Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker (nylon)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 330001-1310
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- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're willing to pay a premium, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker is the best portable Bluetooth speaker on the market.
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CNET editors' review
Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker (nylon) price range: $299.00 - $299.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 10/11/2011
The good: For such a small, portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile sounds great and plays impressively loud without distorting. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery, an auxiliary input, a rugged design, and the option to swap out protective covers (one of which is included).
The bad: The speaker is pricey and has no speakerphone capabilities.
The bottom line: If you're willing to pay a premium, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker is the best portable Bluetooth speaker on the market.
Bose, create a ground-breaking product? Sure, the company's got some really nice headphones and decent sound systems that are just a tad overpriced. But Bose? Since when does Bose make a game-changer?
Since it came out with its compact Bluetooth speaker, the SoundLink Wireless Mobile, that's when. No, it's not the iPhone or anything, but it may just be the iPhone of portable Bluetooth speakers.
For the uninitiated, Bluetooth speakers let you stream music and other audio from any smartphone and many tablets (including the iPad) wirelessly. There's no need for network configurations--just a simple pairing procedure, and whatever you're playing on your phone or tablet gets wirelessly sent to the speakers, whether it's MP3 music, Spotify, Rdio, a baseball game, or a video soundtrack.
Bluetooth speakers have been around for years, so what's so special about the Bose? Well, it starts with how small it is and ends with just how much sound comes out of it--and impressive sound at that. Bose also seems to be taking a few cues from Apple: along with the compact shape and clean, elegant design, the SoundLink Wireless Mobile, starting at $300, is equipped with a magnetic protective combined cover and stand that automatically turns the speaker off when closed. Sound familiar?
Oh, and like the Smart Cover for the iPad 2, the SoundLink Wireless Mobile's cover comes in two grades: nylon and leather. But you only get the leather cover from the get-go if you step up to the higher-end version of speaker, which costs an extra $50 and has what the company calls an "automotive-grade" chrome trim.
Should you buy that fancier silver model or stick with the standard black model with its dark-gray nylon cover for $300? That we can't answer for you, but the truth is you can't go wrong with either model. And, not surprisingly, Bose is selling additional nylon and leather covers in a wider variety of colors for $30 and $50, respectively, in case you want to make a change later.
Design and features
The first thing you notice about the SoundLink Wireless mobile speaker when you pick it up is that while it may be small, it's got some heft to it, weighing in at 2.78 pounds. It's 5 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, and a scant 1.9 inches thick.
That depth--or lack thereof--is really the most impressive part of the design. But while the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker looks sleek, elegant, perhaps even a bit dainty, and would seem more suited to indoor listening, Bose has made a point of touting how durable and rugged the unit is. The company says it has extensively drop-tested the product, and even put it in a chamber and exposed to simulated salt-air fog. So, yes, this is designed to be a portable, outdoorsy product.
Further boosting its portability is the built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery, which is rated for 3 to 4 hours of use at high volume between charges.
The SoundLink Wireless Mobile has a wireless range of about 30 feet and works with any A2DP Bluetooth-enabled device, which includes nearly all smartphones, as well as the iPad. Around back you'll find a standard 3.5mm audio input for connecting (via an included cable) any other audio devices that don't offer Bluetooth, like an iPod Nano, for instance.
We had no trouble pairing an iPhone, an Android smartphone, and an iPad 2 with the speaker. You simply hold down the Bluetooth button on top of the speaker and it goes into pairing mode. After you select "Bose SoundLink Wireless" from the Bluetooth setup menu on your phone or other device, after a few seconds you should be linked up wirelessly to the speaker and be able to stream audio to it.
At one point, we did get some dropout from the Android phone--just for a couple of seconds. It was an instructive reminder that Bluetooth, like all wireless tech, just doesn't have the 100 percent reliability of a wired connection.
Another note: the SoundLink Wireless Mobile does not offer speakerphone capabilities the way the Jawbone Jambox does, for example. Could it someday offer that feature? Probably not, considering there's no built-in microphone that we're aware of. However, there is a Micro-USB port on the back of the speaker labeled "service," which is for firmware upgrades; Bose says it will offer software upgrades to make sure the speaker is compatible with future phones.
We should also mention that the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker doesn't come with a remote. That's because you shouldn't need one since you'll be able to control the volume--and everything else--from your smartphone.
That said, we did connect an iPhone 3G running a less-than-current version of iOS and found that the volume control didn't work, so it's possible to run into some snafus depending on how ancient your phone is.
Performance
At the launch for the product, Bose talked about the engineering challenges of getting good sound out of a very compact speaker, and a Bluetooth one at that, as Bluetooth compression diminishes sound quality.
If you want to see what's going on inside the speaker, the design for the speaker's four low-profile neodymium transducers (mid- and high frequencies) and dual-opposing passive radiators (bass) are detailed on Bose's Web site.
While the cutting-edge hardware design is the biggest factor behind the speaker's sound, there's also a nice piece of software running in the background to process what's coming into the speaker and make it sound as good as possible going out.
The results are shockingly good. As we said, the speaker plays incredibly loud for its size. This thing can actually fill a medium-size room with sound and blows away the $200 Jawbone Jambox. What's also impressive is that the sound doesn't distort at higher volumes. You can crank the Bose and it does just fine, with the bass holding together well and without any rattling or shaking of the speaker.
We played the new Wilco album "The Whole Love" and the mellower, acoustical guitar tracks sounded rich and detailed, like what you'd get from a larger speaker. We then hit it with some hip-hop, and our old standby test track, Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot," sounded pretty solid, but as we ratcheted up the volume the heavy bass line did feel a bit subdued--or perhaps restrained is the better word.
After plowing through a variety of other music, this reviewer tested the SoundLink Wireless with a jury of a few other editors here at CNET, and all of them came away impressed by how loud it played for its size and how full the sound was, particularly for a small Bluetooth speaker.
Some noted that the bass didn't have quite the oomph they would've liked, but it's just not fair to expect subwoofer-level performance from a speaker the size of a hardcover book.
In terms of battery life, Bose rates the unit at 3 to 4 hours playing at loud volumes, but says you can get double that at "typical listening levels." In other words, for light listening on the porch or patio you should be fine for most of the day. But if you're having a party, you probably want to get the speaker fully charged first and be able to plug it in somewhere if the party runs long.
Conclusion
What can we say--we were impressed. Not often does a product come along and blow away the competition in its category, but that's what the Bose SoundLink Wireless speaker has done.
This guy isn't as small as the $200 Jawbone Jambox, and it's a little more than twice as heavy. Nor does it offer that product's speakerphone capabilities. But it sounds much better and plays much louder.
Likewise, the Bose is bigger and more expensive than the $200 Soundmatters FoxL v2, but we think the Bose sounds better than that model, too.
Logitech, meanwhile, offers two competing products: the $149 Logitech Wireless Boombox for iPad and the sub-$100 Logitech Z515.
But the Bose's speaker is a big notch up both in terms of design and build quality, and in terms of sound quality. The company also gives a 30-day money-back guarantee on the product and generally offers good customer service should something go wrong. Reps told us that the rechargeable battery will be replaceable, though no cost was given for the replacement.
So, yes, $300 (or $350) is a lot to spend on a portable speaker--and we say the same thing about Bose's noise-canceling headphones. But in this case it seems worth it if only because the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker is in a class by itself.
User reviews
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Bose Knows!
by Jeremiah-Stpierre on March 16, 2012
Pros: Excellent sound quality, really loud and clear,
Build quality is excellent,
Controlling the volume is easy enough,
Easy to pair with Bluetooth devices,
Extremely easy to useCons: Hardly any stereo separation,
ExpensiveSummary: I own several similar audio products, a couple of which might be considered "high end", including a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin. The Bose Soundlink is the first Bose I have ...
Summary: I own several similar audio products, a couple of which might be considered "high end", including a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin. The Bose Soundlink is the first Bose I have owned. I've heard numerous Bose products before - but never owned one. I always felt the price outweighed the performance. Until now....
The sound on this thing is fantastic. It has very powerful bass, great midrange, and nice highs, and maintains clarity through the spectrum of low to high volume. As far as comparing the sound to something else, the Soundlink is in the same class as the Zeppelin, and I think Logitech's Squeezebox Boom is up there too. This is a different product than either of those though. The Zeppelin is an iPod dock, while the Squeezebox is a full feature WiFi internet radio, capable of play from the internet or your PC.
The Soundlink, on the other hand, is a wireless speaker, capable of connecting to a variety of devices via Bluetooth. It is not a storage device, so it depends on another source from which to draw music, etc.
It pairs very simply and I've connected it to iPads and Blackberries. Simply hold down the Bluetooth button for a second and confirm the pairing on your wireless device. That's it. I've connected it to iPods as well, with the included cable.
The Soundlink includes a wall charger and the aforementioned aux cable. It is not particularly small, but at under 3 pounds and measuring about 5.1" x 9.6" x 1.9", it's like carrying around a small book, and it fits easily in a backpack, etc.
Bose put forth a great design with the Soundlink. It includes a built in cover, which opens easily, and folds underneath to form a base on which the Soundlink rests. The design is sleek all the way around, in basic black, with six buttons on top, all which have lighted icons. These are: Power, Aux, Bluetooth, Mute, and Volume Up and Down.
The wireless range is advertised as 30 feet. I've been about 40-50' so I'm sure it depends on the structure you are in and other variables such as other interference and battery charge. When I was 50 feet away I was in my yard and the Soundlink was on my deck plugged into an outlet.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated for 8 hours. Mine lasts longer and I've played it for about 15 hours (not straight, but total) before it shut off.
For a compact, wireless sound solution, the Soundlink is an awesome product. Bose really knows what they are doing when it comes to producing a lot of sound from a little box: Great sound, amazing convenience and simple to use. You really have to weigh the cost versus the sound. The sound is excellent, but it's just that this is not an inexpensive product. So as long as you are OK with the price.
*PS: if you're will buy this "Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker", I suggest you have to compare prices before you decide at: Compare-Lowprices.info/Bose-SoundLink
I would highly recommend the Bose Soundlink!6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Bose Soundlink is great sound in a small package.
by Chunky168 on October 4, 2011
Pros: Great fit and finish quality. Stylish and elegant design. Great sound. Simple to use.
Cons: Price? $350 for headphones and $350 for Soundlink? If there is a dat update in the future, where is my cable to complete the process? The hookup is back there!
Summary: There are two names to me that are synonymous with high quality and they are Bose and Apple. I could nt wait to get my hands on this speaker and ...
Summary: There are two names to me that are synonymous with high quality and they are Bose and Apple. I could nt wait to get my hands on this speaker and it was well worth the wait. Th sound is absolutely astounding from such a small package. The weight gives it a nice high quality feel as well.
I love music but I don't have all of the equipment of some fancy sound lab. I get plenty highs and lows and enough midrange from this speaker so I'm not trying to impress anyone with megahertz readings and etc. It sounds good so enough said. If you want A1 performance, go with this product. You will not be disappointed!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best portable speaker although not perfect!
by oluv on October 12, 2011
Pros: - compact
- nice retro design
- very solid and full-bodied sound
- hardly any artefacts when streaming through bluetooth, no hiss...
- loud (although with dynamic compression at highest volume)
- powerful batteryCons: - sound could get away with some finetuning
- hardly any stereo separation
- treble muffled
- bass too boomy
- still too big if compared to mini speakers like Jambox etc.
- no Apt-X bluetooth codec.
- expensiveSummary: It is definitely one of the best sounding portable speakers with that size. Battery life is impressive and it sounds as good from batteries as from wall-power unlike most of ...
Summary: It is definitely one of the best sounding portable speakers with that size. Battery life is impressive and it sounds as good from batteries as from wall-power unlike most of the competition where sound quality falls apart when run from batteries. (Logitech, Harman Kardon, JBL etc...)
The Sound is powerful and "heavy", but the Soundlink is a bit treble shy, it doesn't sound perfectly clear. Compared to many other speakers it sounds a bit dull, even when compared to Bose's own Sounddocks or MusiMonitors. The MusicMonitors are even smaller than the Soundlink but have a better controlled bass and clearer treble. They are more natural sounding. You also have to listen to the Soundlink at ear-height facing towards for best results, otherwise the slightly recessed treble becomes even more recessed. The sound-emission is very directional and for a portable speaker where you usually would put it in the middle of a party, only a small part of the audience will have good sound, the rest will only hear bass.
I would have preferred a bit more clarity in the upper frequencies and a more controlled bass. The Bass from the MusicMonitors is tuned lower, and doesn't appear that powerful, but is much more pleasant to listen to. The Soundlink bass is a bit boomy, although this is an advantage when used outside, as it really sounds full and powerful even in the open field, where most other speakers sound rather tinny. But in small rooms, kitchen, bathroom etc, bass quickly becomes overwhelming. I already thought to tune the radiators differently by adding some mass, maybe i will manage to "tame" the bass a little bit better.
All this is niggling at high level, but it prevents the Soundlink to be the absolutely best portable speaker. It is still best, but not by far...
My wish: Make an even smaller battery-driven version, mabe the size of the MusicMonitors. Make 2 of them that can wireleslly connect together for real stereo or use one single one for mono sound. Make them stick together through magnets for charging and carrying.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Holy Cow....WOW
by famu009 on February 23, 2012
Pros: Just look @ the 4 letters on the front of the speaker, starting w/ "B" and ending in "E".....Sound absolutely kicks major butt....compact, sturdy (and when I say sturdy, I mean sturdy), easy as heck to use....doesn't matter what you connect, it makes it s
Cons: All of the other reviews I've read stated it was expensive....ah...that's why we work, so we can afford the best and that's what this is...so in other words, I CAN NOT FIND A CON....
Summary: Until about 5-6 yrs ago, I always thought Bose was way over priced and overrated, but I bought a '06 GMC that was equipped w/ a Bose system and fell ...
Summary: Until about 5-6 yrs ago, I always thought Bose was way over priced and overrated, but I bought a '06 GMC that was equipped w/ a Bose system and fell absolutely head over heels in love w/ the product. Although my home audio system does not include any Bose products, my current vehicle is equipped w/ a Bose system, I've also purchased a pair of headphones, and now this. I have nothing but worldwide acclaim for Bose. Please keep up the OUTSTANDING work......
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Excellent speaker with great sound
by CliffordGoo on February 21, 2012
Pros: -Fills our apartment with music. I am not an audiophile by any one's imagination but this speaker delivers.
-Sound quality is excellent.
-Size is perfect for a counter top (Small Foot Print)
-PortabilityCons: -Price. It is a Bose 'nuf said
-Switching between multiple devices doesn't seem to be automatic. I am not sure if this is device issue or a speaker issue.Summary: At the end of the day the nylon cover is great. Is the leather cover worth the extra $50? In my opinion it is not. Even the Bose sales person ...
Summary: At the end of the day the nylon cover is great. Is the leather cover worth the extra $50? In my opinion it is not. Even the Bose sales person told me that the nylon version is the better deal (same speaker minus the cover and chrome).
If you are looking for quality sound in a medium to small sized room then this is the device for you. The speak is loud and doesn't distort (at least I haven't had it that loud yet). -
The best of the smallest, although at a premium
by photolito on October 11, 2011
Pros: -amazing sound for size
-great battery life
-aux port
-rugged/solid build, will last long and take a beating.Cons: -difficult to hook up with bluetooth unless you stick to the same one device
-a bit expensive
-lacking bass... has thump but no holdSummary: I recommend unless you have a budget.
Summary: I recommend unless you have a budget.
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Exactly the right product for a price.
by PKHampton on October 12, 2011
Pros: Looks great on my counter.
Easy to connect and start listening
3.5mm cable included for non-Bluetooth devices.
Terrific sound quality.Cons: Expensive.
Summary: Bought this to have music in my kitchen and family room. My 17yr old immediately paired her i Touch. I paired my new i Pad but only after reading that ...
Summary: Bought this to have music in my kitchen and family room. My 17yr old immediately paired her i Touch. I paired my new i Pad but only after reading that I needed to hold down the Bluetooth button on the Sound link to connect. Great sound, looks great. Does exactly what I wanted it to. I can even pair my 1st gen. i Touch using the included cable.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: 330001-1310
- Bottom Line: If you're willing to pay a premium, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker is the best portable Bluetooth speaker on the market.
General
- Product Type Wireless speaker
- Speakers included 1 speaker
- Width 9.6 in
- Depth 1.9 in
- Height 5.1 in
Speaker Features
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Additional Features Bluetooth technology,
30 ft wireless range,
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery,
Built-in cover Speaker Details
- Features Portable speakers - Indoor / Outdoor
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories 3.5 mm stereo cable,
Wall charger Power
- Power Device Power adapter
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Limited warranty
Product series
-
Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker (nylon)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Wireless speaker,
Wireless -
Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker (leather)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Wireless speaker,
Wireless,
Wired,
Active
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Bose Corp.
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999 2673
- Fax: 1-508-820-3465
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