Popular Products > Electronics > Bose SoundDock

The Bose SoundDock is a digital music speaker sound system that was released in 2004. This device is compatible with Apple’s iPod and Apple’s iPhone. It allows iPod users to access music files, and to control and listen to stored music. It also works well with the third, fourth and fifth generation of iPods, including the iPod mini and iPod nano. The SoundDock can be attuned with the iPhone by means of the large dock adapter that accompanies the SoundDock.

This SoundDock has dimensions of 169 x 303 x 165mm and an estimated wattage of 50–55 watts. It is based on a combination of Bose’s existing proprietary technology. For instance, the Active EQ headphones are found in the SoundDock. The EM shielding of the Bose’s computer speaker unit is integrated into this device, as are the compression circuitry and the integrated signal processing of Bose speaker systems. This highly advanced music system also makes use of the Bose Syncom programming.

The SoundDock comes with an infrared remote control. This remote control is powerful enough to control the system from across a large room. Using a special mechanism, the iPod can be docked in the centre of the system at the front because of its slim fit rectangular design. This makes it a small yet smart and compact speaker system. The docked iPod controls can be used through the convenient single button volume control on the SoundDock system.

When the iPod is docked, all the buttons on the SoundDock remote can function normally with the exception of the off button. You have to press two buttons simultaneously to power the iPod when it is docked. The SoundDock’s off switch on the remote works as a play/pause button. The iPod will get charged while docked in the Bose SoundDock, including during music playback.

The Bose SoundDock received the red dot award for product design in 2005. It was also given the Reader Award from the Mac User Awards 2006 for Audio of the Year.

In September 2007, Bose came out with a portable version of the SoundDock. This system has three hours of battery life when played on full volume and a longer life if played at a lower volume. It is taller and slimmer and its remote has more buttons, including two additional ones that allow the user to jump from one play list to another.

The SoundDock Portable features a retractable dock, lithium ion battery and auxiliary input. The battery will charge the iPod even when the dock is not plugged into the wall. The audio has a noticeably improved quality.