DESIGN
It has a flat metal grill and a solid aluminium shell, the SoundLink Mini evokes the image of a radio from the 1960s, yet sleeker and more updated for today. It measures just 2 by 7.1 by 2.3 inches (HWD), and its satisfyingly sturdy-feeling 1.5pound heft and aluminium casing give an impression of solidity. The controls are arranged neatly in a row of rubber buttons on the top of the speaker, with raised Volume Up/ Down buttons franked by Power and Mute buttons on the left and Bluetooth and Auxiliary input buttons on the right.
The right side of the speaker holds a power connector and a 3.5mm audio input. The back is covered by a metallic grille just like the front's, nut without a Bose logo painted on it, showing the passive radiator built into the speaker. A large rectangular foot on the bottom of the speaker keeps it in place and covers the rechargeable battery, along with contact points for the included charging cradle and a micro USB port.
CHARGING
Unlike many other Bluetooth speakers, the SoundLink Mini doesn't charge through its micro USB port; that's only for servicing the speaker and upgrading the firmware. According to Bose, the speaker's battery can last 7 hours on a charge.
PERFORMANCE
For its small size, the SoundLink Mini puts out some impressive sound. It has more directional sound, but it also put more power and sounded just as good placed against a wall and facing entire room. Although the bass made the speaker itself shake, its small size limited its ability to deliver real wall-shaking bass, though the reverb and harsh riffs of Daft Punk's "Robot Rock" created a suitably large-sounding soundscape. The SoundLink Mini's solid high-mid performance gave it a slight edge over the Logitech UE Boom, which can sound slightly tinny in comparison.
The BoseLink Mini is a little powerhouse that produces clear, solid sound, but for its size and price its performance is impressive.
PRICE - $199.95