Bose Tweaks SoundDock with Series II

The second version of Bose's pricy SoundDock will add iPhone compatability, auxiliary inputs, and a ever-so-slightly changed look.

Bose may already have one of the priciest stationary iPod docks out there with its $229 SoundDock digital music system, but the next iteration will set the bar even higher – and add a few features in the process. The SoundDock Series II, announced Thursday, will refine the original’s styling and add more player compatibility.

While the original SoundDock and its successor, the SoundDock Portable, appeared almost like twins to the untrained eye, the SoundDock Series II will favor more the approach of the portable version by using cleaner lines. It does, however, maintain a footprint almost exactly the same size as the original: roughly a foot wide, six inches tall and six inches deep.

In addition to being compatible with almost all iPods, the Series II will also support iPhones, and is one of the few docks that allows them to be used without going into “airplane mode,” meaning the speakers and wiring have been shielded from cell interference. Bose has also added an auxiliary jack for playing music from non-Apple sources.

The SoundDock Series II will debut in September for $70 more than its successor – $299.