Bose launches SoundDock for the iPod

Adding to the vast amounts of speaker-docks already available for the iPod, Bose steps up to the plate with their SoundDock system. So if you're the type who likes to put some speaker magnets right next to your precious iPod, the SoundDock has an IR remote, and, you know, a dock that plays audio. No official word on size or other specs, but we expect it'll be pretty decent and pretty high-priced.

[Someguy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Am I mistaken or is the dock connector plug dead center in the front of this thing? Wow. Way to design a hideous product Bose! That'll look really nice next to a wave radio. (Also quite gross. Heh)

[wirobro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

UK: �248.99
Ireland: 379.00 Euros

� Plays music from an iPod, with room-filling sound.

� Slim profile and small footprint take up very little space.

� Proprietary acoustic design: Produces deeper sound from a relatively small enclosure.

� Docking cradle holds iPod with a dock connector or iPod mini: charge your iPod directly from SoundDock.

� Infrared remote control: Controls the SoundDock system volume and basic iPod functions.

� Ramping volume: Automatically turns the volume up gradually when unit is first turned on.

� Active electronic equalization: Balances output of low, mid and high frequencies.

� Patented integrated signal processing: Automatically adjusts tonal balance according to listening level.

� Compression circuitry: Proprietary electronics compress the dynamic range of sound as a function of volume, allowing most of the music to pass through unaltered, while limiting high peaks.

� Shielded transducers: Prevent interference when the system is placed next to TV or computer CRT screens, and prevents data loss from storage media.

Weight and Dimensions:
� System: 16.89 cm x 30.26 cm x 16.47 cm.
� System in carton: 2.7 kg.

System requirements:
� iPod with a dock connector or iPod mini.

[Chris Gunton @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

its the Bose label...or maybe the IR thingy. not likely to be the socket.

[Sabrina @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

As a former Bose employee, I definitely recognize that marking as the logo.

[matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

According to the press release, it's "expected to sell" for $299.

[Shane @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Shame on you, Apple. Apologies to the former employee above; I guess I better keep the rest of my thoughts to myself.

[jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

i think it looks real perdy

[DaveC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I was at the Fashion Island (Newport Beach, CA) Apple store last week when a Bose rep was there showing one of these to the store employees ahead of it's public announcement. Sounded pretty darned good for how small it was, with real bass response as you'd expect from something this size. Filled up the corner of the Apple store pretty impressively, about as well as the Sound Sticks w/ Subwoofer did. Certainly much better than the inMotion speakers I have, but much bulkier (about the size of a tall toaster oven). The dock connector used different inserts to accomodate different sized 3G/4G/Mini iPods and the remote was a really nice feature for switching tracks and volume. He said the price was expected to be around $300 USD.

Good stuff.

[Art T @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I just bought one and it doesn't work with an Ipod Mini. You need to have IPOD softwware 2.2 or higher and I haven't been able to update my ipod mini from the 1.0 version.

Any suggestions?

[Sunny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Hey...its ipod ver 2.2 is available online at the Apple site ..
How is the system performance by the way ? Is it offering good sound for its size ???? How about the bass ??

[Giles @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I've just bought the sound dock and I'm very impressed. Just one niggle... The sound doesn't turn up gradually. only when turned off does the sound die away. Maybe I've got a faulty unit?

[Alec Butler @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Excuse me for being ignorant,presumably you need Bose speakers for the sound dock-if not, where does the sound come from.

[Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I just received the BOSE docking stereo system for Xmas. Does someone know how or if I can use this in place of my mini-stereo system with my t.v.? I' looking for a "fuller" sound, just like I get from my stereo.

[Imma @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

is that true, we have to update the version to 2.2?....

[kathybeis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Just purchased the sound dock-sounds great but skips and wavers throughout songs-Any help???Thanks! Kath

[Walter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

How would a speaker refuse someone to review their speakers in the law and never even advertise their RMS watts in black & white.
Have to agree they do a good marketing, but not really good in the product real quality.

[Walter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

How would a speaker refuse someone to review their speakers in the law and never even advertise their RMS watts in black & white.
Have to agree they do a good marketing, but not really good in the product real quality.

[Ken @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Kath:

My sounddock occasionally skips, too. Did you figure out what the problem is yet?

Does anyone know what causes this phenomenon?

[Amanda Victoria @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

My husband is fixing up a van that we intend to travel in for 2 months. We want to upgrade the audio system and have it be capable of connecting to an iPod. The van will have an inverter to convert battery to 120 ac. He got the idea of buying a SoundDock instead of changing out the van's native system. Any reasons this wouldn't be a good idea.

Seemingly it would be much cheaper.

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

They are expensive, maybe a tad too expensive - my only niggle is you cannot connect it to any source. If it did, the price would be more justified.

Sound wise, it's pretty good - the box isn't small but does offer a sound larger than you would imagine. Bass weight is pretty impressive for a small unit. I wouldn't think the RMS rating is much more than 15 watts, but, having said that, Bose Speakers are pretty high sensortivity - and it really is quite powerful, enough to fill a small/med room.

Value wise, it's poor... because there is no additional source capability. Otherwise, for sound quality - I don't think it's that bad. ;-) And, I've heard Klipsch, JBL, Altec - they are great for the price, but the Bose has a sparkle - i can't explain. Maybe it's their PsychoAcoustics technologies they have been looking into. ;-)

[Bobby @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

This thing has nothing on the IM7 Altec Lansing. Plus, you can hook that up to an external source with OPTICAL. Its 50 bucks cheaper and sounds like an aural wet dream.

BOSE= another fancy label.

Buying a pair of Nike's won't let you jump any higher or run any faster. Save 50 bucks, buy an altec lansing, which is portable btw, and have a better experience.