The x-mini-ii capsule speaker for iPod is a tiny little docking speaker that I want to tell you about today.

I realize I have been going on a lot about the Bose Sounddock 10 music system for iPod and I do realize they are not for everyone. So its time for something a little less pricey. Maybe you just want the speakers for spoken word rather than for music. If that is the case there are several smaller and cheaper speakers that would fit the bill perfectly. Of course these speakers do play music too but not as well as larger and more expensive docking speakers like the Bose range.

So today I want to tell you about a little speaker I bought that is portable and that I use to listen to audiobooks and podcasts.  It is called the x-mini 11 capsule speaker and it costs only about $28 at Amazon.com at present so it won’t set you back too much.

X-mini Capsule 11 speaker

The x-mini 11 capsule speaker for iPod comes in red or black and it is so small that it will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand being about half the size of a tennis ball. Despite its small size the x-mini-capsule 11 makes a big loud noise! The battery life is around 11 hours and it is rechargeable, so no need to keep splashing out on expensive batteries.

User feedback is very good with 114 people gave the x-mini 11 capsule speaker 5/5 stars on the Amazon.com web site, so its certainly living up to its promise for most purchasers.

Purchase:

USA Shoppers: X-Mini II Capsule Speakerx c

UK Shoppers: X-Mini Capsule Speaker

Don’t take my word for it that the Bose docking stations are the best! Another person who thinks the Bose SoundDock 10 is superior to the B & W posted his viewson the MacTalk Forum:

” B&W Zeppelin docking station – as I mentioned before – in the past I think it is the aesthetics that bugged me, as well as the quality of sound at the low volume settings. High volume settings next to the new Bose docking station it didn’t compete either. I wanted to buy B&W, but I didn’t.

Bose SoundDock 10 – ok by now you might have guessed – I bought this one… and it is sitting in my formal lounge now! WOOHOO!!!!
WOW the bass, and range of tones I personally thought was cleaner to listen to – when directly compared to the B&W. The three factors that probably won me over in the end…
* it plays much louder than the Zeppelin, for outdoors, parties, groups, big rooms, this blows the  B&W away.
* Bass – wow – sounds great!!!!!
* Visuals – not a fan of the Zeppelin, and this one is much larger than the previous Bose models, but it looks fine. Doesn’t look cheap, tacky, and hopefully it won’t be a dust magnet. I think the Zeppelin would be hard to keep clean in the long term.”

and  I really liked this bit!

“Another customer told me he bought the B&W and then the Bose SoundDock 10, and has given his Zeppelin to his ex-wife now!?!?!!”

Couldn’t have said it better myself !

Since these systems are large and will be a feature in any room I do think that the look matters. The Bose it is a much better shape- the B&W docking station is different but I wouldn’t want to look at it every day would you?!

So if you want the best in docking stations do take a good look at the Bose SoundDock 10.

If you are thinking of getting a Bose SoundDock to use outside then choose the Bose Portable. This model can run on re-chargeable battery power for up to 3 hours, has a carry handle and weighs 5.23lbs. The closest comparison in Bose SoundDocks is the series 11 which weighs 4.56 lbs but has no handle and doesn’t run on batteries.  Both models produce strong enough sound for them to be played outside without problems. Neither model is waterproof.

The larger and more expensive, at $599, Bose SoundDock 10 weighs in at 18 lbs and so clearly not intended for carrying around.  If you want the absolute best sound in a speaker dock and are not worried about portability then choose this  larger Bose. It is the only one that has the advanced waveguide technology and it produces the best sound (“…enables full-bodied sound, especially in lower registers, for more natural-sounding bass and percussion instruments” Bose). Incidentally it is also the only model that will play iPod videos on TV.

So if you will be listening indoors and in one place in your home then go for the SoundDock 10 and get the best sound. But if you want to carry the Bose with you, even from room to room, then the Bose Portable $399, my suit your needs better.  Just depends on how important sound quality is to you. The portable has good sound quality but the larger Bose 10 Speaker dock has higher quality sound.

This is a description of the B & W Zeppelin Mini Docking Speaker which came out in the USA last October. This is not a review but a run down of its features, quite useful if you are considering buying one of these mini iPod dock systems. I will add some reviews or rather user feedback in my next post.

The Zeppelin Mini Docking Speaker isn’t going to give you the same sound capacity as the larger Zeppelin but for a small sound dock it is excellent. Its closest competitor in the mini sound dock market would be the Bose Portable Sounddock and these are around the same price of $399.

If you live in UK click this link for the Bose Portable Sounddock

What next for the iPod? I bought a new Nano for my partner for Christmas and it has a video camera and voice recorder on it! I was tempted to keep it and give her my old one- and it is only 6 months old. But I did the right thing and wrapped it up in pretty paper and passed it on!

According to a patent that Apple has filed another innovation is on the cards, a pocket TV style  iPod.  The patent even describes the ability to record TV programs on your future iPod! Do not be upset if you have just bought a new iPod, the patent application shows older iPods will be able to access the new functions by adding an extension.

That’s a cool idea!

So which is the one you would buy if you have $599 to spare that is, the Bose Sounddock 10 or the  B&W Zeppelin Speaker for iPod also $599? The reviews are good for both of them so I think it all comes down to which one you like the look of. I prefer the Bose myself and have already shelled out  for it.

It is worth saving up for if you have maxed out your credit card over Christmas and can’t quite manage it this month.