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(More customer reviews)I hate alarm clocks. I tried for a long time to avoid getting one because let's be honest they're ugly, they're big and a waste of space, and they never have all the functions you need in one reasonably priced package. You think the way they make cell phones these days, someone could have figured out how to make a decent alarm clock.
Putting that in mind, here are my lists of pros and cons of this product:
PROS:
1) relatively smaller and lighter than most alarm clocks that charge ipods and allow you to wake up to an ipod. So I don't feel like I have this huge thing overtaking my nightstand. But it's also not so small that i can't even tell what time it is.
2) sound is pretty good for its size. Most alarm clocks when they turn on have poor sound quality, which sounds even more irritating when you're not a morning person like me. thankfully this alarm clock has warm sound quality which is more bearable to wake up to.
3)relatively tasteful, subtle design that doesn't stick out as the first thing you see when you walk into a bedroom. It's not super fancy and somewhat overstyled like some timex models, or tacky like the Hammacher Schlemmer or anything that illuminates stuff in midair, or cheap the popular models of iHome. It doesn't try to "look nice". It just looks like what it's supposed to be, just slightly more efficient, which I think in in of itself creates a more authentic "nice look".
4) numbers are big and clear enough to see across an average bedroom, but not so huge and bright that it screams "hi look at me, I'm digital and easy to read!"
5) does allow you to choose the volume and the track on your ipod you want to wake up to.
6) I LOVE that this clock allows you to adjust the brightness of the display. It really does do down to an acceptable level of brightness where you can sleep without being disturbed by the light.
CONS:
1) not the most intuitive to set up or buttons. however, the instruction manual covers about everything and if you take the time to read through it, you'll get it. But the steps of trying to for example set your alarms is not obvious or super user friendly without the manual.
2) doesn't tell you ahead of time in product description which models of iPod it does not fit. None of the iPod adapters fit my 4th gen. iPod nano. However, it does fit and work just fine without any of the provided ipod adapter.
3) doesn't allow you to set the span of time the snooze should last. You are stuck with 5 minutes as your snooze time even if 8 minutes might be your optimal snooze period.
4) the lowest volume is still not low enough for me. It should be about 1/4 of what level 1 is, and then have 4 increments in between before it gets to what is considered "1". However, their "1" is still lower and therefore better than many other alarm clocks out there.
5) though it allows you to wake up to a song on your iPod, it doesn't allow you to wake up a playlist.
6) no ramp up option
So many cons...so why 4 stars? Because relative to the overwhelmingly lacking-in-function and fugly alarm clocks that exist in this world today, it actually is probably one of the better ones I've used. This is coming from someone who has tried out and experienced the following alarm clocks most recently:
Philips AJ3980 AM FM CD Clock Radio
Digital Zen alarm clock from Now and Zen (E tone)
Retro MP3 Alarm clock http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/a334/
Sleep Tracker watch
My LG Dare cell phone
My iPod
as alarm clocks. And I would say that of all of them, while it could be improved, it probably functions the best for what an iPod alarm clock is supposed to do.
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Altec Lansing M302 Moondance Home Alarm Clock Radio for iPod and MP3 Players (Black)Whether you prefer to wake to the sound of a symphony orchestra or the wail of a rock star, the Moondance Home speaker system delivers crystal-clear sound in a space-saving design. Wake to your iPod, radio, or alarm with progressive alert volume. The handy auxiliary input also lets you connect a CD, DVD, or other MP3 player. Use the onboard controls for the sleep timer, dual alarms, snooze, and radio tuning, or enjoy the convenience of the full-function remote. The Moondance Home speaker system also charges your iPod so it's good to go for that morning jog or commute to work.
Crystal-clear Sound The Moondance Home boasts precision-engineered speakers to deliver the quality sound people expect from Altec Lansing.
Compact design At 11 inches wide and less than 3 inches deep, the Moondance Home will fit nicely on your nightstand, or nearly anywhere else.
Dual Alarms Wake to your iPod, radio, or an alarm with progressive alert volume for a less jarring reminder.
Wireless Remote Just sit back and enjoy your music while you control the iPod, radio, and alarm functions from across the room.
Large LCD with Dimmer Light Check the time at night without putting on your glasses.
FM Radio The FM radio features digital tuning and a wire antenna for superior reception, so you'll enjoy a crystal-clear signal for your favorite shows and stations.
Onboard Controls Snooze, dual alarms, sleep timer, radio tuning, volume, and other speaker functions can be controlled directly from the Moondance Home main unit.
Auxiliary Input Easily connect a second audio source, including CD, DVD, and other MP3 players using the auxiliary input.
What's in the Box Altec Lansing Moondance Home speaker system, adapters for iPod, AC adapter, FM radio antenna, wireless remote, user guide, and quick connect instructions
Get 44% OFF
Click here for more information about Altec Lansing M302 Moondance Home Alarm Clock Radio for iPod and MP3 Players (Black)
