Does the Bose Sound Dock Work With the iPad?
By Nick Davis
The Bose Sound Dock includes an iPod dock, but that doesn't mean it won't also work with the iPad. The Sound Dock also includes a generic 3.5 mm auxiliary port on the back of the unit. You can plug a generic 3.5 mm audio cable into the headphone jack on an iPad and into the Sound Dock, so you don't need a special adapter or converter to play audio from your iPad to the Sound Dock.
Audio Cable
The Bose Sound Dock doesn't come with a 3.5 mm audio cable but you can get one at computer, electronics and retail stores as well as online outlets. It's a generic cable that fits any 3.5 mm audio jacks. The cable has a 3.5 mm connector on each end and comes in a variety of lengths.
Completing Connection
Turn off your Bose Sound Dock and your iPad, if the devices are on, and turn the sound dock around so the back of the unit is facing you. Plug one of the audio cable's connectors into the headphone jack on the top of your iPad. Plug the other connector into the Audio In port on the back of the Bose Sound Dock. Turn on the sound dock and your iPad. If an iPod is docked on the Bose Sound Dock, remove it to enable the Audio In port.
Audio Adjustment
Once the connection is complete, adjust the volume on your iPad to its highest level and adjust the volume on the Bose Sound Dock to your liking. Use the sound dock's remote control to adjust the volume when needed. The sound dock's remote control can't control your iPad's functions, such as powering the tablet off or selecting apps.
Requirements
The Bose Sound Dock/iPad audio connection doesn't require an app to transmit audio from your iPad to the sound dock. Since the 3.5 mm port on the Sound Dock is standard, you can plug any audio player with a 3.5 mm audio output jack into the Bose without having to worry about compatibility. Any audio emitting from the player, including the iPad, is transmitted to the Bose Sound Dock, including music, audio from videos and apps containing audio.
References
Writer Bio
Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.