Our quick take
Pure Sensia - 3.0 / 5
These tablet qualities extend to a small array of apps that come built into the Sensia’s software. The apps on board are Facebook, Twitter, Picasa and AccuWeather. To set up the Facebook app you need to first register your Sensia with Facebook and get an access code in order to enable Facebook use. When this is done you’ll be able to post updates as well as read your news feed and liking and disliking statuses. Twitter and Picasa are more straightforward - you simply have to log-in as you would on a PC. Apps can be played in the top right corner of the screen or you can go full screen with them. Back to the radio capabilities the hook up with Pure’s Lounge service means that you’ll also get access to listen to Podcasts and Listen Again shows. You can manage your Podcast subscriptions as well as your favourite stations within the Lounge’s website. You can add folders and download content directly from the Sensia, but you get far more organisation tools within the browser. As well as radio, you can also stream your music (WMA, AAC, MP3 and MP2) and your pictures directly from your PC or home network. The Sensia doesn’t play very nicely with Windows 7 when it comes to WMP streaming but the Flow Server software, which is available free, does the trick. The Sensia also has a line-in port for any other alternative audio device.
The Sensia is loud for quite a small speaker device. In fact it has two 3-inch drive units with a total output of 30W RMS and it handles deep bass quite well. It’s no audiophile grade speaker, but as a radio/iPod docking station for the kitchen or the bedroom it definitely does the job. With the Aux-in option you can also add a boost to the top volume setting, but this just seems to seriously distort the sound without giving it any real increase. First impressions on build quality and design are that the Sensia resembles one of those 1970s TV sets that tried to appear futuristic. It looks a bit like a monitor from a low budget sci-fi film. But it is charming in its own, rugby ball shaped way despite the thick plasticy appearance. The power button is a bit weird, it looks as if it could be pressed in, but really it is more of a sensor. It takes a while to get the hang of turning it on and off because of this. If you’re not using the DAB or FM settings then you don’t need to extend the captive telescopic aerial as the Wi-Fi antenna is built-in. If you do need to extend it to its fullest, it’s a bit bulky, but then Pure would argue that it gives a strong reception. The RF remote control looks quite cheap and tacky although it seems to work well. The touchscreen is okay. Just okay. It’s nowhere near as responsive as an iPhone or a Nexus One for example, but it is no slouch either - although it does take a much firmer press than a smartphone.
To recap
Nice idea, but must try harder
