Bose SoundDock Portable Digital Music System (Gloss Black)
by BOSE
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List Price: Our Price: $399.00 You Save: $0.95 (0%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $270.00 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Bose SoundDock Portable Digital Music System (Gloss Black)
Customer Review: Great sound, love the portability
Summary: 5 Stars
It sounds great with good battery life. No operating problems after more than a year. I use a 80GB video iPod mostly and sometimes an iTouch. It is wonderful to have the music go with me. Adds another dimension to the iPod. A great way to share the music with others. Great in the kitchen and dining room.
We *could* plug the iPod into the main stereo system, we have the cables set up. But it is a lot more hassle to fiddle with the cables and the stereo than to just plop the iPod into the Sounddock. The amount of sound from the SoundDock is just right, whereas the big stereo is too big a sound early in the morning and late at night.
You can come in -- from a walk or a run and pull out the earphones (dunno if you have to, but I do) or the car -- and plop the ipod into the sounddock and barely miss a beat.
Not sure if I should say this, but ... it sounds really, really great sitting on the closed toilet seat while I take a shower and shave. The tile floor bounces the sound around nicely. Sorry, neighbors.
We thought about sending it for use in a small two-person dorm, but the sound is too big. The speaker system somehow fills the room. Everyplace else, this is a good thing. For two dormies who liked exactly the same music, this would be good. But not otherwise.
You can't use the SoundDock easily in the car because the iPod has to sit just so in the cradle. In a room this is not a problem, but it would be a problem on a passenger seat because the iPod would seat and unseat and drive you crazy. I have to use an FM transmitter for the ipod in my car (an imperfect solution at best), so I tried using the SoundDock, but no joy.
I do wish there was a way to keep the remote with the unit when it travels. It would be even better if the iPod WAS the remote, because it is a hassle to find (or rate) songs while the iPod is in the cradle (as it must be to play). For this reason, it is best to use the SoundDock close to eye level, maybe on a mantle or a high kitchen surface.
Also, it would be good to be able to see the battery status without turning the unit off and on. (I'd like a sries of LED lights on the back.) As it is, sometimes I go to use it and it is just dead. It works while it is charging, so it is not a big hassle to charge it.
I also wish the charger was smaller or at least that there was a normal size plug to go into the outlet -- it is way too big to use on an extension strip. (I can buy a short cord to fix that problem, but it is a design flaw in a very well designed product.)
If the portable SoundDock disappeared from my life I would immediately buy another one.
PS Wife's mom has a non-portable sound dock. Sounds just as good. Fills her room. She loves it. For me, I would pay the extra $ for the portability.
I have listened to many other speaker systems while hanging around Apple stores (for instance, while waiting for a Genius appointment, or while someone with me is talking to the Genius or a sales person). The SoundDock is the perfect amount of sound for the size. It looks good. I do not need the SoundDock to be an alarm clock, cause I have a cell phone for that. I also have teeny speakers for traveling. I used to use them in the house, but not anymore, they are not even close to the sound of the SoundDock.
Customer Review: Once Bosed Always Bose!
Summary: 5 Stars
After three long intense weeks of research, I finally made a decision to purchase the Bose® SoundDock® Portable Music Package - Gloss Black. Yes, Bose can be considered somewhat expensive but I was willing to pay extra hard-earned dollars for good customer service, a quality and durable product, and having local a Bose store within driving distance. The Bose iPod Speaker has a sturdy and attractive design--smaller than it appears in the pictures, and the padded and durable design carrying case is a plus over other Portable iPod Speakers that do not offer one---it can protect your investment during your travels. If possible, visit a Bose Store, so that you can see, feel, smell and hear all of their products, and talk to a knowledgeable salesperson. When I compared Bose iPod Portable Speaker with Harmon and Kardon Portable Speaker Docking Station for iPod and it came down to a manner of what sounds great in my ears, feet, and heart. (My good ear and brain are attracted to a rich, full midrange, solid bass and easy treble tones in speakers.) Maybe a slight edge would go to the Harmon Kardon for higher treble and less distortion at very high volumes. However, where Harmon and Kardon strikes out it when you try to contact their customer service department with emails--no direct contact with a human. On the other hand, Bose has real live, informative and friendly humans on the other side of the telephone. No emailing to get your questions answered about their products. You talk to a live informative customer service human in the States (and not to a outsource company on Planet Uranus) is a fading reality. Besides, their excellent live customer service---Bose is undisputedly known for their high-end quality products that last for years and years. For example, I had my oldie but goodie Bose 401 and Wall Surround speakers for twenty years, and they still look new (they get cleaned and polished with Old English Furniture Polish) and sound good. When my BIG BOAT of money finally docks from its long slow ocean voyage, I will upgrade to the Bose Home Theater Lifestyle System. Once Bosed always Bose! Well, it is time to retire my Sony CD & Cassette & Radio Mini-Boom that has played the music during my travels in Africa, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, and in the States. I do not travel without my music. The first trip for my Bose iPod Speakers and Apple iPod Generation 6--80G is to Cairo, Egypt in a few weeks. In just two weeks, I have already imported 2000 songs in my Apple iPod. So, I am ready with an eclectic mix of music (mostly Jazz, Reggae, Rhythm & Blues, Blues & Rhythm, Rock & Roll, Real Damn Blues, etc.) Listening to good music can decrease and lower your psychiatrist and mediation cost substantially, especially, when the music is blasting out of Bose speakers. Note: If you live within 50 miles of the state of Delaware (if not, mail order from Amazon.com), take a nice easy automobile ride to the Bose Store and make your purchase there so that you will pay no sale taxes. Final thought, it is expensive when you purchase a product for a cheaper price, which is not good quality; because you will most likely purchase it again--and again---and end up paying the price for the Bose you really wanted.
Customer Review: Better than ever!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, before I describe my experience with the Bose Portable SoundDock, I would like to provide some background:
I was introduced to the Bose sound through the original Bose Acoustic Wave Music System I, which I still use. This remarkable unit has a well defined bass and treble, and I often feel that the sound produced is live. I used CDs on it, and eventually my ipod when those became available. Although I occasionally use it with my iPod, I often use it now to watch movies on my laptop. When I saw that Bose offered a SoundDock (the original Bose SoundDock I), I bought it. However, it didn't measure up to my Acoustic Wave System I. It somewhat lacked bass and overall clarity, but it still performed decent enough and so I kept it anyways for its convenience as an iPod dock. Then I recently learned that the Portable SoudDock had been available since 2007. Since I was in need of a portable solution, I seriously considered buying it for a few days until I made up my mind to buy one. My concern was that this version would have the same sound quality as the original SoundDock, with the only difference being battery, AUX input, and portability. So, by the time it arrived, I wasn't expecting much at all from it, other than portability. (I even felt a bit of buyer's remorse thinking if it was really worth it to buy another one just because it is portable). So, after I took it out of the box and put it on...
Wow! All I can say is wow! The sound on the Bose Portable SoundDock blew me away! It rivaled my Bose Acoustic Wave System I! The sound quality and bass offered is on par with it. In terms of sound, this portable version is indeed an improvemnt over the original SoundDock I. I also tested it by hooking up my laptop to it through the aux input and watched a film with it. Wow, it was practically the same as using my Acoustic Wave System I. It's also nice to be able to hide the iPod dock when not using your iPod with it.
The only gripe I have with the Portable SoundDock is that the AC power supply and the plug are joined together. The power supply is rather bulky (3" (length) x 3" (width) x 2" (depth), (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm x 5.1 cm), which is fine as long as it is separated from the plug adapter, as is normal for laptops. It can be challenging to find a spare socket for it. Just what were they thinking? (in contemplating the rationale for this design, my only guess is that they thought it would be more convenient to have only one piece of power chord to worry about wrapping when you need to pack and go with the Bose Portable). In any case, I call on Bose to redesign the power supply and to happily replace it to all existing owners. Even the original Bose SoundDock had the power supply separated from the plug. (and too bad for me that its power supply is not compatible with the Portable SoundDock).
Overall, buying the Bose Portable SoundDock was well worth the money and I can proudly say that I have no buyer's remorse! (btw, I managed to find this brand new sealed in box for $350, including shipping, so I guess I was a bit lucky in price). If you are serious about getting a decent sound dock for your iPod, by all means buy this excellent Bose product!
Customer Review: It's Perfect for What it is Designed For
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a long time Bose customer so I will address issues that I have heard about this player from other people. Others here have given you the technical information so I will give you just an "experience" opinion. I use mine with the I-Touch.
Some people claim that they are not happy with the sound quality of this product. Does it have the same "ummph" as my 18 year old big, bold, Bose Towers? No, it does not. Those towers fill my entire house with earth shattering sound.
This product is "portable" and made for being carried from room to room without having to plug it in, or better yet, for superior quality outdoors; perhaps a picnic or camping trip. It does indeed give me the same sweet, full, sounds as my other Bose products. I use it in my kitchen or take it in the bathroom with me for showers. We also use it outside in the backyard when we have the chiminea roaring. Add a nice glass of wine and some Mozart and life is wonderful!
Another reviewer said the sound was bad, too much bass or some such thing. You must remember that this unit is made for I-touch and I-phones etc. that have their own equalizer built into them. You must adjust the equalizer through the players setting options, not the device (speakers). I do wish it had it's own equalizer as I detest the preset choices that I must scroll through for each type of music that I listen to. As I listen to all types of music, I must do it often. There is one pre-set in my I-Touch that handles rock, pop etc. without having to change it much, but classical needs and adjustment. Yet, if you use the equalizer then you should not have any problems with sound. It is a Bose and more than capable of reproducing whatever sounds your settings are set for.
Battery Life is excellent if you do not choose to blast it as loud as it will go, and it will go quite loud. The manual said it lasts approximately 3 hours listening at full volume, but I have not yet had it run out of battery, or need to be recharged during many hours of playback at a reasonable volume (I am not 20 anymore, perhaps that has something to do with it). We used it outside one night for 6 hours easy without the battery giving me any problems or needing to be plugged in. I am waiting for the prices to go down to purchase an extra battery, just in case.
Electricity issues? I have not noticed any change what-so-ever in my electricity bill. I thought that was a non-helpful review.
I love this little docking station and fully recommend it; so long as you are buying it for what it was designed for. If your looking for something to fill an entire LARGE house, apartment, or room with sound, then either get the Bose 901's, or the Wave Radio/CD player (for apartments).
If you want something you dock and charge your I-pods with while your at the beach, camping, in the backyard, or just taking a shower... this is it.
Customer Review: Superb Bose Sound and Build Quality
Summary: 5 Stars
Bose has designed a very good small portable speaker system worthy of their name. You always know what you get with Bose and you can count on superior build quality and rich sound. I spent some time trying to decide between the Bose SoundDock Portable and Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin. While the Zeppelin provides the best sound quality it lacks the portable features of the SoundDock. I was convinced I was going to purchase the Zeppelin based on the design and strong reviews it consistently receives. However, I simply couldn't steer away from Bose when making the final purchase decision.
The Bose SoundDock Portable provides traditional Bose sound quality which is rich in mid-range and bass even at low volume levels. There is a carry handle built into the unit centered and near the top on the back side. Build quality is evident; the top portion of the carry handle is even rubberized to maximize grip when moving the unit. I carry this unit all over my house and it sounds great everywhere.
Operation couldn't be more simple. Simply dock your iPod or iPhone into the front and you are listening to great sound even if the unit is not plugged in. The battery life is impressive and it lasts far longer then the 3 hours claimed by Bose. The unit ran for nearly 8 hours over a period of two days prior to needing re-charged. Another impressive feature is the unchanged sound quality regardless of running on AC power or batteries. There is a removable battery pack on the back of the unit that can be replaced when the batteries (Li-Ion) eventually run down.
The included remote is simple and provides basic control function (play, pause, on, off, skip, playlist change and volume). The remote has a high-quality feel to it and the buttons are the right size and provide an appropriate level of resistance. The face of the remote has a rubberized feel to it and the range as well as reception angle is excellent. There is one light built behind the front of the speaker grille that provides status. If you hold down the off button on the remote, it will indicate the current battery level by color. The indicator light illuminates while the unit is charging and shuts off when fully charged and also illuminates when you press a button on the remote. The SoundDock will charge your device when docked both when plugged in and running on the battery pack.
The Bose SoundDock Portable provides excellent sound and is simple to operate. It is truly a portable unit and maintains identical sound quality when not plugged in. The build quality is excellent and remote is of equal quality. Battery life if impressive and operates far longer then the 3 hours claimed by Bose. It gets very loud with no distortion and should make all but the most discerning audiophile smile. The Bose SoundDock is a portable device that will bring you years of convenience and sound quality.