It depends which SoundDock you're getting - I think you need to ask Bose specifically about this. (Read on, hopefully the reason for my advice becomes clear below.) The important thing for you is; will the iPod be charged by the SoundDock while it's sitting in the cradle? That's what you need to ask Bose.
A 120GB iPod Classic will only be charged by the USB connection of 5 volts and I believe that the latest 160GB iPod (from Sept 2009) is the same. However, my older 160GB Classic (from Sept 2007) can be charged by the USB voltage
or the older firewire connection which is 12 volts. So my Bose SoundDock will
not charge the newer Classics, or my iPod Touch because it doesn't have the USB charge connection, but it will charge
my Classic.
Bose add to the confusion by referring on their UK site to both the "SoundDock Original" and the SoundDock II as two separate devices (with different prices) while on the USA site, it appears to be just one device. My recollection of when I bought my Bose was that the SoundDock II would charge the newer devices, but I may be wrong!
So if possible visit a Bose retailer and take your iPod with you. Try it in the cradle. If the device will not charge the iPod, a message appears on the iPod screen when you plug it in saying *Charging not supported with this accessory - Dismiss* but it will play.
Phil
