The name is everything to gather interest for your product, and any name with iPad in it sells at the moment. Logitech has renamed their Z515 to Wireless Speaker for iPad, and interest has probably risen significantly due to this. It is the same device, and my iPad/iPhone even identifies it as a Z515. I am not really pleased that nothing has changed between the devices but the names. At least the price has also remained the same.
This is a lightweight portable speaker with rechargeable battery. The battery is perhaps the biggest selling point, as it charges quickly and has lasted for around 12 hours for me. This has not been continuous usage, but rather 30-60 minutes at a time spread across a week. It is really good to know that I have charge left when I go somewhere with it, as opposed to having to lug around extra batteries. As with all rechargeable batteries the capacity will wear down, but so far I have not noticed any decrease in performance after five runs from full to empty. It is advertised to last 10 hours, but I generally clock in at least one hour more than that.
If the battery is the strongest point the sound is definitively the weakest point. It is quite weak, and really tinny. When I try to play some heavy bass there is little to no response. My bass trial track “Limit to your love” by James Blake left me completely unimpressed. Bass is generally a problem for portable speakers, but in the case of the Z515 it is appalling. It would still be fine if the rest of the spectra sounded really well, but sadly it suffers across the board. Most music sound muffled, and spoken audio sounds far away. The speaker can’t compensate the poor audio with volume either, and when cooking a frying pan easily drowns it. This is not an option for the small party outdoors, or for the small group having it as a backdrop. Actually the range of usage is probably limited to personal use for one to two people watching a movie, or listening to music on the iPad or iPhone.
This brings me to another of my questions: why is there no dock connector for the iPad/iPhone? To me this would have justified the product if it had a smart way to allow you to dock your device. When not running on battery it could have charged the device. If not a dock connector then at least a stand functionality turning it into a multimedia center together with the iPad. Now you still have to balance your iPad in your lap unless you have a separate stand/case with stand functionality to use.
Connecting the iPad by means of Bluetooth is simple, and works well every time. The Z515 only has three buttons: power, volume up, and volume down. There is an extra 3.5 mm output if you don’t want to use Bluetooth, or want to connect some other device. Overall the connectivity is what you expect from speakers this size.
The portability of the Z515 is great, and it fits easily in any backpack or messenger bag. A soft protective sleeve is included, and helps against minor bumps and scratches. Overall it is great if you want to have it with you on the road. I just wonder when you will have use for it? Perhaps on a hotel room, or some other secluded area. It is not strong enough to use if you are a teacher, or want to do a small presentation. So great portability, but limited area of usage.
The Z515, or Wireless Speaker for iPad suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Poor audio, limited power and a general lack of usability make it hard to recommend. The good battery life, excellent portability and easy to understand buttons on the other hand are positive points. To me personally it is only usable about a week each year when I go camping, and want to have some music in my tent.
Final Rating
Wireless Speaker for iPad at Logitech.com $99.99
