Slim devices Squeezebox 3 review

We reviewed Slim Devices' Squeezebox 2 in our round-up of wireless media players.

It had a great display, but its shiny plastic case didn't look particularly good. This new version looks terrific, with a brushed aluminium front panel below the bright luminescent display.

We tested the wireless Squeezebox, but if you prefer to use an Ethernet cable you can buy a wired-only version for £180. The wireless model connects to 802.11g networks and, unlike many media players, supports both WEP and WPA wireless security.

In order to play your music collection, you need to run the server software on your PC. Most network music players support the standard uPNP AV server protocol, which means you can install one server and use several different types of player. Sadly, the Squeezebox requires its own SlimServer software, which you have to download.

We've had difficulty installing SlimServer in the past, but the latest version presented no problems. Once it's installed, you can browse your music by artist or album, search through your library or play a random selection of music. Playback is controlled through the player's infrared remote or using the server's neat web interface on your computer.

One advantage of the SlimServer software is that you can extend its capabilities with plug-ins. We found a brilliant third-party tool that enables the Squeezebox to play custom radio broadcasts from www.last.fm. There's no need to run your computer at all when listening to other internet radio stations. Live365, Shoutcast and Radioio stations are available, plus stranger options such as a selection of 'nature sounds'. Whatever you listen to, the sound quality is excellent through both the stereo phono and digital S/PDIF outputs.

The Squeezebox also scores over other wireless media players with its ability to play several lossless audio formats, including FLAC, Apple Lossless and WMA Lossless files. You'll need a large hard disk to compile a library of lossless music, though, as FLAC files typically require 10 times the storage space of an MP3. People who buy music online will be disappointed to find that the Squeezebox can't play protected WMA files.

The Squeezebox 3 is the easiest wireless music player to use that we've seen, and its clever extra features, such as the ability to display RSS news headlines, are certainly impressive. It's incredibly expensive, though, and would be much easier to recommend if it could share a uPNP server with other players. If you want only one music player and you're prepared to pay over the odds for style, buy this. Otherwise, we recommend Roku's cheaper and more compatible SoundBridge.