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

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(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.

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iHome iH27 Portable Alarm Clock for iPod (Black) Review

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(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.

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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.

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iLuv i189 Speaker System with 3D Sound and Dock for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have two of these and absolutely love them. I didn't want a clock or radio. I just wanted speakers for my IPOD with a charging system. I got what I wanted. For such small speakers, they deliver good sound. In fact, I love this product so much, I've ordered two more and am thinking of ordering more for gifts! This is definitely NOT a stereo system, but it is great for the kitchen, bedroom and office.

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The iLuv i189 stereo speaker with iPod dock includes aux stereo input jack for any MP3 player, CD player, computer, and other music devices. The unit is AC powered with iPod battery recharge system.A slide type universal dock and included iPod adapter dock plates hold your iPod securely in place. So you don't have to worry about your iPod while you are dancing to your playlists during your next party.
Listen to Your iPod, and More, in Style Plays and charges iPod while connected, and the slide-type universal dock holds the iPod securely. An Aux-input lets you play any devices you may have with a 3.5mm jack over the iLuv i189 3D surround sound speakers. For example, You can hook up your other MP3 Player, a DVD Player, a CD Player, a Laptop, or a PDA via the Auxiliary Input Jack.
iPod CompatibilityIt is compatible with all dockable iPods excluding 3G and includes iPod adapters and AC adapter. Compatible iPods include: iPod video; iPod touch; iPod classic; iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod 5G; iPod photo; iPod mini; iPod shuffle 1G, 2G (via Docking Connector ).
Powerful Mini 3D Surround Sound Besides its compact, stylish design, the iLuv i189 is renowned for its impressive sound, which is pumped out by its two 2.5-Watt RMS speakers and Surround Sound feature. It easy to control the sound via the 3D surround sound switch.
Key iLuv i189 Features
Sleek unit design to complement your iPhone and iPod
AUX stereo input jack for any MP3 player, CD player, computer, or other music devices
AC powered with iPod battery recharge system
Slide type universal dock and adapter plates to hold your iPod in securely
Power ON/OFF button with LED indicator
3D surround sound switch and LED indicator
AC adapter supports speaker functions and iPod battery recharge
Audio Output: 2 x 2.5W RMS

What's in the Box?
iPod Docking Speaker
100V-240V AC Adapter
Docking adapters
Instructional manual
Warranty card
END ASIN: B00118T6I2 ATTRIBUTE_NAME: 7449REVIEW: The iLuv i189 stereo speaker with iPod dock includes aux stereo input jack for any MP3 player, CD player, computer, and other music devices. The unit is AC powered with iPod battery recharge system. A slide type universal dock and included iPod adapter dock plates hold your iPod securely in place. So you don't have to worry about your iPod while you are dancing to your playlists during your next party.
Listen to Your iPod, and More, in Style Plays and charges iPod while connected, and the slide-type universal dock holds the iPod securely. An Aux-input lets you play any devices you may have with a 3.5mm jack over the iLuv i189 3D surround sound speakers. For example, You can hook up your other MP3 Player, a DVD Player, a CD Player, a Laptop, or a PDA via the Auxiliary Input Jack.
iPod CompatibilityIt is compatible with all dockable iPods excluding 3G and includes iPod adapters and AC adapter. Compatible iPods include: iPod video; iPod touch; iPod classic; iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod 5G; iPod photo; iPod mini; iPod shuffle 1G, 2G (via Docking Connector).
Powerful Mini 3D Surround Sound Besides its compact, stylish design, the iLuv i189 is renowned for its impressive sound, which is pumped out by its two 2.5-Watt RMS speakers and Surround Sound feature. It is easy to control the sound via the 3D surround sound switch.
Key iLuv i189 Features
Sleek unit design to compliment your iPhone and iPod
AUX stereo input jack for any MP3 player, CD player, computer, or other music devices
AC powered with iPod battery recharge system
Slide type universal dock and adapter plates to hold your iPod in securely
Power ON/OFF button with LED indicator
3D surround sound switch and LED indicator
AC adapter supports speaker functions and iPod battery recharge
Audio Output: 2 x 2.5W RMS

What's in the Box?
iPod Docking Speaker
100V-240V AC Adapter
Docking adapters
Instructional manual
Warranty card
END ASIN: B000WKW628 ATTRIBUTE_NAME: 7449REVIEW: The iLuv i166 stereo audio iPod dock and AM/FM dual alarm clock system includes powerful built-in speakers with 4.5 watts RMS total output, digital dock display with dual alarm function, high and low dimmer controls, sleep and wake functions for your iPod or AM/FM radio, subwoofer output jack for bass boost sound effect, AM/FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology, LCD display with blue backlight, and much more.
Listen to Your iPod, and More, in Style Plays and charges iPod while connected, and the slide-type universal dock holds the iPod securely. An Aux-input lets you play any devices you may have with a 3.5mm jack. For example, you can hook up your other MP3 Player, a DVD Player, a CD Player, a Laptop, or a PDA via the Auxiliary Input Jack.
iPod CompatibilityCompatible with all dockable iPods excluding 3G and includes iPod adapters and AC adapter. Compatibility: iPod shuffle 1G, 2G; iPod 5G (30GB, 60GB, 80GB); iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod classic; iPod Mini; iPod Photo; MP3 Player; or CD Player; DVD player; any audio device with a 3.5 mm output.
Sleep or Wake to Your iPod, AM/FM Radio You can use the iLuv i166 as an alarm clock and wake to your favorite playlist or album, or to the morning news on either AM or FM radio. The AM/FM radio has PLL digital tuning technology with 20 preset radio station memories (10 AM / 10 FM). You can also take advantage of the 120 minutes sleep function and 9 minute snooze feature. The Liquid Crystal Display LCD has a soothing blue backlight with High and low dimmer controls. The iLuv i166 also has a full function remote control and a Subwoofer (not included) output jack for bass boost sound effect if you want some extra boom.
Key iLuv i166 Features
Powerful built-in speakers allow you to hear your music.
Digital clock display with dual alarm function
Watch your favorite videos on your TV with your 5th generation iPod 30GB/60GB/80GB.
High and low dimmer control
Sleep or wake to your iPod, AM/FM radio
Charges your iPod
Integrated universal dock for your iPod
Auxiliary line input for iPod 1G, 2G and other audio devices
Subwoofer output jack for bass boost sound effect (subwoofer speaker not included)
AM/FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology
Liquid crystal display with blue backlight
Full function remote control included (it can control the iPod)

What's in the Box?
Stereo audio system
Remote control (battery included)
Dock adapters
Instruction manual
Warranty card
END ASIN: B000WKPHGK ATTRIBUTE_NAME: 7449REVIEW: The iLuv i166 stereo audio iPod dock and AM/FM dual alarm clock system includes powerful built-in speakers with 4.5 watts RMS total output, digital dock display with dual alarm function, high and low dimmer controls, sleep and wake functions for your iPod or AM/FM radio, subwoofer output jack for bass boost sound effect, AM/FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology, LCD display with blue backlight, and much more.
Listen to Your iPod, and More, in Style Plays and charges iPod while connected, and the slide-type universal dock holds iPod securely. An Aux-input lets you play any devices you may have with a 3.5mm jack. For example, You can hook up your other MP3 Player, a DVD Player, a CD Player, a Laptop, a PDA via the Auxiliary Input Jack.
iPod CompatibilityIt is compatible with all dockable iPods excluding 3G and includes iPod adapters and AC adapter. Compatibility: iPod shuffle 1G, 2G; iPod 5G (30GB, 60GB, 80GB); iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod classic; iPod Mini; iPod Photo; MP3 Player; or CD Player; DVD player; any audio device with a 3.5 mm output.
Sleep or wake to your iPod, AM/FM radio You can use the iLuv i166 as an alarm clock and wake to your favorite playlist or album, or to the morning news on either AM or FM radio. The AM/FM radio has PLL digital tuning technology with 20 preset radio station memories (10 AM / 10 FM). You can also take advantage of the 120 minutes sleep function and 9 minute snooze feature. The Liquid Crystal Display LCD has a soothing blue backlight with High and low dimmer controls. The iLuv i166 also has a full function remote control and a Subwoofer (not included) output jack for bass boost sound effect if you want some extra boom.
Key iLuv i166 Features
Powerful built-in speakers allow you to hear your music.
Digital clock display with dual alarm function
Watch your favorite videos on your TV with your 5th generation iPod 30GB/60GB/80GB.
High and low dimmer control
Sleep or wake to your iPod, AM/FM radio
Charges your iPod
Integrated universal dock for your iPod
Auxiliary line input for iPod 1G, 2G and other audio devices
Subwoofer output jack for bass boost sound effect (subwoofer speaker not included)
AM/FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology
Liquid crystal display with blue backlight
Full function remote control included (it can control the iPod)

What's in the Box?
Stereo audio system
Remote control (battery included)
Dock adapters
Instruction manual
Warranty card
END

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BeoTime Review

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(More customer reviews)When it said it could turn on your lights, TV, radio, DVD, etc., et., to wake you up and you could use it as a remote control, I assumed it was a learning remote control. It is NOT. I read the brief start up guide that came with the unit from cover to cover -- almost no information provided. I went online to try to find a real manual -- found it, downloaded it. (They should have included a manual with the unit.) Read it completely. The only "programming" there is is a list of cryptic Bank $ Olufsen device initials to choose from. So if you are a heavy Bang & Olufsen user, you have lots and lots of wonderful capabilities with Sleep Time Out, Waking up to a particular track of a CD, etc. This thing is completely worthless to me.

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iHome iA63 App-Enhanced Alarm Clock FM Radio Stereo Speaker System with Motorized Rotating Dock for iPhone and iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the iHome iA63 (also called the iHome iA63BZ; I'm not sure if there's a distinction or not) for my 11-year old son. I was looking for an alarm clock for him that was on the small side, had a remote control, decent sound, could charge his iPod, one that would allow him to watch his iPod hands-free horizontally, and one that would wake him up. I didn't know those were my requirements for a clock for him until I'd bought him a different iPod charging alarm clock from another company at Christmas. That one had no remote, it was bulky and ugly, and there was no way to view movies on it. I returned that one and told him we'd wait until something came along that was a better fit for him. It was a lot to ask for, but I'm glad we waited.
In the box, you get the alarm clock, AC adapter, a button cell battery for the alarm clock to keep your settings in case of a power outage, and the tiny remote. I think the remote already had its own battery in it, but if not, it came with one.
This is not a "pretty" alarm clock when an iPod/iPhone isn't attached. It looks kind of like a weird speaker or a miniature black bandshell, with a big circular gap taking up 80% of its face. But, when the iPod is attached, and especially when it's attached and you have the iHome+Sleep app on your screen (or a movie), I think it looks techie-sexy (but still appropriate for an 11 year old).APPS FOR THE iHOME ALARM CLOCK:
iHOME+SLEEP (free, pretty darn necessary)
You're going to need the iHome+Sleep app to take full advantage of the alarm clock's functions. This is probably a no-brainer to previous iHome users, but we're new to this so I was surprised we had to download something to properly use a clock. The iHome+Sleep app is available for FREE through iTunes. It's a little complicated to use, but has unlimited sorts of alarm set-ups, and it is SO much nicer being able to pull out the iPod and change/add alarms, as opposed to doing it on an alarm clock for once.
iHOME+RADIO ($2, cool but not necessary)
You can also purchase the iHome+Radio app to listen to internet radio. According to iTunes:
"The new iHome+Radio app connects you to over 30,000 internet music, talk, sports and news stations from around the world. Sync with iHome+Sleep and wake to your favorite internet radio stations. Use with any app-enhanced iHome product for a new radio experience."
I think the iHome+Radio app currently costs 2 bucks. Very cool, but my son is way more excited about waking up to his iPod tunes. The iHome also has regular FM radio stations that come in loud and clear. You can set up the alarms to wake you up to your iPod music, the FM radio, internet radio if you have that app, and buzzer sounds as well. The iHome+Sleep will even update your Facebook and Twitter accounts when you wake up and go to sleep, if you're the type that needs to update the world to your literal every waking move. Yeah, we're not doing that.FUNCTIONALITY
The iHome iA63 accommodates iPods/iPhones of varied widths by way of a little bumper that rests to the left vertically against the vertical iPod. When you're in horizontal mode, your iPod/iPhone rests on the bumper like a small ledge. You adjust that bumper the first time you put your iPod in, and then it's set. This is important, because if you have a narrower iPod than the bumper is set up for, when you turn it horizontally, the iPod's going to sit at a weird angle. This was one of those things I hadn't considered when buying the alarm clock, but when I saw it had it, I said, "Hey! That makes sense!" I really like when a product seems like there was some actual thought put into it, don't you? Oh yeah, and the other great feature is setting up the time. Just plug in your iPod/iPhone, and press the 'Sync' button on the back of the clock and the time is updated. Voila!
There is a tiny button on the alarm clock, as well as a button on the remote that allow you to change the orientation of the iPod from vertical to horizontal. I'm fascinated by it like I was fascinated by pressing a button to make a CD drawer go out and in on computers many moons ago. My son thinks it's cool but in no way gets excited by it like I do. Kids these days don't appreciate the little things!
You can listen to music or do whatever else your iPod/iPhone does when it's connected to the alarm clock, although as it's connected to the alarm clock, doing most tasks would probably be most cumbersome. However, you can easily watch your iPod movies as well as Netflix, if you're a subscriber. As the sound comes out of the speakers when it's attached, THAT is a very useful feature. As our home can occasionally turn into a busy madhouse, I'm very ok with him watching the very occasional, mom-approved movie in his room. For those that aren't aware, although you can't block certain movie ratings from being viewed through Netflix, you CAN see the complete list of ALL movies that have been watched through your account. You just need to log into your Netflix account online, then go to Account > See All Instant Watching Activity. It's a little bit of Big Brother that I am not unhappy about at all. CONTACTING CUSTOMER SERVICE
I had been holding off on writing a review until we'd used the clock for a few months. Something happened yesterday that made me change my mind. It's been just under a month, and it's still working. However, yesterday I noticed the actual clock time display was blank, like the clock was unplugged. When the iPod is in the clock and the iHome+Sleep app is open, the time still shows up on the iPod, and all of the clock's other features are still working, but I still don't want parts of this clock dying on us. I got a little upset, and pressed just about every button on the remote and clock to see if we'd somehow turned off the display. Nope. Ugh. I was already thinking about how I'd probably be returning it, when I gave calling iHome a shot. (Customer Service: 800-288-2792 · 8am-4pm EST, M-F)
After two rings, I was connected to an actual English speaking person. At first thought I'd dialed incorrectly. I explained the problem and asked to be connected to someone that could help me. She said SHE could help me! She said the plug may have been bumped or the AC connection may have been pulled out, and if the battery in the iHome was dead, that may have caused the clock to blank out. I doubt any of these scenarios were the case, but there were a lot of kids in and out of the bedroom this past weekend, so you never know. She just said to unplug the radio and pull out the battery for a minute. (Why I hadn't tried this on my own is beyond me, as I'm often telling people to do that very thing if a gadget they have acts up). As the minute was passing, we joked about how the clock is kind of ugly, but really cool. She was great. Normal, not irritated or bored or uncaring or distracted as seems to often be the case if you call Customer Service at any company. After a minute, she had me plug it back in, and sure enough, the clock was back online. I put the battery back in, because I'm pretty sure it isn't dead. With the iPod in place I pressed the "Sync" button on the back of the clock, and once again the time was immediately fixed.
I'm not sure why the clock display 'disappeared', but it came back and is still fine, so I'm not worried about it. Especially when I know I can actually get help with it if I need it. That lady I spoke with was my push to write this review now instead of later. Had that conversation turned out differently, I would NOT have given this product 5 stars, but great customer service, when needed, is so important in my opinion, that at this point I still think the alarm clock deserves it.
This iHome iA63 alarm clock, and the iHome+Sleep app for that matter, have a lot of functions, which makes both somewhat complicated. Most fairly technologically comfortable folks will be fine with using them, but if you're a person that still freaks when Daylight Savings Time ends because it means your microwave clock will be off by an hour for the next 6 months, you may want to steer clear of this clock. Or, at least get help setting this up.PROS
- Small squarish size - about the size of one of those taller/wider paperback books
- Remote control
- Charges iPod/iPhone
- You can leave some types of sleeves on the iPod/iPhone when it's attached (my son's silicone Skullcandy sleeve fits fine when it's on the iHome charger)
- Ability to view iPod/iPhone in vertical or horizontal orientation (horizontal allows you to watch movies)
- Vertical AND horizontal orientation keeps the iPod/iPhone stable
- Horizontal viewing ability means you can watch movies on your iPod
- Button-pressing vertical/horizontal orientation change has "Oooh!" factor for people like me
- FM Radio, unlimited alarms (when using the free iHome+Sleep app), Internet Radio (if you buy the iHome+Radio app)
- Decent, loud-ish speakers
- "Sync" button on back immediately programs the clock time to the time on your iPod/iPhone
- Unlimited number of alarms and alarm settings
- The alarm clock wakes up my "sleeps like the dead" son without fail
- GREAT customer service help!
CONS
- Kind of ugly when an iPod/iHome isn't attached
- No AM Radio
- Possible intermittent problem where clock numbers disappear (has only happened once; unplugging/replugging fixed problem)
- With multiple radio presets and multiple ways to set up alarms, the clock and the iHome+Sleep app may be complicated for some users

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Philips DS1110/37 Fidelio Docking Speaker Station for iPhone and iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Amazingly full sound for a small compact device. The design is elegant and looks nice on a bedside table or a desk.
The user interface is a little tricky. You have to download an app for it, and then it takes a few steps to set the alarm and its not quite as obvious as it should be whether or not its set. So be careful there if you're relying on this to wake you up!
But otherwise a very slick and great sounding product.

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Delivering surprisingly full and rich sound, this compact docking speaker automatically synchronizes with your iPhone/ iPod's clock settings. Enjoy an adjustable night light and the convenience of charging a second mobile device via USB.

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Philips Fidelio DS1100 Speaker Dock with Clock for iPod/iPhone (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Philips Fidelio DS1100 Speaker Dock with Clock is the latest addition to my collection of appreciated and often used iPod docks. Any room in my home that I spend a good amount of time in has one; kitchen, living room, bedroom and even bathroom.
My first impression of the Philips Fidelio DS1100 after unpacking was that they style was very nice. I like the curved edges on the speaker, the volume buttons flush with the top of the dock, the size is perfect for a table top or nightstand and both the dimming night light and clock display are great features.
The first time I docked my iPhone 3G, it notified me that there was an app that I could download to use with the docking system. Since it was Free I decided to get it, although now that I've had a chance to use it I may not keep it. I really didn't find any advantages to using it versus just playing music through my iPod feature.
Obviously the most important part is the sound and although it wasn't bad, it wasn't great either. I first turned it to a low/medium volume like I may have it to listen to when in the kitchen. I tried several styles of music and at this level the music sounded fine. Then I decided to up the volume to how I might have it on the patio during a BBQ. At this level there was significant distortion in the music quality, regardless of the style of music.
I originally considered giving this 3 Stars, but then I thought about Philips intended use for this dock. In a bedroom, bathroom or other small area this dock works just fine. You wouldn't expect to crank up the volume, so I can't see taking away an entire star because of that. If this has the features you are looking for and the style you want, then this may be the right dock for you. For me it is now happily residing in the the perfect place in my house; the guest bedroom.

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Compact enough to fit on your nightstand, the Philips Fidelio DS1100 Docking Speaker plays music from your iPod or iPhone with pristine detail and clarity. With its unique circular design, the speaker projects the music in all directions, filling your bedroom with rich and balanced sound. In addition, the DS1100 automatically synchronizes with your mobile device's clock settings and includes an adjustable light, so it functions as a convenient bedside clock and night-light. This multifunctional docking speaker also supports Philips' Fidelio app, which unlocks additional features, such as custom alarms and sound settings.

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iHome iP45 Portable Stereo with Rechargeable Alarm Clock, FM Radio, and Dock for iPod/iPhone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did not have a chance to compare the sound of this unit directly to other similar units, but my subjective sense is that it has decent sound for the size. It also cranks out a lot of volume - more than enough for what I am using it for (a speaker in the kitchen while I do chores). The bass response is much better than I would have expected. The unit closes to fold fairly flat (a little more than an inch), which is nice if you need to pack it up and move it. It includes a rechargeable battery should you want to take it with you to some location where there is no place to plug in. I can't imagine needing that myself, but perhaps if one wanted to take their music camping, it would be a good choice. I experimented with the battery a bit. After two full hours of non-stop playing, the battery indicator still showed full.
The controls are fairly simple and obvious. It includes adapters for various iPhone models. Unfortunately, as is typical of these devices, you have to remove the phone from its case to get a good connection. I haven't found one yet where that wasn't the case, but that is a feature I would be willing to pay extra for.
I have only two complaints. First, the backup battery for the alarm clock and the remote were dead on arrival. I haven't had a chance to go buy replacements. Consequently, I can't comment on how well the remote works. Secondly, even with the included antenna, the FM reception is not great. It only clearly picks up about half as many stations as the radio in the next room. However, that wasn't really a feature I was looking for in this device. I would be more likely to use the Pandora app or one of the radio station apps on the phone in order to ensure clear sound.

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The iP45 is ready take your music to new realms. The iP45 allows you to wake any- where to your custom iPod or iPhone playlist or to any of 6 FM presets at different times on different days with our 7-5-2 feature. The iP45 includes Bongiovi Digital Power Station processing circuitry, EQ controls and 3D sound for an exceptional audio experience. The built-in lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, so you can enjoy music without worrying about batteries.

Wake or sleep to iPhone/iPod or FM Radio Start or end your day just the way you want it to sound--your favorite morning show or traffic report, or a custom playlist with the perfect tunes.

Charges and Plays iPhone or iPod While Docked Enjoy your music while keeping your iPhone or iPod fully charged, so when you're ready to step out the door, so is your device. The dock is adjustable, so it'll easily fit iPhones and docking iPod models without the need for inserts.

Alarm With Weekday/Weekend SettingsAlarms with "7-5-2" alarm settings allow you to set alarm for full week, work week, or weekend with separate wake times and alarm sources to suit your lifestyle.

Bongiovi Digital Power Station Technology Real time digital signal processor constantly scans audio and restores details lost in today's compressed audio formats. The technology improves brightness, clarity, and presence, so the iP45 can deliver more full-range sound.

Adjustable EQ Bass and treble controls are provided so you can dial in your desired sound.

AC or Battery Power The iP45 operates on AC or its internal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery--great for travel or other situations where you need some tunes or an alarm but have no wall outlets available.

Universal Voltage Adaptor When you are using wall power, the switching 100/240VAC power supply works just about anywhere.

What's in the Box iP45 Main Unit, Remote Control, Universal Voltage AC Adaptor, Dock Inserts, User's Manual

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