Upside
When the original Bose SoundDock hit the market back in early 2005, the iPod speaker phenomenon was a still a fairly new idea. Bose quickly grabbed the audio quality high-ground, and has hung on with the popular SoundDock in an increasingly crowded category without bringing out an upgrade -- until now.
The company has now introduced a portable version, powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. Bose claims that the drain on battery life with even small changes in volume and frequency response posed big challenges in the development of a lightweight, portable system. According to a demonstration at the media launch, adding 3dB in volume can cut battery life in half and adding one octave of bass will reduce it by a further 75 percent.
Hence Bose claims that the SoundDock Portable -- which has a slimmer profile than the original SoundDock -- sports a completely reengineered electronics package and switching power supply to combine acoustic performance with low power consumption. Bose incorporated its waveguide speaker technology within the unit's handle and its compact speakers also use powerful neodymium iron boron magnets for robust acoustic performance and better bass reproduction than can be found in many other battery powered systems.
Available in black or white, the Portable SoundDock will charge an iPod either when operating on battery power or when connected to its AC power supply. There are touch-sensitive volume buttons on the unit itself or you can control volume, power and playlists via its infrared remote. Its AUX input jack lets you connect other audio sources, such as a CD players, other MP3 players or a PC.
In a quirky, yet fun move, the Bose designers came up with a way to rotate the iPod dock so that it spins 180 degrees to fold neatly into the sleek main enclosure. When you press the dock to open it, you half expect a gumball to come out of the body on the docking port.
Downside
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery should run the portable SoundDock for about 10 hours in "normal" circumstances, but if you've got the volume at full throttle for a party, the battery will probably last only three hours, which may clear the dance floor a bit early. You can buy a spare battery, but it will cost an additional AU$149. While we're talking money, this is a Bose product, so it will set you back AU$549, which is at the premium end of the portable speaker market. If you've got any cash leftover, Bose has also designed a sleek carry bag for it for another AU$99. All nice, but you'll be spending nearly AU$800 to get the portable system with all the extras.
Outlook
Even with the premium price, the slimmer, sleeker SoundDock Portable is almost sure to be a hit as it combines portability with great sound and smart design. If price is an issue but you still want Bose speakers, the original SoundDock music system will still be available for a slightly reduced AU$449.
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Coops
25/10/2008, 11:34 AM
rating
7/10
Sounds great, looks good and great portability to play outside while cooking the bbq. Charges Iphone also which is handy
Pros: Excellent sound and the portability is fantastic
Cons: Every now and then the iphone will lose connection to the dock and it will stop for a second or 2. If it continues I will have to take back to get it checked out
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stefan
28/06/2008, 10:42 PM
rating
10/10
I just bought this system today and was a little sceptical of the sound considering the size of the unit. I was very pleasantly surprised. The sound is rich and vibrant with a good amount of bass. Highly recommend. Have not tried out the battery life yet.....for another review.
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bandicoot
07/06/2008, 07:09 AM
rating
10/10
fabulous compact system with terrific sound. a very happy purchaser here. just the thing for garden parties! goes perfectly with the 80gb ipod classic. right out of the box.
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Soumi
06/11/2007, 03:01 AM
rating
7/10
Just picked up one of these and the sound quality is superb as is the mobility...and love it despite the challenges with the 3rd Generation iPod
Pros: Minimalistic Design, mobility, remote control features, SOUND
Cons: Works well with my Nano but my 3rd generation iPod has been shown the door:
- no remote control interface
- plays only one song at a time
- buttons freeze whilst in the dock so to play the next song, you have to take it out, press play and re-dock
- does not recharge in the dock
A bit of hmmmn moment or Bose's way of saying, 'time to say goodbye'!
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ASD
04/11/2007, 05:48 PM
rating
10/10
An amazing speaker system for the iPod. The sound quality is fantastic and can fill a whole house from this tiny system.
Pros: Portable, light weight, clever design, adaptable.
Cons: if you get the sound dock in black you probably want to get a matching black universal dock connector for certain iPods. It comes with two for the generic nanos and iPods but not for the latest models, i have an ipod touch and have to use the white dock attachment. perhaps it will be an accessory ??? Other then that its excellent
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M
09/10/2007, 09:46 PM
rating
5/10
I would be valuable to have a comparison test with the original SoundDock. I was thinking of buying that and the Portable has just come on the market.
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