A:Answer Hi, Thom63! The speaker can be operated by connecting it to an AC outlet via the AC adaptor (supplied) or USB AC adaptor (commercially available), or by using the built-in battery. A speaker that is in use can be charged if it is connected to an AC outlet via the AC adaptor (supplied) or an USB AC adaptor (commercially available), or if connected to a booted computer. You can use the speaker as an ordinary wired speaker system by connecting a portable audio device (CD player) using an audio cable (commercially available).~Ralph