Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers three hours of playback time at full volume and more at moderate listening levels, the company says. It features a rotating iPod dock that spins around to fold into the portable's chassis for easy carrying. The device's rear-firing bass port doubles as a carrying handle. An IR remote that operates the Portable and docked iPod offers playlist control. The unit is expected to sell for around $499.

Unlike most portable iPod speaker systems, the company said, the SoundDock Portable recharges iPods when operating off its internal battery, not just when plugged into AC. The chassis, available in black or white, measures 6.75 inches by 12.1 inches by 4.1 inches with the dock closed.

Like the SoundDock, the Portable model is sold through Bose-branded stores, authorized dealers and direct to consumer.

Bose's only other portable system is the one-piece Acoustic Wave music system, an AC system that can be made portable with the addition of a power pack and travel case. A couple years ago, the company also offered a TriPort CD music system, which consisted of a portable CD player and TriPort headphones.