Review: Bose SoundDock Portable
The Bose SoundDock Portable is the original Bose SoundDock on steroids. It’s odd because the SoundDock Portable really isn’t portable at all. Its both heavier and taller than its predecessor, and its a pain to tote around. Aside from the grip handle, swiveling dock, and rechargeable battery, it really isn’t portable at all. Don’t get me wrong, It just seems more deserving of the name SoundDock II. But honestly, this is the greatest iPod speaker system I’ve ever owned, and the sound doesn’t disappoint.
Portable?
Not really - the Portability aspect of the SoundDock Portable simply doesn’t shine. Sure the handle, swiveling dock, and battery are nice, but it just doesn’t make any sense why it’s taller and heavier than the original SoundDock. I would only bring this product with me for the sound it produces. The sound is by far the absolute best I’ve yet experienced with any set of portable iPod speakers.
Control Me
The remote is of much better quality compared to its predecessor. It’s covered in soft rubber which makes it great to both hold and use. A playlist button has been added so you can skip between them, and change songs within the playlist. As I love playlists, I thoroughly enjoy this feature. There’s also your typical volume up and down keys, along with the skip track buttons and power switch. The remote gets great reception so I’ve never had to hit a button more than once - a lack of frustration is always a good thing.
Sound
This sound system never fails to blow me away every time I turn it on. Providing absolutely stunning sound for a portable player. Compared to the original SoundDock, the sound is much more crisp and clean. The base is much more defined, and there’s no annoying squeal like the older SoundDock.
Odds & Ends
The auxiliary input is key. Being that the older SoundDock didn’t feature an AUX input, I’m stoked to see one on the newer model.
The battery life is exceptional. I get about 3 hours at full volume, but Bose claims you can squeeze “much more” life at a lower volume. This is phenomenal for a product of this class.
As portable as it claims to be, the power supply is obnoxious. It’s about half the size of the Xbox 360 brick and is just about the size of a Cinema Display adapter. However for a portable product there shouldn’t be a power supply to carry around.
The Verdict
I truly love this product. From its design, to its added battery, it all adds up. It makes a great replacement to the original SoundDock, and its sure to last at least a few years. Compared to the iPod Hi-Fi it replaces, it packs the same sound, in a much smaller package. But one thing is for sure: It’s definitely not portable. The SoundDock 2 would be a much more suited label for the system.
#1
rmaspero → www.rmaspero.com
It looks nice and I have been looking for a new dock and I am not looking for it to be that portable.
#2
Lasha → onefusedlife.com
I’ve used this model a lot before, and it definitely packs quite the punch! I guess that the reason why it’s called “portable” is because of the fact that it can run on a battery when you’re not plugged in. Probably good for the park, beach, back yard, picnic, etc. If you got anything smaller, the sound would be crappy.
#3
Chris → fluidmarkup.com
I think you misunderstood the “portable” aspect. It’s not meant to be moved around every day like a laptop, but it’s easier to take to places like meetings, hotel rooms, or friends/relatives’ houses.
That aside, it is a great sounding system. Bose nears the top of the line for consumer products (for the audiophiles, there’s much better gear than Bose), and this is definitely in line with the rest of their systems.
#4
Chris → fluidmarkup.com
Apologies for the double post, but this site really doesn’t match the quality of design of GlennWolsey.com. I think it’s time to find a new designer…
#5
Sam.Hi Glenn,
Have you heard the Tannoy i30. In my experience it has shown far superior sound quality to the Bose Product line at around the same price.
To enhance the portability of your SoundDock, why not invest in the carry case, this will protect the item whilst at the same time making it even more portable.
Also, as a side note, the SoundDock is still in Bose’s product line. The Portable Version simply compliments it’s bigger brother (bigger in terms of sound output etc)
Cheers,
Sam.
#6
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
Hey Sam, haven’t actually used either system, as I didn’t write this review.
Chris - you seem to be on your own with the view on the design, where do you feel it could be improved?
#7
Tim Howard → www.graphicgraffiti.com.au/v3
Looks like a nice system. Bose systems always have nice sound so it’s good to hear it hasn’t changed much.
#8
Jon Oakley → iamundecided.tumblr.com
I think the sound is so much better than the Hi-Fi
Better at higher volumes
#9
Jorge Quinteros → www.jorgeq.com
For starters, compliments for the meticulous review on the product and I was quite please to read because this was exactly the one that I had in mind purchase because of it’s “portability” or lack there of now. Bose always delivers great products but I was a little disappointed to read about how bulky it can be to carry around. I’ll have to reconsider.
#10
Jack → no.com
Bose stuff may look nice (to some, personally I think it’s ugly) but they know absolutely nothing about making audio sound good. Over hyped nonsense!
#11
Calvin Chu → www.calvinchu.net
Agree with Jack. Whilst in this case maybe not so, but in other areas there are much better sounding and cheaper alternatives to the nonsense Bose offers. Don’t give into the hype.