Most people agree that when it comes to your iPod the Bose sound dock is the best set of speakers you can find. The only downside of the first iPod soundock is that it has an enormous power supply and A/C cord that limits its use as portable speakers. The new sound dock portable from Bose solves this problem. Its portable speaker system has all of the power and sound quality you’d expect from Bose and it’s portable. This great portable sound and the Bose name comes at a high price…if you pay retail for the speakers you’ll have to fork over $399.

The sound dock portable comes in two colors: glossy white and black. The speakers have a compact design that measures 12″ x 6″ x 5″ and weighs just over 5 pounds. The new portable soundock is very similar to the original model. One difference is the swiveling dock that rotates into the sound dock body for protection when traveling.

The portable model has a simple design just like the original sound dock and lacks physical controls aside from the two volume controls. The infrared remote include has eight rubber buttons that control volume, playback, play lists, and power. The included remote control is small and simple, but it’s rubber buttons are easy to operate. The remote control works by infrared light; however it works well enough to control your iPod from nearly any angle in a large room.

On the back of the soundock you’ll find only two connectors. There are no USB ports or video connections, only a power connector and analog input. The sound dock is powered by a lithium batter pack that gets you about 8 hours of normal use or 3 hours at the highest volume setting. As lithium-ion batteries go this is pretty good considering the quality of sound and Bass response you get from the speakers.

The only thing I don’t like about the sound dock’s design are the built-in volume controls. They are clumsy and not very sensitive to the touch. When your iPod is plugged into the dock the batteries are charged at the expense of play time if your charger is not plugged in. The carrying handle also serves as the speaker’s Bass port which Bose cleverly calls the wave guide exit.

Bose hid an LED light behind the speaker grill that flashes when you use the included remote control and flashes to let you know when the battery needs charging. If you forget to charge the unit for fourteen days the only way to turn it on again is by plugging the charger in…this feature probably generates a lot of support calls for Bose. There are no dock inserts included in the box. If you lost the inserts that came with your iPod you can buy replacements from your local Apple store. The sound dock has a power cord winder that makes it easy travel with your speakers; however, the plug is a tad large and bulky. With it’s $399 retail price tag the soundock portable is a tad expensive; however, you can find better prices shopping online with free shipping. There is an optional carrying case for the portable sound dock but you’ll have to shell out sixty dollars more if you want one.

If you’re experiencing iPod problems, you’ll definitely want to find some helpful tips. Using your iPod is meant to be a fun experience so it can be a real drag if everything does not go smoothly. Thankfully, there is usually a way to fix any problem you might run into.

The problem that scares people the most with their iPods is when the sad iPod face shows up on the screen. This can lead you to believe that your beloved iPod is dead.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming your iPod can’t be revived. Don’t lose hope yet, because there are ways to bring your iPod back to a functional state.

The methods of reviving your iPod vary depending on which model you own. For most models you’ll begin by triggering the hold button.

Now then, hold “menu” and “select” simultaneously. This should get your iPod back in fine form again.

But naturally, the sad face syndrome isn’t the only problem you might experience with your iPod. Maybe you can’t seem to get your iPod and computer to talk to each other.

If this is your problem, start off by inspecting all the cables and cords you’re using to connect the iPod to the computer. A loose or incorrect connection is easily fixed.

Sometimes iPod problems have less to do with the device being flaky and more to do with a lack of something you were hoping for. Maybe you hoped your iPod had speakers so that you wouldn’t have to wear headphones. If so, you could try buying iPod accessories.

An iPod can be very prone to get scratched and dinged up. The best way to prevent this is to buy a good case for your iPod, which will protect it from most damage.

If you shop around, you can find a wide variety of accessories that will enhance your iPod experience.

Regardless of the kind of iPod problems you have, you will certainly need a way to find quick answers. That’s why it can be beneficial to check out websites dedicated to iPods that offer helpful solutions.

The instruction manual can also give you lots of helpful information to troubleshoot your iPod.

Your iPod will last for a good long time if you make sure to take care of it. Most problems you have with your iPod can be solved very quickly and with little effort. Don’t give up, the information is out there!