Bose SoundDock review
Bose SoundDock: Portable Speaker with 30-pin Connector
The Bose SoundDock is a portable speaker with an output of 150W that can turn your iPod or iPhone into a stereo system. Featuring a high-capacity 2200 mAh battery, the unit allows up to 8 hours of wireless playback (at medium volume level).
Dimensions
The speaker's dimensions are 6.1 x 6.8 x 12 inches. Hence, it's just as thick as an average book, offering great flexibility in terms of placement. However, the item is quite heavy: its weight is about 5 pounds.
Features
The Bose SoundDock has a 30-pin adapter for iPhone or iPod, being officially certified by Apple. Moreover, it will charge your device while it's connected to the speaker. The 3.5mm AUX port is included. However, it's quite disappointing that the dedicated input for the headphones isn't featured. The wireless connection is not provided as well.
The speaker comes with a remote that allows you to navigate your playlist and fully control the speaker, as it contains only two buttons on its body. The remote is able to work from about 20 ft away thanks to its strong signal.
Talking about the sound, the Bose SoundDock digital music system ensures full and clear audio reproduction with well-pronounced frequencies. Inside, the speaker contains neodymium drivers that offer durability and better sound quality if compared with many other portable speakers from the same price range. Bose's proprietary signal processing system makes the sound precise and realistic even at low volume levels. The speaker deals with most music genres well but its sound may seem too warm for heavy metal music lovers.
The rear-firing bass port makes the reproduction of the lower frequencies powerful, deep, and detailed, which is surprising because of the speaker's compact dimensions. The bass is clean and doesn't sound muddy even at higher volumes.
This speaker is advertised by Bose as a good fit for any location: it doesn't compromise the sound quality no matter where you place it. Besides, the SoundDock provides a sufficiently powerful and loud sound to be used both indoors and outdoors.
The kit includes a remote, a power adapter, and the Bose SoundDock manual. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer a carrying bag for the price, so this accessory should be bought separately.
Design
The model comes in a fairly simple design. It has a rectangular shape with a slightly curved facade. The main chassis is black, while the grille is silver-colored. The item is mainly made of plastic. There is only one LED indicator hidden behind the grille to inform about the speaker on/off status. It also blinks when you increase the volume. The round-shaped volume control buttons are located on the right side of the speaker. Unfortunately, its construction isn’t protected from water or dust, so you should be careful when using it outside.
The Bose SoundDock portable speaker has a convenient carrying handle on its back. The dock for iPhone/iPod can be easily locked into the chassis, so it won't extend during transportation. However, it may start to wobble if you place something heavier than a phone on it.
Conclusion
The reviewed speaker is a good model for a sound enhancement of your iPod, iPhone, or MP3 player. It's powerful enough to be comfortably used as a desktop speaker or be carried from place to place. This audio system offers decent sound for its price and can work up to 8 hours on one charge.