Sony ICF-C1iP - Clock radio with iPod cradle - white Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE: Sony has updated this clock radio with a new model - the ICF-C1PMK2 - which has even better AM reception, a brighter display, and official iPhone compatibility.
Several weeks ago, I upgraded to a new 160GB iPod Classic. At the same time, I bought an XtremeMac Luna clock radio, which had good reviews. Unfortunately, I found that the Luna is incompatible with the new iPods - it cannot wake them from deep sleep to play the alarm in the morning. A call to XtremeMac got nothing more than a note that my issue had been forwarded to their technical team.
Without any reviews, I took a chance, and ordered the Sony ICF-C1iP iPod clock radio, and am I glad I did! The Sony is fully compatible with my iPod Classic, and Sony includes instructions for using the iPhone as well. And, the sound quality and radio performance is remarkably better than the Luna or other iPod clock radios I've tested.
Sony has done a great job with the ICF-C1iP. It is an upright design, with most of the unit behind the iPod, in a slanted design with controls at the top. The iPod dock accepts universal adapters, but they aren't really needed as Sony has an adjustable supporting plate behind the iPod.
Unlike the Luna, which attempts to duplicate the iPod menus on its display, the Sony ICF-C1iP includes a remote control that lets you completely control the iPod menus as if you were manipulating the scroll wheel. Quite impressive.
Sound quality is very good for a clock radio - with full bass and even midtones. Sony includes a simulated mode they call "Mega XPand" that in my experience made the music sound muddied and under-sampled. Your mileage my vary.
The blue-backlit clock is located in the iPod dock area, and 3 brightness levels are available. In my experience, even the lowest setting is a bit too bright, but not enough to disturb me at night. I wish that the display were slightly larger, although the high contrast lets me see the time without my glasses from a reasonable distance.
And, unlike most iPod clock radios, the radio reception is outstanding - with an external AM antenna provided. The unit has dual alarms, which can be set to iPod (you can even select a wakeup volume), Radio, or Buzzer.
On the downside, the battery backup for the buzzer alarm and clock is a small expensive lithium battery. And, if your relying on just the buzzer to wake you up it's not very loud. You also have to be careful when changing the alarms to make sure that you don't accidentally turn the alarm off. But all of these are minor issues. However, these are all very minor issues that don't detract from the unit overall.
All in all, in my experience, this is the best iPod clock radio you can buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony ICF-C1iP - Clock radio with iPod cradle - white

Click here for more information about Sony ICF-C1iP - Clock radio with iPod cradle - white

Read More...

iHome iH27 Portable Alarm Clock for iPod (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I can't imagine what they were thinking when they designed this thing.
Here's the problem. If you have an ipod in the unit you cannot wake up to the buzzer, only the ipod. If you go to sleep with the ipod on, playing some mellow music at low volume, this is what you will hear for your morning alarm. It's not going to wake you. You cannot use the buzzer for an alarm unless you take the ipod out. What's the point of having it?
Mine is going back.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iHome iH27 Portable Alarm Clock for iPod (Black)

Perfect for the busy traveler, this portable iPod alarm clock speaker system lets you sleep or wake to your favorite iPod tunes or buzzer, or just enjoy a little music while your iPod charges. With a lock feature to maintain settings, battery or AC power, and a protective carrying case, it lets you take some room-filling sound nearly anywhere.


Charge and Play Your iPod Anywhere Play back your favorite tunes at home or while traveling with the iH27. While your iPod is docked, it receives a charge (when on AC power), so when you're ready to go, so is your iPod.

The iH27 power adapter is able to handle input voltage from 100 to 240 VA, so it'll work overseas with the right plug adapters. And because the iH27 is powered by either AC or four AA batteries (not included), you can enjoy music with or without an outlet. A handy carrying case is also included to keep the device safe and sound while in transit, whether it's a business trip or a barbecue.

Sleep or Wake to Your iPod The iH27 lets you wake to your docked iPod (or the buzzer alarm for you masochists). A gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so as not to jar you out of sleep. You can also dim the display, with high, medium, low, and off settings.

The iH27 also has a sure alarm feature so the buzzer alarm will still sound in the event of power failure, if backup battery is installed.

And of course, there's a snooze button for grabbing a few more minutes of slumber and a sleep mode for falling asleep to your favorite tunes or podcasts.

Big Sound in a Small Package iHome's Reson8 technology, with through-body ported speaker chambers, gives the iH27's four speakers better response characteristics for superior stereo sound. In addition, SRS WOW technology is designed to provide a broader audio image with enhanced low-range and mid-range sound reproduction, in order to bring added life to compressed MP3 files.

Auxiliary Input and A/V Output Use the iH27's auxiliary input to connect external devices such as MP3 or CD players. You can also send the audio and/or video from the dock's A/V out to a television or stereo, for enjoying your iPod content on a larger scale.

What's in the Box iH27 main unit, AC adapter, iPod dock inserts, auxiliary cable, and user's manual.

Get 75% OFF

Click here for more information about iHome iH27 Portable Alarm Clock for iPod (Black)

Read More...

Belkin Power Dock for iPod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the same as the Belkin F8Z126, but without the AC adapter. Search for F8Z126 and see my review. The F8Z126 is the better buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin Power Dock for iPod

Compatible with most iPods, the F8Z122 dock and charger from Belkin makes it a snap to enjoy your favorite songs at work or home. This easy-to-use power dock with AV out can charge and play your iPod through your computer and includes a USB cable that lets you sync with iTunes, as well as dock adapter inserts for iPod nano 1G and 2G and iPod 5G (video). The F8Z122 is backed by a three-year warranty. What's in the Box Power dock with AV out, 6-foot USB-to-mini-USB cable, dock-adapter inserts for iPod nano 1G and 2G and iPod 5G (video) models, and user's manual.

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Belkin Power Dock for iPod

Read More...