Monday, July 7, 2008

Bose Soundock Portable Reviewed

By Rob Reger

Most audio enthusiasts agree that the original Bose soundock is the best set of iPod speakers you can buy. The only problem I had with the first generation model is that it isn't portable because you have to lug around the boxy power supply and power cord. This is no longer the casethe new Bose soundock portable is very similar to the first generation model in power and sound quality with a twist. It's the best sounding and most powerful speakers available for your iPod and it's portable. This comes with a premium price tag; with a retail price tag of $399 you're paying not only for quality but the Bose brand name.

You have a choice of two colors with the sound dock portable: black and glossy white. The portable unit is small enough to travel with easily and measures 12 by 6 by 5 inches. It weighs just over five pounds and looks very similar to its cousin the original sound dock except for its swiveling iPod dock that protects the dock when traveling with the unit.

The portable soundock has the same simplistic design as the first sound dock. There are no physical controls aside from volume up and down. There is a small remote control included that operates the volume, playlists, playback control, and power on and off. This remote is small but has rubber buttons that make it easy to use and operate as long as you don't misplace it. The remote works well enough and I was able to control my iPod from nearly any angle in the room.

There are two connectors on the back of the unit; one analog input and a plug for the power charger. There are no USB ports or video outputs. The speakers are powered by a lithium ion battery pack that holds a charge for up to eight hours of normal usage. At its loudest volume settings the soundock operates for about three hours. The battery holds its charge for a very long time for considering the speakers power and the amount of bass it produces.

The only downside of the sound dock's design are the clumsy volume controls. You can easily overcome this limitation with the included remote control. The speakers charge your iPod whenever it's plugged in; however, this will deplete the lithium battery faster if not plugged into the charger. The speaker's bass port also serves as a carrying handle which is one of the features that makes it portable. Bose refers to the Bass Port as the speaker's Wave Guide Exit.

The Bose soundock portable has an LED light behind the speaker grill that lights up when using the remote control and flashes when the battery is depleted. One problem with the portable unit is that if you leave it unplugged for fourteen days you can only turn your speakers on by plugging the charger in. There are no iPod dock inserts included with the speakers so you'll have to use the one's that came with your iPod; however, replacement inserts are available from the Apple store. The power cord has a built in cable winder that makes it easy to travel with; however the plug is large and takes up a lot of room. With a $399 retail price tag it is well worth your while to comparison shop online for sites with the lowest prices and free shipping. There is an optional carrying case but you'll have to shell out $60 more for that.

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