The Logitech Squeezebox Touch is finally shipping, and our friends over at Engadget got their hands on an early unit. In his positive review, Tim Stevens gives the networkable music player high marks for sound quality and server software OS compatibility. Stevens also praises the touch-screen interface, but counters with the note that it’s not terribly useful when you’re across the room on the couch. The Touch is bundled with a remote as well, but it’s apparently not as satisfying. Here’s how Stevens wraps up the column:
…It’s best suited for a situation where your entertainment system isn’t too far out of reach, because interacting with the Touch is, unsurprisingly, best when you can touch it. If that’s you, we think it’s a great option, but we’re thinking the Duet is still a slightly more couch-friendly option if your entertainment center is out of reach — and if you don’t mind having another remote kicking around, of course.
As a long-time Squeezebox fan, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the Touch since we covered the gadget last June. However, initially I was intrigued because there weren’t a whole lot of widgetized display choices at the time. That’s rapidly changing now that the iPad is on the market, and I think I’d rather have my Squeezebox be just… a Squeezebox. On the other hand, I know from my Slacker player just how awesome it is to have cover art visuals along with additional band and album info. So maybe there’s room in between the iPad and the clock radio for a sub-$300 Squeezebox Touch. I’m hoping to get my hands on a loaner soon to decide for myself.