Logitech UE Mobile Boombox Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Built-in Speakerphone - Wireless Music Streaming for Home, Office & Outdoor (Black)

I reviewed every current Mobile Bluetooth Speaker/Boombox on the market. It took me over four weeks to make a decision and consider myself, well informed, on the current available devices. Each had certain appeal and specific detractors. The "Beats Audio Pill" was more desirable in name/brand recognition "especially, since I own an HTC One with Beats Audio." It also had NFC audio pairing, in addition to bluetooth. This was another aspect, having NFC on my phone, made me want it even more!! However, when you compare sound, material quality, and PRICE - The Logitech UE Mobile Boombox wins! This happened, again and again.1. Sound: Let's consider sound in regard to quality - not volume. I personally think there is a huge difference. I have a M.S. in Safety and have had a career in the entertainment industry since I was 16. I promote responsible listening and the use of appropriate OSHA/ANSI hearing protection. Therefore, I want a device that produces an enjoyable listening experience for numerous sources of sound.The UE is a Superior Performer for all genres of music. I personally listen to Rock, Alternative, Pop Rock, Top 40, etc... All is replicated extremely well by the Logitech UE. While, the lower frequencies are accentuated more than the higher frequencies; balance is achieved by the best replication of the mids. Therefore, speech comes across, neither muddy or tinny. Also, it permits excellent bass reproduction - amazing for such a small footprint.Additionally, movies, tv, and audio books sound excellent on the UE. My audible downloads have a certain "wide" sound to them, not able to be produced by my HTC One, Front Stereo Speakers, with Beats Audio. Through the UE, Audible audiobooks sound like you are listening through high-quality Westone, Etymotic Research, or Logitech UE "fitted" in-ear monitors.The "Pill" with Beats Audio is on the complete other end of the spectrum. Its "highs" are so prevalent, it is reminiscent of music over a high-school loudspeaker. At times, it hurt my ears...I could definitely imagine any pets of the K9 persuasion, grabbing it like a bone and burying it in the backyard - just to stop the constant sound of a "dog-whistle." :-)The "Jambox" (the Kleenex of facial tissue) in most of our minds, is no longer a contender. With all of the competition and advancements that have been made, it kind of seems like simple "facial tissue." The sound quality is flat, simple as that. It really serves one point: Make things loud and provide more bass.Volume: I drive a Smart Car (the base ForTwo model doesn't come with any kind of Radio/Player, etc...). Therefore, I primarily was looking for a BT Mobile Speaker for my car. I am the type to fall asleep, if I can listen to an Audible audiobook or some rock music. While the car is small and quiet (with its 3-cyl. engine in the rear), it does nothing in the department of quieting road and wind noise. Hence, listening out of my phone or tablet, doesn't cut it. Here is where volume came into play for me. I needed something loud enough to fill my two-seat hatchback; yet, still wanted to be able to use it in the house. (Remember, its tiny and ultra-portable). Ok, it may not be Rockford Fosgate 8 speaker system with an AMP & Subwoofer; however, it gets the job done at merely 25-50% its volume capability. It is quite unbelievable. I used it to listen to music while in the shower. We all know how loud a bathroom exhaust fan + shower stream (on high) can be. The UE blasted through this at 50% its volume capability.I tested it at full volume (with ear plugs) until I could get a safe distance away. You can hear this thing "Jamming" in a large outdoor city park, at almost 50 yards, and still recognize the song and lyrics. It is truly a truly amazing device.Operation: Can you say simple? On the rear: On/off slider switch, a micro usb plug, and a 3.5 mm jack. On top: 3 control "buttons" - they are really just three divided segments of the wrap around, soft rubber material ( - | O | + ). The front grill houses the speakers and an LED light (which has only been blue for me - with different flashing speeds). I am not big at directions. When I opened mine, it was fully charged and ready to use (I did read that somewhere). I turned the unit on with the switch in the rear (there was a nice calm and modern set of tones that played), and the blue led lit-up. I made sure my phone's B/T was on and discoverable, and pushed the center button on the UE. The blue led started flashing rapidly. My phone asked me to touch "pair" if I wanted to connect with the Logitech UE Speaker...I touched "pair" and a new, nice, modern, happy tone played, and the blue light went steady. Suddenly the music I was listening to, started playing through the UE. It was the shortest, most simple, pairing, I have ever done. Then, to show even more UE intelligence, I took it out for the day in my car. It is smart enough to instantly pair, the moment I get in my car. When I get out, it un-pairs, and eventually goes into standby power.Design: The UE is simple to operate and appears to be practically indestructible. It sits on my upholstered dash with moving an inch and is tiny. That is something I just can't express enough. The photos make it look huge! I honestly thought it would be about the size of a 6 pack of bar soap (I hope that is a good visual reference). Instead, it is about the size of kitchen matchbox.Power: The thing is a monster for battery life. You can look at the specs, but it just keeps going and going and going. It is recharged via an included (very short) micro-usb > usb cord and the included wall adapter or other usb port. It has a 3.5mm input for the instances when your device isn't BT compatible.Without going on and on forever, and reviewing every single device out there...The Logitech UE is an EXCELLENT choice at an approximate retail value, of around $100. The rest are running anywhere from the same price to $399.00.Good luck with your purchase. If you have any specific questions...just ask! Thanks! Mike. "P.S. - Practice safe listening!"