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(More customer reviews)There are several companies making alarm clock/speaker docks for the Apple iPod/iPhone lines. I have two, the XtremeMac Luna Voyager and this iHome iP16GXC. Both provide a docking port for the iPod/iPhone on the top panel. Both then sync with the device so as to display the time. The XtremeMac, which is just a few dollars less expensive than the iHome model, has a blue florescent digit display for the clock while the iHome has a backlit LCD display. While the XtremeMac looks cooler, the iHome is actually more legible from a distance and easier to read at a glance.
Both, at the touch of a button, start playing music from the content of the iDevice. The iDevice is then accessed to change songs. Volume is adjusted from the iHome. Both units have an alarm clock capability, with the iPod/iPhone utilized for the musical accompaniment.
The big difference in the two units, beyond their appearance, is in sound quality. Both units are small, with similarly small speakers. The iHome, however, has markedly better stereo separation as well as bass level. When I first listened to the XtremeMac, I thought there was only a single speaker. The iHome's stereo reproduction is clearly superior. Vocals have greater clarity with the iHome as well. The speakers of the XtremeMac are built into the unit, out of harm's way, and this is advantageous in a dusty environment or one in which small children might poke and prod at the unit. On the iHome, the speaker domes are out in the open at the end of the unit. They can be easily damaged if poked. Obviously, one of the advantages of this design is the improvement in sound quality, but there is the disadvantage as well of potential damage.
The iHome has a watch-type battery to hold time if the power goes out. It takes four AA batteries if portability is desired away from an AC line while still using the built in speakers and amplifier.
My vote goes to the iHome for producing a highly portable, easy to read, and clear sounding stereo amplifier for the iThings. I tested it with the original iPhone, the iPhone3GS, and the iPhone4 (ATT) and had no problems with any of these sources.
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