The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini Speaker Dock Reviews
The Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Mini is the smaller and cheaper brother of the flying balloon style speaker the Zeppelin. Priced at $400 US, it’s $200 cheaper than the original Zeppelin, and much smaller too.
The Zeppelin Mini is Aesthetically pleasing, the ellipsoid form factor, stretcheable spandex-like black cloth clover and chrome combination makes it look sophisticated. iLounge rated the Zepelin as “B” which means recommended.They compared it with Bose SoundDock, Altec’s iMT800, JBL On Stage 400P and iHome iP1. The Mini out witted them in terms of dimension, its much easier to fit in small spaces than the others. Although they did not bash the Zeppelin Mini for its lack of substance, they noted that the mini is made to impress with its compact design, elegent remote, rotating dock (perfect for movies), in a sharp minimalist style and that is the main substance of B&W. You can read the complete review here.
CrunchGear also reviewed the Zeppelin Mini and although it the mini could be considered as a work of art, it can ba frustrating to use which they pointed out that it’s iTunes fault. Here’s a list of negative and positive feedback.
Zeppelin Mini Pros
- Sound is great
- Classic and elegant B&W look
- Can charge and sync iPod/iPhone
The Cons are
- Unresponsive after syncing (itunes fault?)
- Limited on device control (no temble and bass control on the unit)
- The chrome top is prone to dust and finger print
B&W Zeppelin Mini Specs
- Technical features: Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Digital amplifier, Switch mode power supply, Rotating Arm for cover flow operation, Flow port, USB streaming from PC/Mac, iPod/ iTunes sync, Remote control
- Compatibility: Any iPod/iPhone
- Drive units: 2x f75mm (3.0 in) full range
- Frequency range: -6dB at 38Hz and 20kHz
- Amplifier power output: 2x18W
- Power input voltage: 100V – 240V ac 50/60Hz on external power supply 16V DC on product
- Rated power consumption 15W
- Standby power consumption <0.8W
- Inputs: 30-pin iPod connector, 3.5mm mini jack analogue, USB 2.0 for PC connection: Streaming, synchronization & software upgrades
- Dimensions and weight: Height – 200mm (6.8 in) free standin, Width – 320mm (12.6 in), Depth – 100mm (4 in) free standing, Net weight 2.5kg
- Grilles: Black cloth
Conclusion: As iLounge and Crunchgear pointed out, the Zeppelin Mini is not for the budget challenged. B&W is targeting the high-end exclusive design savvy market with the Mini. At a the price of 400 US dollars you can buy a better sounding iphone/ipod speaker dock but may not look good as this one. If you can afford it, then go ahead but otherwise you can look at the Bose, and JVC alternative.
Zeppelin Mini Product Page
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