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  • Review count
    17
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    621
  • First review
    November 25, 2011
  • Last review
    June 23, 2017
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  • Average rating
    4.2
 
  • Review comment count
    32
  • Helpfulness votes
    94
  • First review comment
    March 11, 2012
  • Last review comment
    July 10, 2017
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  • Answer count
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    June 11, 2010
  • Last answer
    April 27, 2017
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ThisIsNot's Reviews
<< 1 2
 
Your music says a lot about you. So do your headphones. Bose® FreeStyle™ earbuds have fresh designs to fit your style and deep, clear sound to make you love the music you love even more. The StayHear® ear tips provide a secure, comfortable fit.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A great pair of earbuds
on December 2, 2014
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
Like all my other reviews, this will be a little long. I've been using these earbuds for almost 6 months now and they have been great. Bose makes the only earbuds that I can actually wear for long periods of time without feeling discomfort, they also make the only earbuds that will actually stay in my ears. Most other in-ear earbuds create a seal with your inner ear canal. That helps isolate noise better but I find them to be uncomfortable and those types of earbuds eventually pop out of my ears.
The Bose FreeStyle earbuds don't do that. They are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time and the StayHear tips come in three sizes so you should easily be able to get a perfect fit. The earbuds do let in some outside noise but this is beneficial when using them for exercise and running purposes. You don't want to go running down the street and not realize that a car is coming up behind you.
Bose really nailed the sound quality with these too. I'm not sure if they are worth the $130 price tag based on the sound quality alone. Don't get me wrong, the sound quality is good for earbuds. It's pleasantly balanced but the bass is a little lacking when compared to on-ear and over-ear headphones. That's just the nature of most earbuds though.
The FreeStyle earbuds are also water resistant so you can use them when exercising, running, at the gym, etc. They are a better buy than the Sports version of the SoundTrue earbuds. You don't get the small case but these are $20 less, have a cable length that's just write, and are water/sweat resistant just like the sport models. I really don't see any reason to spend the extra $20 on the sports models.
I only have to complaints when it comes to these earbuds:
1. The included carrying case is a little flimsy and overly big. A small, circular zip case (like what's included with the sports SoundTrue earbuds) would have been better. I've bent my case just with normal use and have since switched to a circular zip case I purchased for $2 online.
2. Bose doesn't make a version of the FreeStyle earbuds that work with Samsung Galaxy devices. The in-line remote and microphone have some Android/Samsung Galaxy compatibility. The mic works fine as does the play/pause button. Pressing that will also answer any incoming calls and double-pressing it will skip to the next track. That's it though. Triple-pressing the button does nothing and the volume buttons don't work. It would be nice if Bose released a version of these that were at least Samsung Galaxy compatible like they do with the sports and regular versions of the SoundTrue earbuds.
All-in-all, these are great earbuds that I highly recommend. They have a modern style, are extremely comfortable, water/sweat resistant, and have nice sound quality for earbuds. I definitely recommend these over earbuds from other companies.
My Best Buy number: 0423936481
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Improve your music experience with these SOL REPUBLIC headphones that feature a V-8 sound engine for high audio quality. The polymer compound construction ensures durability and comfort for long-lasting use.
 
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  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great durability, bass-heavy sound
on September 11, 2013
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
How Often Used:Daily
I picked up these headphones to use on a daily basis so that I wouldn't have to worry about anything happening to my Bose or Sennheiser headphones (both of which are $250+). I wanted something that had decent sound quality, it was durable (which means no Beats, those are complete trash), and I wanted them to look a little stylish.
These are definitely fashion headphones. What I mean by that is that they favor design and looks first over sound quality. The entire Beats By Dre line are like this, the SMS audio line, Skullcandy, and many others are all like this. They come out with snazzy looking headphones that favor color choices and design over audio quality.
In my opinion, Sol Republic is the least "evil" of these companies. The Tracks are on par with headphones that cost $150-$200 from those other companies yet are just as stylish and offer more after-market customization options (such as replacing the headband, cable wire, or even buying new drivers all together). The sound quality of these are comparable (I think a little better) to the Beats Solo HD models yet cost $80 less. The headband can also be bent in every which direction without breaking and it will go back to its original form. Bending a Beats Solo HD headband will cause it to break. These are even more durable than those all metal Beats headphones which were advertised as being indestructible. The durability of the Tracks are even beyond that of the Beats Mixr which as "...most durable headphone ever."
I highly recommend the Tracks if you are looking for bass-heavy sound yet don't want to overpay for the likes of Beats by Dre or the SMS audio line from 50 Cent. The sound quality isn't going to live up to other brands in this price range (Sony, Sure, Sennheiser, Grado, etc.) but that is to be expected from a pair of fashion headphones. I find these to be very comfortable and use them everyday whether I am in my office, lab, or walking to classes. They fit fine, are able to isolate outside noise rather nicely, and don't have much sound leakage. These are my go-to everyday headphones due to their durability and lower prices.
Techno, dubstep, rap/hip-hop, and pop really shines with these as the lows and mids are heavily favor. People looking for a more balanced option should turn to the Track HDs as the lows and mids are dialed back a little while the highs are turned up just a bit. The Tracks Ultra are best suited for acoustic music as their bass is really lacking (pretty much the opposite direction of the Tracks) while the highs are heavily favored.
I mainly listen to metal with my Tracks and I'm pretty content though people in the metal community tend to be divided as to whether they prefer more bass or more highs (I started choosing my own music in the mid-90's and I watched a lot of MTV so I favor bass). The price may seem high when compared to Sony, Sennheiser, etc. and it is. However, the price is on the low side for a pair of fashion headphones especially when Beats and SMS are charging $180 and $200 (respectively) for headphones that sound no better than these and are less durable.
My Best Buy number: 423936481
What's great about it: Durability, stylish, less expensive than overpriced Beats
What's not so great: Tends to favor lows and mids
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
3 out of 5
3
Comfort
5 out of 5
5
Durability
5 out of 5
5
+12points
12of 12voted this as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
  • Top 1000 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Well worth the price, a little short on features
on August 7, 2013
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
Type of Listener:Avid listener
Most Important to Purchase:Sound quality
How Often Used:Daily
I have quite a collection of portable bluetooth speakers that include the Beats Pill, UE Boom, JamBox Big, a cheap no-name option, and now this. I am continually choosing to use the SoundLink Mini over my other options. It offers excellent high and low end response, much better than anything else I have tested. The UE Boom handles mids better but not by much, I think the SoundLink Mini has better balanced sound whereas the UE Boom sounds shallow due to its lack of bass. The only bluetooth speaker I have, which is able to outdo the SoundLink Mini in terms of sheer volume, is the JamBox Big. That is a $300 speaker though and it's to be expected. The UE Boom does get noticeably louder than the SoundLink Mini but it tends to distort the audio, especially bass-heavy music. I played a Rammstein song and the UE Boom sounded as if it was going to blow up while the SoundLink Mini handled everything with ease. Bose engineers were able to get more out of the SoundLink Mini compared to Ultimate Ear (now a Logitech company) as the Mini and Boom use a very similar setup.
The construction of the SoundLink Mini is very solid and looks like it came right off of an Apple assembly line. The speaker will easily blend in with an office desk, dorm room, bedroom, or kitchen and still look sophisticated. The only negative aspect regarding the use of brushed aluminum is that it can scratch, that is why I recommend buying one of Bose's soft covers along with this.
I do have a few complaints regarding this. First, the price is a little hefty for the amount of features that this has. I have become used to adjusting the volume of a bluetooth speaker using the volume adjustment on my iPhone. The UE Boom and JamBox Big are both like this. The volume on my iPhone controls the volume that the speakers play at. It's a nice feature so I don't always have to keep hitting buttons on top of the speaker just to turn things slightly up or down. Plus it allows me to be in the kitchen and change the volume while the speaker is on my porch. The SoundLink Mini does not have this feature though. At $200, I think it should be standard. The battery life is also short. Both the UE Boom and JamBox Big are able to squeeze 15 hours out of a single charge. Although the SoundLink Mini is the same size as the UE Boom, it lasts for half of that. I would have been OK with a 10 hour run time (at least enough to match my iPad mini) but I normally get about 6.5-7 hours out of a single charge. Lastly, this does not have speakerphone capabilities. I have never used any of my bluetooth speakers as speakerphones so I could care less but that is important to some people.
Some people complain about the lack of micro-USB charging with the Mini. I think that the charging cradle Bose includes with every speaker is much better than relying on either a hefty proprietary charging setup (like the AC adapter that comes with the JamBox Big and Beats Pill) or having yet another generic USB charger in my collection. The charging cradle is dead-simple to use and, at the end of the day, I normally just plop my speaker into that (with the soft cover on). It's really convenient and I think outweighs the lack of USB charging. Bose also includes a small AC adapter that can fold to take up less space. It's about 1/4 the size of my iPhone 5.
The SoundLink Mini has a micro-USB port for firmware updates and I really hope Bose adds more features (mainly volume adjustment on a device and a battery indicator icon in the iOS/Android task bar) down the line. Right now the features are a little short, especially when compared to the UE Boom, JamBox, or JamBox big. It is easily the best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker but I have to knock the score for those couple of aspects. I would have preferred if Bose made the unit a little heavier and bigger so that a larger battery could be included. If you favor sound quality, I can fully recommend the SoundLink Mini. It is portable enough to take anywhere and has the best sound from a speaker in the $200-$250 price category. However, if you are looking for something that has more features and can take more of a beating, I recommend going with the UE Boom. It is water resistant and has every feature that is missing from the SoundLink Mini. Bose may eventually get there but Logitech (and even Jawbone) are already implementing those features into their speakers now.
I still chose to use the SoundLink Mini on a daily basis as I value sound quality over everything else. It is small enough that I can throw it in my backpack without noticing or even a cargo pocket on my shorts without issues. Bose can improve things over time and I hope they do.
My Best Buy number: 423936481
What's great about it: Sound quality, construction, small size
What's not so great: Lacking some features, battery life, price
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5 out of 5
5
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Features
3 out of 5
3
+39points
46of 53voted this as helpful.
 
This Apple Smart Cover MD306LL/A features a polyurethane exterior with a microfiber lining to keep your iPad free of dust and protected against bumps and scratches. The aluminum hinge magnetically aligns the cover with the iPad for an ideal fit.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
The best Smart Cover from Apple
on March 25, 2012
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
This is easily the best Apple Smart Cover on the market. It provides the same functionality as the leather models but it can take more abuse and it doesn't show dirt like the lighter colors do. I owned the black leather Apple Smart Cover for 7 months and I had to replace it with another case. The cover had worn edges that were almost exposing the metal underneath, new scratches had formed, and I had to wipe it down about once a week. The only upside to the leather ones is that they look more professional. Other than that, they are not worth it.
Sme people might be turned away from the bland dark gray color but it looks more professional than the lighter and pastel colors and it hides dirt better too. This Smart Cover, like the others, works with the iPad 3 (aka the new iPad) so that it will wake the unit up and put it to sleep. The magnet that holds it to the iPad 2/3 is strong enough to pick the iPad up so you don't have to worry about it coming off at random times. You can fold the cover over and use the iPad in various positions.
My only gripe against this is that the cover does absolutely nothing for the back of the iPad. It leaves it fully exposed and the brushed aluminum will scratch over time with standard use. I highly recommend buying a back snap cover for the iPad if you want to use this. Best Buy sells ones from Belkin for $30 that fits the iPad 3 and it doesn't add much bulk. Doing so drastically increases the cost of using Apple's Smart Cover though. I spent over $70 with tax on this and the Belkin solution. However, it is currently the only way to guarantee you are buying a case/cover that will wake an iPad 3 and out it to sleep. Until 3rd party manufacturers adapt their cases to the iPad 3, there is no other option except waiting.
What's great about it: Minimal, hides dirt, easy to install, fully works with iPad 3
What's not so great: Expensive, does not cover back
I would recommend this to a friend!
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
A review from someone who actually owns it
on March 18, 2012
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
I use it in...:Apartment
I have had my Apple TV for a few days now, I also have the 2010 Apple TV and have been using that since it launched. The 2012 Apple TV finally brings 1080p video output and it works with 1080p videos from the iTunes Store or ones being streamed to it via AirPlay from and iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPhone 4S.
First off, 1080p videos from the iTunes Store are top notch. They aren't quite Blu-ray quality but they are better than broadcast HDTV and DVDs. The common consumer likely wouldn't notice the difference between Blu-ray and this. All-in-all, this was a much needed update that produces a noticeable bump in video quality for 1080p capable sets with people sitting at appropriate distances from them. Even Netflix outputs at 1080p for select titles.
The user interface (UI) was also been updated . Owners of the 2010 Apple TV can also uograde to the new OS and get the new UI too. It is also a much needed update as the general UI is icon driven. You don't have to scroll through text anymore in the home screen. Apps still generally rely on a text interface but it is more pleasing to look at an array of colorful icons than having to scroll through text.
AirPlay and AirPlay mirroring works great. I am a little disappointed that my iPad 3 cannot mirror to my AppleTV at 1080p but that is OK as 720p mirroring looks good. Text can be a little blurry but it performs smoothly.
The Apple TV is extremely easy to setup and will automatically detect an optimal output resolution. Additionally, it will pick up a wi-fi network rather easily. Entering a password for an encrypted network (and for your Apple ID) can e tedious with the remote but you only have to do it once. The Apple TV integrates with your iTunes Store account so that you can stream all of your previous music, TV show, and movie purchases for free.
There are some cons to this though and these are the only things stopping the Apple TV from getting a perfect score. First off, not every movie or TV Show in the iTunes Store is 1080p. You also can't stream certain previously purchased movies using iCloud. This has to do with a deal that some of the movie companies have with HBO. Apple and HBO are working on this but it may take some time. Secondly, there is pretty much only one media app: Netflix. It would be nice to have Hulu Plus and HBO Go on the Apple TV. That is essentially my biggest complaint as it would open up the Apple TV to become a much more well rounded device. Others are complaining that more iOS apps aren't available for the Apple TV but I could really care less about being able to play Angry Birds or use Pages on my Apple TV. I just think that Apple should open it up for more media apps.
What's great about it: Easy to setup, iTunes store integration, 1080p
What's not so great: Needs more media apps
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Performance
5 out of 5
5
+41points
44of 47voted this as helpful.
 
Use this dock connector-to-VGA adapter to connect your Apple iPad to a TV, projector or VGA display and watch videos and slideshows on the big screen with family and friends.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
The product does what it is supposed to do
on March 11, 2012
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
I am not sure why so many people are posting up 1 star reviews. I guess they didn't read anything about video output and just expected every app out there to have video out capabilities. Now, with the iPad 1 (along with the 4G iPod touch and iPhone 4, both of which this accessory works with!), you need to have an app that supports video output. You won't be able to plug it in and expect everything to work. Keynote will work when in slideshow mode, you can watch movies with the Video app, etc. The instructions have to actually be in the app in order for video to be coming out of those older devices.
The iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPhone 4S all support display mirroring which means you can plug this in and immediately get some type of video output showing the contents of your iDevice (just like a full fledged notebook). This means that everything will be displayed through the VGA connector regardless of if the app supports video output or not. For example, I can play Angry Birds and have it mirrored to my HDTV or projector.
There are limitations to it though as certain apps will lock video output. Hulu Plus and HBO Go come to mind where they won't allow the iPad to output video using this adapter (Netflix works though). Copy protected music videos (the older ones), TV Shows, and Movies also can't be output using this accessory.
That is why the VGA adapter is more geared towards business use. Apple released their HDMI adapter last year and that works with Hulu Plus along with copy protected video content purchased from the iTunes Store. It still doesn't work with HBO Go. VGA is really a legacy video connection in this day and age when notebooks, graphics cards, and monitors are working with mini display port and HDMI. However, many businesses and institutions still heavily rely on VGA due to having older equipment (that and business oriented projectors still tend to focus on just VGA input). That and VGA has never, ever supported audio output whereas HDMI carries both video and audio.
Do yourself a favor and pick this VGA adapter up only if you plan on using your iPad/iPod/iPhone in a business/school related environment. Otherwise you will have limited functionality (some of that is due to the MPAA) with some apps/functions.
What's great about it: It works if you know what you are getting into
What's not so great: Some apps/functions don't support this adapter
I would recommend this to a friend!
+52points
53of 54voted this as helpful.
 
Blast the music on your iPod, iPhone or iPad with this speaker that features a subwoofer that delivers powerful bass and an Angry Birds design, so you can show your love for the game.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A nice compact solution for Angry Birds fans
on November 25, 2011
Posted by: ThisIsNot
from Cincinnati, OH
I was initially skeptical of this unit but I was on the market for a compact speaker system that would work with my 4G iPod touch, iPad 2, and Droid X. I looked at models from other brands that incorporated clocks but they all seemed to lack sound quality, build quality, and/or they provided quirky performance.
Being an AngryBirds fan, I was immediately drawn to this. The bird is actually quite compact taking up very little space. My iPad overshadows this by a large margin. It easily fit on my small night stand and has a smaller footprint than most other speaker docks in this price range. The sound quality also surprised me. I wasn't expecting this small setup to do much but it can easily fill my bedroom with music that isn't distorted. The bass isn't going to rattle your walls but I feel that the sound quality is better than others at this price (I have only experienced 7 models, one from Sony and 6 from iHome).
This will fully charge modern iPods, iPhones, and iPads though it does not state anything about working with legacy iPods. The manual and box also state that the 1G iPod touch won't work with this. The included remote has a rather long range and offers some basic controls. I was able to select certain songs, playlists, artists, albums, etc on my iPod all with the remote.
I can highly recommend this for people who want a compact solution with surprisingly nice sound quality that can easily fill a kitchen, bedroom, dining room, garage, or even a workout room. The only things I have against it is the lack of a large built-in clock and the lack of compatibility with alarm apps that would put my iPod to sleep after a certain amount of time.
What's great about it: Compact, sound quality, Angry Birds
What's not so great: No clock
I would recommend this to a friend!
+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
 
ThisIsNot's Review Comments
1 2 3 4 >>
 
Use this dock connector-to-VGA adapter to connect your Apple iPad to a TV, projector or VGA display and watch videos and slideshows on the big screen with family and friends.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
Did not work
By Stopwatch from Iowa
Tried it with an iPhone 4 and an iPod Touch 2nd generation. Would not display anything on the screen. You also have the additional headache of needing to use a audio cable with the plug that is the correct size. If it is too long (like with traditional audio cables that plug in to the earphone jack), then you do not get any audio. I ended up switching to the digital A/V adapter that uses HDMI and that has worked out very well.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
March 11, 2012
Of course you had issues, it sounds like you weren't using the adapter properly. First off, it is not compatible with the 2G iPod touch. Even Apple's HDMI adapter won't work with that iPod touch model. The only iPod touch that this and the HDMI adapter will work with is the 4G iPod touch. Also, display mirroring only works on the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S meaning that you would of had to actually play some type of video content on your iPhone 4 in order to output using the VGA adapter (which does work with the iPhone 4, 4G iPod touch, iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4S, and the eventual iPad 3). Nothing will appear on your TV's screen when you just plug the adapter in, you need to initiate some type of media with an app that supports external video output (such as the default Video or Photo apps).
Either way, your one star review isn't because the product was faulty but rather because you weren't using it properly.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
 
Transform your iPad into the ultimate viewing experience with the Versavu from Targus. With 360 degree rotating axis and soft-touch liner, no other competitor offers you more. Take this case everywhere you go and know that your iPad is completely protected. This product boasts a stain-resistant padded exterior that wipes clean with water, along with a lining made from soft-touch material. The Versavu is perfect for either at work or while you travel. Type, watch, browse or chat, as this stand features a patent-pending rotating design that allows you to view in either portrait or landscape angles. Be proud of your branding and style with the brightly colored cover which frames the Apple logo. No one will mistake what tablet you are carrying and Targus allows you to take it there.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
Doesn't work
By LD6403 from Houston, TX
I will be returning the case today because the magnetic strip will not automatically cut the ipad on and off. My coworker just put his ipad 2 in the case and it worked just fine, but it doesn't work for the new ipad. For $59.99, I would rather have something that is fully functioning.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
March 24, 2012
No, it won't "work like a charm.". Complete and online search and you will see what it going on. Third party cases just aren't waking the iPad 3 or putting it to sleep. Manufacturers are working on fixing this but it will take time. Until then, the only case guaranteed to fully work with the iPad 3 is Apple's Smart Cover line.
Some people are reporting success with this Targus case. The best thing you can do is bring your iPad 3 in and try the cases out. Keep going until you find some that works.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
This Apple Smart Cover MD306LL/A features a polyurethane exterior with a microfiber lining to keep your iPad free of dust and protected against bumps and scratches. The aluminum hinge magnetically aligns the cover with the iPad for an ideal fit.
 
Overall2 out of 52 out of 5
Did not work with "the New iPad"
By SVTLight04 from Brownsburg IN
I really wanted to like this product but due to the bump in weight and size of the new iPad it just slides out from the bottom. The magnets in the cover itself are not strong enough and does not support the weight. Would most likely work well with the iPad 2.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
March 24, 2012
I am not sure what point you are trying to get across but the Apple Smart Cover line works with the iPad 3. They stay in place, it puts the iPad 3 to sleep and wakes it up, and it works with the favious configurations. I had a hard time understanding what your issue was.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
UE BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (1-Piece): Stay on task, bring the party, or simply relax with the music that speaks to you here and now. This portable, water-resistant speaker travels easily to deliver bold sound everywhere you go. Keep your speaker updated with cool, new features like the musical alarm clock and custom stereo settings when you download the free UE BOOM app.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Fantastic sound quality for such a small speaker
By LoadStar from CenCal
Fantastic sound quality for such a small device. It in no way sounds hollow, or bright, or boomy. Don't get me wrong, there is great bass here, just not the over the top boomy kind. For my ears, they really nailed this one. I have a fairly high end home system (Monitor Audio Gold speakers, SVS Subwoofer, older American made Sunfire Signature Power Amp and Pre Amp, and so on) that I setup to enjoy a mostly neutral, natural soundscape, so that is what I mean by "my ears". Everyone hears sounds somewhat differently, so take a listen to them first, if you can. If you like heavy, over the top bass, these are probably not for you. Otherwise, enjoy!
As far as build quality goes, these are a well made speaker. The cover material is cloth, although it appears to be a durable, high quality cover, and marketed as being somewhat water resistant. the speaker is designed to stand up right, and on its bottom, between the two ports is a d-ring to allow for attachment to various clips or what not.
I purchased mine in store and have only had it for a day. It is marketed as having a 15 hour battery life, depending on usage, and after using it for several hours it would seem like a reasonably accurate count.
Connected to multiple iPhone 4S's quickly without any fuss.
Very well packaged inside that round container!
This was my first review here, sorry if it way too long.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 7, 2013
The sound quality of a Bose SoundLink II or Jawbone JamBox Big is easily going to beat the UE Boom. That's expected though as those are $300 speaker solutions while the UE Boom is $100 less. That being said, there are plenty of $400 bluetooth systems (such as the Beats Beatbox) that will beat out the sound quality and volume of two UE Booms setup in stereo/dual mono mode. I don't recommend buying two of these unless two people live in your house. The stereo/dual mono mode is a nice feature but it definitely isn't worth spending $400 for especially considering the quality of a Bose SoundDock (the $400 one with bluetooth), Beats Beatbox, or even a JamBox Big.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Well worth the price, a little short on features
By ThisIsNot from Cincinnati, OH
I have quite a collection of portable bluetooth speakers that include the Beats Pill, UE Boom, JamBox Big, a cheap no-name option, and now this. I am continually choosing to use the SoundLink Mini over my other options. It offers excellent high and low end response, much better than anything else I have tested. The UE Boom handles mids better but not by much, I think the SoundLink Mini has better balanced sound whereas the UE Boom sounds shallow due to its lack of bass. The only bluetooth speaker I have, which is able to outdo the SoundLink Mini in terms of sheer volume, is the JamBox Big. That is a $300 speaker though and it's to be expected. The UE Boom does get noticeably louder than the SoundLink Mini but it tends to distort the audio, especially bass-heavy music. I played a Rammstein song and the UE Boom sounded as if it was going to blow up while the SoundLink Mini handled everything with ease. Bose engineers were able to get more out of the SoundLink Mini compared to Ultimate Ear (now a Logitech company) as the Mini and Boom use a very similar setup.
The construction of the SoundLink Mini is very solid and looks like it came right off of an Apple assembly line. The speaker will easily blend in with an office desk, dorm room, bedroom, or kitchen and still look sophisticated. The only negative aspect regarding the use of brushed aluminum is that it can scratch, that is why I recommend buying one of Bose's soft covers along with this.
I do have a few complaints regarding this. First, the price is a little hefty for the amount of features that this has. I have become used to adjusting the volume of a bluetooth speaker using the volume adjustment on my iPhone. The UE Boom and JamBox Big are both like this. The volume on my iPhone controls the volume that the speakers play at. It's a nice feature so I don't always have to keep hitting buttons on top of the speaker just to turn things slightly up or down. Plus it allows me to be in the kitchen and change the volume while the speaker is on my porch. The SoundLink Mini does not have this feature though. At $200, I think it should be standard. The battery life is also short. Both the UE Boom and JamBox Big are able to squeeze 15 hours out of a single charge. Although the SoundLink Mini is the same size as the UE Boom, it lasts for half of that. I would have been OK with a 10 hour run time (at least enough to match my iPad mini) but I normally get about 6.5-7 hours out of a single charge. Lastly, this does not have speakerphone capabilities. I have never used any of my bluetooth speakers as speakerphones so I could care less but that is important to some people.
Some people complain about the lack of micro-USB charging with the Mini. I think that the charging cradle Bose includes with every speaker is much better than relying on either a hefty proprietary charging setup (like the AC adapter that comes with the JamBox Big and Beats Pill) or having yet another generic USB charger in my collection. The charging cradle is dead-simple to use and, at the end of the day, I normally just plop my speaker into that (with the soft cover on). It's really convenient and I think outweighs the lack of USB charging. Bose also includes a small AC adapter that can fold to take up less space. It's about 1/4 the size of my iPhone 5.
The SoundLink Mini has a micro-USB port for firmware updates and I really hope Bose adds more features (mainly volume adjustment on a device and a battery indicator icon in the iOS/Android task bar) down the line. Right now the features are a little short, especially when compared to the UE Boom, JamBox, or JamBox big. It is easily the best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker but I have to knock the score for those couple of aspects. I would have preferred if Bose made the unit a little heavier and bigger so that a larger battery could be included. If you favor sound quality, I can fully recommend the SoundLink Mini. It is portable enough to take anywhere and has the best sound from a speaker in the $200-$250 price category. However, if you are looking for something that has more features and can take more of a beating, I recommend going with the UE Boom. It is water resistant and has every feature that is missing from the SoundLink Mini. Bose may eventually get there but Logitech (and even Jawbone) are already implementing those features into their speakers now.
I still chose to use the SoundLink Mini on a daily basis as I value sound quality over everything else. It is small enough that I can throw it in my backpack without noticing or even a cargo pocket on my shorts without issues. Bose can improve things over time and I hope they do.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 8, 2013
I did try the SoundLink II and was not quite a fan of it. I thought the sound quality was just OK for its size, the battery life is too short for a $300 unit, and it's missing some of the same features as the SoundLink Mini. I can forgive them in the Mini as it's a $200 speaker system but I can't overlook them on a $300 unit. That's why I went with the Jawbone JamBox Big instead of the SoundLink II. The JamBox Big is still my go-to bluetooth speaker for when I'm having a party and don't feel like drowning everyone out with my surround sound system playing music. The SoundLink Mini is my everyday device of choice. It is a lot more portable than my JamBox Big, handles the bass better at the same volumes (though the JamBox Big does get about 2-3 times louder without distortion), and I can listen to my music on my patio without using headphone or overpowering the neighbors (I live in an apartment complex). The SoundLink II has a better design than the JamBox Big, which looks like a Lego block, but I think the JamBox big easily trounces the SoundLink II with every other aspect (features, sound quality, battery life, etc.).
Unlike the SoundLink II, I think the SoundLink Mini is well worth the $200 price it commands. The device feels like it costs $200 whereas the SoundLink II feels like it should be $250 max, closer to the same $200 price of the Mini. I think the Mini would be near-perfect if Bose addressed some of my issues such as being able to adjust the speaker volume with a device, showing a battery status icon in the task bar of an iPhone/Android phone/tablet, and trying to squeeze an extra hour or two out of the battery (similar to what Jawbone did with the JamBox Big by using more efficient AAC processing). Right now I think it sits at a firm 4 out of 5 but could easily go up to 4.75 out of 5 if Bose took care of those couple of things.
0points
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Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
FIRST PRODUCT FROM BOSE I RECOMMEND
By Ppdoodle from Detroit, MI
Up until this arrived, there was no doubt in my mind which small Bluetooth speaker got my vote: The "JBL Flip". The BOSE MINI SOUNDLINK is hands down, the best small Bluetooth speaker out there. Sound quality, build quality, utility. Look, go ahead and search the market, at $100.00 the "Flip" cannot be beat, but if you are gonna move beyond that, this is where you will land. Battery life is right around 6-7 hrs! I had the SOUNDLINK II, not impressed; returned it. Finally, a BOSE product that truly ROCKS! Good work, folks, you have put the rest of the industry to shame, and it truly does fit in a Back-Pack or Briefcase.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 8, 2013
I agree, I was not impressed with the SoundLink II especially after hearing my JamBox Big. The SoundLink II doesn't sound or even look like it should be $300. Although the JamBox Big doesn't look like a $300 device, it has the features and sound quality of one. I think that the SoundLink Mini has better sound quality than the JamBox Big on a volume-to-volume comparison but the JamBox Big can get 2-3 times louder without distortion. It certainly lives up to its name and I think the SoundLink Mini is well worth the $200 price. It looks and sounds like a $200. The brushed aluminum design looks like it came right out of an Apple Store.
I only wish Bose would add more features similar to the Jawbone JamBox (the normal or big one, doesn't matter) or UE Boom. The UE Boom and standard JamBox have the SoundLink Mini beat in terms of features but the SoundLink Mini is easily be best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker on the market. Unlike the SoundLink II, the Mini lives up to the Bose name and sets the sound quality standard for $200 bluetooth speakers.
-1point
0of 1voted this comment as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Well worth the price, a little short on features
By ThisIsNot from Cincinnati, OH
I have quite a collection of portable bluetooth speakers that include the Beats Pill, UE Boom, JamBox Big, a cheap no-name option, and now this. I am continually choosing to use the SoundLink Mini over my other options. It offers excellent high and low end response, much better than anything else I have tested. The UE Boom handles mids better but not by much, I think the SoundLink Mini has better balanced sound whereas the UE Boom sounds shallow due to its lack of bass. The only bluetooth speaker I have, which is able to outdo the SoundLink Mini in terms of sheer volume, is the JamBox Big. That is a $300 speaker though and it's to be expected. The UE Boom does get noticeably louder than the SoundLink Mini but it tends to distort the audio, especially bass-heavy music. I played a Rammstein song and the UE Boom sounded as if it was going to blow up while the SoundLink Mini handled everything with ease. Bose engineers were able to get more out of the SoundLink Mini compared to Ultimate Ear (now a Logitech company) as the Mini and Boom use a very similar setup.
The construction of the SoundLink Mini is very solid and looks like it came right off of an Apple assembly line. The speaker will easily blend in with an office desk, dorm room, bedroom, or kitchen and still look sophisticated. The only negative aspect regarding the use of brushed aluminum is that it can scratch, that is why I recommend buying one of Bose's soft covers along with this.
I do have a few complaints regarding this. First, the price is a little hefty for the amount of features that this has. I have become used to adjusting the volume of a bluetooth speaker using the volume adjustment on my iPhone. The UE Boom and JamBox Big are both like this. The volume on my iPhone controls the volume that the speakers play at. It's a nice feature so I don't always have to keep hitting buttons on top of the speaker just to turn things slightly up or down. Plus it allows me to be in the kitchen and change the volume while the speaker is on my porch. The SoundLink Mini does not have this feature though. At $200, I think it should be standard. The battery life is also short. Both the UE Boom and JamBox Big are able to squeeze 15 hours out of a single charge. Although the SoundLink Mini is the same size as the UE Boom, it lasts for half of that. I would have been OK with a 10 hour run time (at least enough to match my iPad mini) but I normally get about 6.5-7 hours out of a single charge. Lastly, this does not have speakerphone capabilities. I have never used any of my bluetooth speakers as speakerphones so I could care less but that is important to some people.
Some people complain about the lack of micro-USB charging with the Mini. I think that the charging cradle Bose includes with every speaker is much better than relying on either a hefty proprietary charging setup (like the AC adapter that comes with the JamBox Big and Beats Pill) or having yet another generic USB charger in my collection. The charging cradle is dead-simple to use and, at the end of the day, I normally just plop my speaker into that (with the soft cover on). It's really convenient and I think outweighs the lack of USB charging. Bose also includes a small AC adapter that can fold to take up less space. It's about 1/4 the size of my iPhone 5.
The SoundLink Mini has a micro-USB port for firmware updates and I really hope Bose adds more features (mainly volume adjustment on a device and a battery indicator icon in the iOS/Android task bar) down the line. Right now the features are a little short, especially when compared to the UE Boom, JamBox, or JamBox big. It is easily the best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker but I have to knock the score for those couple of aspects. I would have preferred if Bose made the unit a little heavier and bigger so that a larger battery could be included. If you favor sound quality, I can fully recommend the SoundLink Mini. It is portable enough to take anywhere and has the best sound from a speaker in the $200-$250 price category. However, if you are looking for something that has more features and can take more of a beating, I recommend going with the UE Boom. It is water resistant and has every feature that is missing from the SoundLink Mini. Bose may eventually get there but Logitech (and even Jawbone) are already implementing those features into their speakers now.
I still chose to use the SoundLink Mini on a daily basis as I value sound quality over everything else. It is small enough that I can throw it in my backpack without noticing or even a cargo pocket on my shorts without issues. Bose can improve things over time and I hope they do.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 9, 2013
No, adjusting the volume on my iPhone/iPad does not actually adjust the speaker volume. It will decrease or increase the volume of the music being sent to the Bose SoundLink Mini but it won't actually change the speaker volume, you have to use the physical buttons on the SoundLink Mini to do that.
However, things aren't like that with the UE Boom and JamBox Big as adjusting the volume on an iPhone/iPad actually changes the speaker volume, not the music being sent to it. So I can be on my outdoor couch with the UE Boom or JamBox Big on a table and have full control of it's volume with just my iPhone. If I want to adjust the speaker volume on the SoundLink Mini, I have to get up and change it. That is what I am saying. Bose can update the SoundLink Mini to support this, along with adding a battery status icon in the iOS/Android task bar. They haven't but this is an update that can easily be applied. My JamBox Big didn't support this whenever I first purchased it but it did after a firmware update.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Well worth the price, a little short on features
By ThisIsNot from Cincinnati, OH
I have quite a collection of portable bluetooth speakers that include the Beats Pill, UE Boom, JamBox Big, a cheap no-name option, and now this. I am continually choosing to use the SoundLink Mini over my other options. It offers excellent high and low end response, much better than anything else I have tested. The UE Boom handles mids better but not by much, I think the SoundLink Mini has better balanced sound whereas the UE Boom sounds shallow due to its lack of bass. The only bluetooth speaker I have, which is able to outdo the SoundLink Mini in terms of sheer volume, is the JamBox Big. That is a $300 speaker though and it's to be expected. The UE Boom does get noticeably louder than the SoundLink Mini but it tends to distort the audio, especially bass-heavy music. I played a Rammstein song and the UE Boom sounded as if it was going to blow up while the SoundLink Mini handled everything with ease. Bose engineers were able to get more out of the SoundLink Mini compared to Ultimate Ear (now a Logitech company) as the Mini and Boom use a very similar setup.
The construction of the SoundLink Mini is very solid and looks like it came right off of an Apple assembly line. The speaker will easily blend in with an office desk, dorm room, bedroom, or kitchen and still look sophisticated. The only negative aspect regarding the use of brushed aluminum is that it can scratch, that is why I recommend buying one of Bose's soft covers along with this.
I do have a few complaints regarding this. First, the price is a little hefty for the amount of features that this has. I have become used to adjusting the volume of a bluetooth speaker using the volume adjustment on my iPhone. The UE Boom and JamBox Big are both like this. The volume on my iPhone controls the volume that the speakers play at. It's a nice feature so I don't always have to keep hitting buttons on top of the speaker just to turn things slightly up or down. Plus it allows me to be in the kitchen and change the volume while the speaker is on my porch. The SoundLink Mini does not have this feature though. At $200, I think it should be standard. The battery life is also short. Both the UE Boom and JamBox Big are able to squeeze 15 hours out of a single charge. Although the SoundLink Mini is the same size as the UE Boom, it lasts for half of that. I would have been OK with a 10 hour run time (at least enough to match my iPad mini) but I normally get about 6.5-7 hours out of a single charge. Lastly, this does not have speakerphone capabilities. I have never used any of my bluetooth speakers as speakerphones so I could care less but that is important to some people.
Some people complain about the lack of micro-USB charging with the Mini. I think that the charging cradle Bose includes with every speaker is much better than relying on either a hefty proprietary charging setup (like the AC adapter that comes with the JamBox Big and Beats Pill) or having yet another generic USB charger in my collection. The charging cradle is dead-simple to use and, at the end of the day, I normally just plop my speaker into that (with the soft cover on). It's really convenient and I think outweighs the lack of USB charging. Bose also includes a small AC adapter that can fold to take up less space. It's about 1/4 the size of my iPhone 5.
The SoundLink Mini has a micro-USB port for firmware updates and I really hope Bose adds more features (mainly volume adjustment on a device and a battery indicator icon in the iOS/Android task bar) down the line. Right now the features are a little short, especially when compared to the UE Boom, JamBox, or JamBox big. It is easily the best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker but I have to knock the score for those couple of aspects. I would have preferred if Bose made the unit a little heavier and bigger so that a larger battery could be included. If you favor sound quality, I can fully recommend the SoundLink Mini. It is portable enough to take anywhere and has the best sound from a speaker in the $200-$250 price category. However, if you are looking for something that has more features and can take more of a beating, I recommend going with the UE Boom. It is water resistant and has every feature that is missing from the SoundLink Mini. Bose may eventually get there but Logitech (and even Jawbone) are already implementing those features into their speakers now.
I still chose to use the SoundLink Mini on a daily basis as I value sound quality over everything else. It is small enough that I can throw it in my backpack without noticing or even a cargo pocket on my shorts without issues. Bose can improve things over time and I hope they do.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 9, 2013
I'll further clarify with this: when you are playing music using the SoundLink Mini, the volume on your device should be all the way at the maximum level. You should then change the volume using the buttons on the speaker. That is the proper way to adjust the volume of the speaker. Not doing so can cause an imbalance with the sound. Playing around with the volume on your iOS/Android device, with the SoundLink Mini, does not actually change the volume of the speaker itself. As I said, it only changes the volume of the music being sent to it (not actually volume instructions for the speaker). If the SoundLink Mini were a car audio receiver, adjusting the volume on your iOS/Android device won't change the actual car audio setting. However, with other units (such as the US Boom and JamBox), adjusting the volume on your iOS/Android device is the same as turning the knob on your audio system to change the volume.
I want true speaker volume control, along with a battery indicator, in a future firmware update. That way I don't have to try to balance the volume of both my phone and my speaker, I can adjust everything using only my phone.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Well worth the price, a little short on features
By ThisIsNot from Cincinnati, OH
I have quite a collection of portable bluetooth speakers that include the Beats Pill, UE Boom, JamBox Big, a cheap no-name option, and now this. I am continually choosing to use the SoundLink Mini over my other options. It offers excellent high and low end response, much better than anything else I have tested. The UE Boom handles mids better but not by much, I think the SoundLink Mini has better balanced sound whereas the UE Boom sounds shallow due to its lack of bass. The only bluetooth speaker I have, which is able to outdo the SoundLink Mini in terms of sheer volume, is the JamBox Big. That is a $300 speaker though and it's to be expected. The UE Boom does get noticeably louder than the SoundLink Mini but it tends to distort the audio, especially bass-heavy music. I played a Rammstein song and the UE Boom sounded as if it was going to blow up while the SoundLink Mini handled everything with ease. Bose engineers were able to get more out of the SoundLink Mini compared to Ultimate Ear (now a Logitech company) as the Mini and Boom use a very similar setup.
The construction of the SoundLink Mini is very solid and looks like it came right off of an Apple assembly line. The speaker will easily blend in with an office desk, dorm room, bedroom, or kitchen and still look sophisticated. The only negative aspect regarding the use of brushed aluminum is that it can scratch, that is why I recommend buying one of Bose's soft covers along with this.
I do have a few complaints regarding this. First, the price is a little hefty for the amount of features that this has. I have become used to adjusting the volume of a bluetooth speaker using the volume adjustment on my iPhone. The UE Boom and JamBox Big are both like this. The volume on my iPhone controls the volume that the speakers play at. It's a nice feature so I don't always have to keep hitting buttons on top of the speaker just to turn things slightly up or down. Plus it allows me to be in the kitchen and change the volume while the speaker is on my porch. The SoundLink Mini does not have this feature though. At $200, I think it should be standard. The battery life is also short. Both the UE Boom and JamBox Big are able to squeeze 15 hours out of a single charge. Although the SoundLink Mini is the same size as the UE Boom, it lasts for half of that. I would have been OK with a 10 hour run time (at least enough to match my iPad mini) but I normally get about 6.5-7 hours out of a single charge. Lastly, this does not have speakerphone capabilities. I have never used any of my bluetooth speakers as speakerphones so I could care less but that is important to some people.
Some people complain about the lack of micro-USB charging with the Mini. I think that the charging cradle Bose includes with every speaker is much better than relying on either a hefty proprietary charging setup (like the AC adapter that comes with the JamBox Big and Beats Pill) or having yet another generic USB charger in my collection. The charging cradle is dead-simple to use and, at the end of the day, I normally just plop my speaker into that (with the soft cover on). It's really convenient and I think outweighs the lack of USB charging. Bose also includes a small AC adapter that can fold to take up less space. It's about 1/4 the size of my iPhone 5.
The SoundLink Mini has a micro-USB port for firmware updates and I really hope Bose adds more features (mainly volume adjustment on a device and a battery indicator icon in the iOS/Android task bar) down the line. Right now the features are a little short, especially when compared to the UE Boom, JamBox, or JamBox big. It is easily the best sounding $200 bluetooth speaker but I have to knock the score for those couple of aspects. I would have preferred if Bose made the unit a little heavier and bigger so that a larger battery could be included. If you favor sound quality, I can fully recommend the SoundLink Mini. It is portable enough to take anywhere and has the best sound from a speaker in the $200-$250 price category. However, if you are looking for something that has more features and can take more of a beating, I recommend going with the UE Boom. It is water resistant and has every feature that is missing from the SoundLink Mini. Bose may eventually get there but Logitech (and even Jawbone) are already implementing those features into their speakers now.
I still chose to use the SoundLink Mini on a daily basis as I value sound quality over everything else. It is small enough that I can throw it in my backpack without noticing or even a cargo pocket on my shorts without issues. Bose can improve things over time and I hope they do.
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
No true volume adjustment
August 19, 2013
Please see my clarifications. Bose has made it so that the speakers do not function for true volume adjustment. Playing with the volume slider on a device will ONLY adjust the volume of the music being sent to the Mini. It doesn't actually adjust the true volume of the speakers. It's easy to get these two confused. However, if you adjust the volume on the Mini, the volume bar on your device should also decrease. It doesn't with the mini, the two volume levels are not linked like they should be. The jambox and UE boom both work directly with a device whereas the Mini does not.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Samfrantastic!
By DWStafford from Tipp City OH
I just got the speaker last night. I paired it with my iPhone 4S with no drama at all. The speaker came with a partial charge, but I was able to plug it in to charge it and listen to it right out of the box. I listened to it for about three hours to wring it out and all of the various music styles sounded great. Crystal clear sounds and awesome base response. Much better that any other speaker in the $200 price range or less.
Today I tried to pair it with my laptop. It wouldn't. There was a hitch with needing to update my Bluetooth drivers. I needed to get Dell on the phone - we all know what a pleasure that is - NOT. After two hours they got me straightened out with the updated drivers and VOILA! The speaker paired with my laptop too! It also sound terrific with that source.
I tried them at all sound levels and max volume on the iPhone and on the speakers is too loud for our living room. They are plenty loud enough.
I narrowed my choice down between the SoundLink Mini and the UE Boom. I was hesitant to go with these speakers as they don't have speaker phone capability and some of the fancy features of some of the alternatives, like iPhone app to control the speakers. I ultimately decided sound quality was most critical.
I thought the optional carry case looked a bit mickey mouse for the price. That's my only negative comment. I will probably not use the docking station and left it in the box that is now stored away.
If you are like me and want great sound, these little speakers are absolutely worth the price of admission!
Buy them - you will not be disappointed!
Customer Avatar
ThisIsNot
Cincinnati, OH
August 22, 2013
I highly recommend buying the carrying case if you plan on traveling with the SoundLink Mini at all. Online pictures and the box don't do it justice. I didn't like the case until I actually started playing around with it in the stores. The case holds the speaker (even with a protective cover on it) and its AC adapter all while not taking up very much space. It's really handy when traveling. I also recommend using the charging cradle, I much prefer plopping my speaker down on the dock vs. always having to plug it in. The dock is easy and convenient, a real selling point to this speaker.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
 
ThisIsNot's Questions
 
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ThisIsNot's Answers
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The SoundLink Color Portable Bluetooth speaker II was engineered to deliver bold sound wherever life takes you. From the pool to the park to the patio, its rugged, water-resistant design lets you enjoy the music you love in more places. Voice prompts make Bluetooth pairing easy. And up to 8 hours of listening per battery charge lets you keep your playlists playing.
 

what is the watts output

Bose doesn't list or advertise the wattage of their speakers and headphones, they don't focus on raw specs.
7 years ago
by
ThisIsNot
 
Your music says a lot about you. So do your headphones. Bose® FreeStyle™ earbuds have fresh designs to fit your style and deep, clear sound to make you love the music you love even more. The StayHear® ear tips provide a secure, comfortable fit.
 

With the Bose Freestyles lacking the hydrophobic cloth in the Bose Soundsport, what allows for the sweat and weather resistance in the Freestyles?

The FreeStyle earbuds have the same inner layer of thin hydrophobic cloth as the SoundSport earbuds. That's what I was told by multiple Bose representatives at different stores before purchasing my FreeStyle earbuds. Both earbuds are rated for the same water resistance so really, there is no point in spending the extra money to get the SoundSport earbuds unless you need a longer cable. Well, the cable built into the SoundSport earbuds is shorter but they come with an extension cable. You can buy this same extension cable from Bose if you really wanted to.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

Aux input playback

I have bought the Bose SoundLink Mini and it sounds amazing. It's really something to be marvelled at. I'm using it to listening music from my tablet via Bluetooth and I cannot ask for better combo.

Now what I want to do also is, use the Aux input to play some movies from my PC, and some have a 5.1 soundtrack. When I connect the cable I can only ear the 2 fronts channels, even though I have configured the system to play in stereo mode.

It's even possible to the Bose Mini to reproduce a 5.1 movie track? Or do I have to downmix from 5.1 to stereo? If so it's possible to do this on the fly with a certain player?

What I'm doing wrong? Does anyone has any suggestion?

Thanks in advance,
Lino
The SoundLink Mini accepts up to stereo audio only. You can't send a 5.1 soundtrack over a 3.5mm connection (the Auxiliary input) anyway. Your sound card is sending only the two front stereo channels through that connection to the SoundLink Mini.

What you need to do is either select the stereo soundtrack of the movie (many modern movies lack this), set your sound card to stereo output so that it down mixes the audio, or use something like VLC to play the video back and have the software down mix the audio.
10 years, 3 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

No bluetooth on TV

I want sound by my chair from my Sony TV (large room) that does not have Bluetooth. Is there a way to connect so I can use the speaker for localized sound?
Yes. You would need a cable that goes from male RCA (red and white) connections to a male 3.5mm connection. You'll plug the RCA ends into the audio output from your TV and then the 3.5mm end into the input on the SoundLink Mini (it's on the right side). That being said, you will have to get up and hit the buttons on the SoundLink Mini to adjust the volume.

The SoundLink Mini was NOT designed to be a primary speaker for a TV. It is designed to be used with a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet, with audio playing through Bluetooth. The 3.5mm input is for older portable devices that don't have Bluetooth (like an iPod classic).
10 years, 3 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

What is the Hz range for this speaker?

Just comparing this speaker to some other bluetooth speakers, I realized this does not list the Hz range. Thanks!
Bose does not release the specs for their speakers or headphones so your guess is as good as anyone else's.
10 years, 3 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

Is there a solution for interruptions in sound when connected to iPod Touch?

Our Bose Soundlink Mini is two weeks old, using with an iPod Touch 4th gen-- great sound! However, we are experiencing frequent brief hiccups (tiny interruptions in continuous sound flow), whether using music stored on the iPod or streaming radio through different wifi broadband networks. This ruins the value of this speaker for us. Is there a fix? Would a newer iPod or iPad work any better?
It depends on how far away you are from the speaker. Bluetooth has a theoretical range of 30 ft but that's if it's a clear shot outdoors without anything between your iPod and the speaker. I also know that the 4G iPod touch's Bluetooth radio has a smaller range than my iPad mini and iPhone 5. A newer device may work better. I do recall getting some audio dropout in my car's Bluetooth system (aftermarket, I installed it) with my 4G iPod touch despite it sitting right next to the car's Bluetooth receiver. I don't experience Bluetooth dropout with my iPhone 5 in my car and it stays in my pocket. I haven't experienced audio dropout with my iPhone 5 or iPad mini and my SoundLink Mini system with normal use. I do when I go from my bathroom to living room but that's past the 30 ft mark and it goes through three walls.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

Is this product ever going to have speakerphone capabilities

If so when is this going to be available
No. The SoundLink Mini needs a microphone to be used as a speakerphone and Bose did not install one. They would have to release an updated SoundLink Mini with a built-in microphone in order to be used as a speakerphone.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

How many watts?

Bose does not advertise the wattage of their speakers or sound systems, that is something the company has never done. The SoundLink Mini can compete with the Big JamBox (it's maximum volume is about 75% of the Big JamBox) so it gets pretty loud. It's loud enough to actually push air in front of the speaker.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

Does it damage anything if you use it while it is on the charging dock?

Not at all. Just as with any modern electronic device with a built-in battery, you can use it while the device is charging. The dock is nothing more than a quick connection option for charging.
10 years, 7 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH
 
Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker: Enjoy full, robust sound anywhere you go with this speaker that features an ultracompact design for easy movement from room to room. Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly stream music and more from your compatible cell phone, audio player and more.
 

DC power plug: is it possible to be delivered with an EUROPEAN plug ?

DC power plug: is it possible to be delivered with an EUROPEAN plug ?
I am living in FRANCE (European country), and I would like to order the BOSE SOUNDLINK MINI from your Site.
Is it possible to include the FRENCH/EUROPEAN plug and Dc POWER (220 v)?
If it is possible, does this need to pay any additionnal cost ?
Best regards
First, you need to see if Best Buy supports international shipping. Second, you don't need the DC power plug. It comes with an AC/DC charger that works with international power supplies. You will need the plug adapter to go from the U.S. AC prong to whatever prong shape that is used in France. That's it though, no converter is needed. Just a prong adapter. I'm sure Best Buy sells one but it won't do you any good if they don't ship internationally. Contact Best Buys customer support (this isn't it) and go from there.
10 years, 8 months ago
by
ThisIsNot
   Cincinnati, OH