Logitech AudioHub Review

One common trait among notebook computers is that they tend to have anemic speakers that don’t sound very good and never seem to have enough USB ports. Logitech can fix both those problems with one device called the AudioHub. Read on for all the details on the Logitech AudioHub.

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Features & Specifications
The Logitech AudioHub is an interesting device that features a 2.1 speaker system inside a slick looking case. The pair of satellite speakers slides in and out so you can position them to fire around the sides of most laptops. On the right side of the Logitech AudioHub is a glowing orange volume knob that controls the level of sound from the speakers.

Directly behind the knob on the AudioHub body are the trio of USB ports that allow the connection of additional devices to your notebook. The AudioHub uses an AC adapter to power the hub and speakers so connecting high-speed USB gear is possible without sacrificing performance.

The dual satellite speakers and the sub-woofer are inside the case of the AudioHub and use a custom-tuned three-chamber design. One the rear of the device is a cable control device to help keep wires from your devices tidy. A removable webcam stand puts your webcam at a better height for video chats and conferencing.

The Logitech AudioHub has 15 watts of total power with a pair of 2-inch tweeters and one 3-inch driver for the woofer. The device is compatible with Windows 98SE, 2000, X, and Vista as well as Mac OS X or higher. The AC power cable is 6-feet long and the AudioHub includes a 2-foot fixed USB cable and a 4-foot extension USB cable.

Installation & Use
One connection from the Logitech AudioHub to your Pc is all you need to make for installation; no drivers are software is required for the device to operate. The three USB ports on the side of the AudioHub are spaced well so you can get items like fatter wireless transceivers plugged in without losing a port.

The webcam stand does a very good job of raising your webcam to a more workable level so you don’t have to look down at it as much when video conferencing. The real magic of the Logitech AudioHub though is the sound it produces. I was very surprised at the level of bass that comes from such a small set of speakers. I would expect that sort of sound quality to require a separate powered sub-woofer.

The lows were deep and sounded very good, though not the sort of bass you can feel, it definitely adds to the richness of movies and music. Mids and highs were nice and crisp as well. The overall audio quality was top-notch during my testing and sounded so much better than the puny onboard speakers sound sound on my MacBook that there was no comparison between the two. You can get serious volume levels out of the speakers as well.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Easy to setup
• Good bass
• Great sound
• Powered USB hub

Cons

• 2-foot cable was too short, 4-foot cable was too long

Verdict
If you want to meet two needs common to most laptop users of needing more USB ports and better sound quality, the Logitech AudioHub is the device for you. It offers great sound, good looks and ease of use that add up to make it a great convergence of things notebook users want and need.

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