We’re not short of iPod accessories and portable speakers at the Computeractive office, but not many have proved to be ideal, annoyingly.

Logitech’s Audiostation Express is the latest to try and fill the void, by offering a portable travel speaker that doesn’t scrimp on its performance.

Logitech hasn’t gone overboard in terms of design, and we all know how Apple users like their flashy bits of kit, especially where the portable players are concerned.

The minimalist approach extends to a switch-out volume control and iPod-white casing, although users may find themselves leaving it in the attractive carry case provided. Atop the device is a docking port for the iPod, using one of a range of supplied adapters to ensure a snug fit.

There’s also a video output at the back that allows you to watch video podcasts and other visual media through a TV set, and the supplied remote control offers access to the player from afar. Once docked, the iPod will charge via the unit, which is powered either through the mains or by through six AA batteries.

Unlike some other similar recent products we were pleased by the performance from the Audiostation Express. The twin stereo speakers offer well-rounded audio that stays crisp and clean even at high volumes. Since there are no other on the speakers themselves, any audio adjustments will have to be done through the iPod’s graphic equaliser, but in general we were impressed by the sound at default settings so most people shouldn't need to tweak it.

Non-iPod users will miss out on many of the Audiostation’s most useful features, but it's still possible to the use speakers through the 3.5mm input at the back. People looking primarily for a travel speaker might find the Express a little bulky, although it is extremely light, but you’re unlikely to find better performance from anything smaller.

After a bit of hunting around online we found a number of retailers selling the speakers for around £50 (such as Amazon and Dabs, offering a big saving on the £80 RRP. Bearing this in mind, the Audiostation Express is excellent value for money, particularly for iPod users, offering an effective combination of genuinely useful features and very impressive audio.

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