Is the Squeezebox Touch complicated?

I've had a Squeezebox Touch for almost 2 years (and other Squeezebox models going back 10 years) and consider it straightforward to use and one of the best buys in audio.

One does need enough basic computer knowledge to rip your CDs to your computer and also install the server software (now called Logitech Media Server and formerly known as Squeezeboxserver.)

As respects network setup, the Touch is pretty much plug and play. It finds the network just as easily as my laptop, Kindle and Roku player.

Sure, with computer based stuff, some people are always going to have problems. Often this ties to their having a non-standard network setup or interference from their neighbor's wireless. Usually some basic wireless troubleshooting takes care of things, but there is always going to be that oddball situation.

Keep in mind that when you visit a computer device manufacturer's web site, the noisiest people there are going to be the ones with problems. Satisfied consumers are far less likely to take the time to find the website just so they can tell the world everything is fine.

Visit a Microsoft web site and one might think no one has ever seen one of their program actually work.... ;-)

...then suddenly stops...even from SD.

The SD card may well be your problem. The whole Squeezebox series was originally designed as a "network player", not a standalone device.

It works best with LMS (the server program) installed on a well configured, stable PC.

I've used Squeezebox players for 10 years (starting with the original SliMP3 to the Touch I have now) and never once had the system just stop while playing music.

Sounds like you you have a double-whammy. Nominal computer experience combined with trying to use the unit in its least optimal configuration.

...now that i have an imac it cant even find the netwrk and let me get internet radio...

The Touch gets it's IP address from your router, not the PC or iMac. The computer doesn't even have to be on for internet radio.

Are you saying the Touch doesn't see your wireless network?

Did you ever set up an account with mysqueezebox.com? You do need that for internet radio.

I've always found the users at forums.slimdevices.com very knowledgeable and helpful. It's not the official Squeezebox help site, but rather a users discussion group. You might wish to check them out.

Periodic reboot/recycle of any server type device (once A week or so) is almost always a good idea.

My Linux (Fedora Core 12) music server has been up for 235 days straight. The last reboot was when I cleaned the dust out of the box. Didn't even reboot when I upgraded to LMS 7.7.1.

The Touch and SB3 have been on the entire time, too, without a reset. My SB Radio and the SB Controller are the only ones that periodically need a power reset - perhaps every other month or so.

I find the Squeezebox system, including the server software, remarkably stable. A lot of people use their music server PC for other tasks. That can complicate issues through no fault of the SB software.

Bondmanp wrote: IME, having a server designed for use with the SBT makes life much simpler.

I'm with you. I find it interesting that some audiophiles who spend big bucks on interconnects, power cords and other tweaks seem reluctant to have a dedicated server for a network music player.

The Squeezebox line of players does not need a fancy or powerful server, but they certainly benefit from a dedicated one.

Mlsstl - Who spent "big bucks"?

Bondmanp, reread my prior post - wasn't referring to you on that point.

Is Squeezebox Touch being discontinued? Should I wait for the "new and improved" version? Or should I snatch one up before they are all gone?

I'd snatch it up -- I think they are a great player.

Here's a couple of idle thoughts. First, I doubt that Logitech has anything new in the works. While there are changes in an updated model that would make the "audiophile" crowd happy, I don't think that's where Logitech's business model lies. I suspect one would see a lower priced model to compete with Roku and the likes long before they come out with a fancier one.

Second, my continued use of the Touch is not dependent on Logitech keeping them in production. They can kill the product tomorrow and I will be able to keep listening to music for years to come.

Third, the important part is the music collection. If my Touch fails and isn't replaceable, I'm free to move to any of the other computer playback options. A bit of replacement hardware and a new software program, and I'm back in business.

In short, I look at the Touch as a "can't lose" product. No matter what Logitech does or doesn't do, I will have access to my music collection.