The digitization of music has seen many people’s music collections move from the CD rack to the hard drive. Although the computer is a great place to store music, it can limit the listening experience thanks to the less than stellar speakers that are often tied to it. Bose has unveiled its new designed for people who want to listen to music stored on their computer, but don’t necessarily want to be at their computer to enjoy it - the SoundLink wireless music system.
The Bose SoundLink system is a portable all-in-one solution that uses USB key plugged into the computer to enable transmission of audio to the speaker. The long-range wireless link should work through most walls and floors according to Bose.
The portability of the system is enhanced thanks to a rechargeable Li-ion battery that is charged up by the system’s AC power supply and promises up to three hours of listening at full volume, or for longer periods if you dial it down a few notches.
Bose says the electronics efficiency and speaker design enables the same high-quality audio performance whether the unit is plugged into mains or operating on battery power. The small enclosure includes Bose waveguide speaker technology and neodymium transducers, but there are no actual output specifications given in the press release.
The system’s infrared remote control operates the power and volume, and can send transport control commands to most applications, allowing users to skip tracks or play/pause from a distance. Touch-sensitive buttons to control volume can also be found on the unit itself.
Although it is designed primarily for wireless connectivity to a computer, the SoundLink system also features an auxiliary input for connecting additional audio sources, such as an iPod, iPhone, MP3 player or CD player.
The Bose SoundLink wireless music system comes in Gloss Black, and will be available from August 27, 2009 with a hefty tag of USD$549.95.
It's worth noting that if you're fond of you're existing speakers, there are ways to go wireless without investing in a whole new kit.
