Pro: The product description pretty much says it all, but I will try to put it in layman terms. First off I have been a Squeezebox user for 5 years now, I already own 3 of their classic model. The Transporter is the top of the line product/Flagship item that orignally was produce by Slim Devices and brought out by Logictech. The Transporter has a throw back look with next generation output. Digital media is here to stay and the Transporter is here to make those MP3/ACC/FLAC and so on files sound their best. As with any output device what you put in is what you will get out. Low bit rate (Kbs) files will not sound better, but using the Transporter with Flac,itunes and Mp3 rip at 192kbs (320 is ideal bit rate) level you will be hard to be able to till the difference from the CD. A computer or NAS setup is truly needed to fully enjoy what this or any other DAR can bring to your music listening life, and the endless hours of music enjoyment can be yours without compermise. For those who love running things through the smart phones, Logictech has apps for Android, Balckberry and there are apps for Win7 phones also, that will allow you to view album art, get artist bio info and even lyrics on some songs. The Transporter can be used wired or wireless and if you have other Squeezeboxes you can sync then all to play together, so no matter what room you go to you can hear the same music or have them work independently.

Drawbacks: as Stated above a computer is truly needed to run the media server software that will origanize your music collection. The Transporter can work soley off internet radio or other services like lastfm, and MOG, to name a few. But most of us like to listen to our own collection, so a computer or NAS is needed. Now speaking of the server software is where I feel to put this warning. I would recommend only those that are network and computer know how deal with it. The software can be tempermental and only a fairly newer comp will handle the high CPU and Ram require usage to run the server smoothly. require to have either powered speakers or connect to amp to produce sound playback.