

But surprisingly good sound is just the beginning. Other thoughtful features abound. For example, my second favorite feature is that the rechargeable battery provides better than 8 hours of playing time and has a battery-life indicator so I don't have to guess when it's time to recharge. Plus, when it's plugged into the wall it can play music and recharge your iPod simultaneously.

Another plus is the carrying case, which is semi-rigid, has spaces for the power adapter and remote control, and provides somewhat better protection than many other cases.

The wireless remote control has more features than many I've seen. Of course it has play/pause, next/fast forward, previous/rewind, and volume controls. But it also offers controls for the iPod menus so you can browse and select items remotely. Furthermore, there are loop and shuffle buttons on both the remote control and the speakers themselves, a nice touch. Finally, both remote and speakers offer a button for "Stereo XL," which Logitech claims "dramatically widens the sound field." I'm not sure about that but in my humble opinion, most music sounded better with this feature turned on than without it.

The Pure-Fi Anywhere speaker system is available in black or white and works with any iPod that has a dock connector. You also get 9 of those little plastic universal dock connector inserts, a wireless remote control, an AC power adapter/recharger, and a padded carrying case.

The Bottom Line

My only complaint or criticism of Pure-Fi Anywhere is that its suggested retail price, $149, makes it a wee bit pricey. But if you shop around, you should be able to find one for $10 or $20 less, which is a bit more reasonable. Other than that the Pure-Fi Anywhere delivers on its promise with excellent sound quality, thoughtful features, and a sturdy carrying case.