iLuv i177 Alarm Clock Speaker System for iPod (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)** Update June 11, 2009 **
I just wanted to correct an error below where I indicated that the iLuv wasn't properly charging my iPod. I don't know what was happening when I was trying it out but I really have had no problem across 2 different iPods with charging since I posted the review.
Still can't think of any use for the remote however... :)
** End Update **
I picked up the black iLuv iPod speaker system after doing considerable research online. These reviews are pretty helpful so I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth so that you can know what you're getting.
By and large the other reviews agree with my experience. The sound quality is very good for a small unit. You want to pick a playlist before you go to bed otherwise you get whatever is randomly selected from your library (I presume this is due to my election to shuffle all songs in my iPod settings).
I don't have much use for the remote but it's nice that it's included and it works well when I *do* play with it.
The unit has performed excellently since I purchased it two months ago but I'll make some observations:
- the rotating volume and tuning dials are apparently supposed to continue the click wheel paradigm from the iPod, but they do so mechanically and are often a little awkward to use.
- do NOT count on the unit properly charging your iPod. It *does* charge it somewhat so the iPod seems to me like it will run indefinitely while attached to the unit. But I've found that the iPod is not fully charged when I pull it off the iLuv. Fortunately, realizing this, I just make sure that I plug in my iPod when working out in my gym or I leave it attached to my computer until it *is* charged when I'm picking up my podcasts in the morning. This may just be my unit but it was a low point in my commute when my iPod battery ran out of steam that first time before I realized what was going on. I'm pretty rigorous about ensuring that it's charged before I leave the house.
- I agree with others that the minimum volume for alarms needs to be lower. It would also be nice if the volume ramp-up time could be adjusted. The unit comes on and fades up to the pre-selected volume pretty quickly.
- Finally the lights, that dimmest setting may seem dim in the middle of the day, but it's pretty overwhelming in an otherwise pitch-black room. A "Glow" setting or similar would be nice. As it is, when I want to know the time at night I hit the dimmer button to check the time, then hit it three more times to cycle the light through medium and high intensities and then to off again.
None of the above items are showstoppers for me, just 'nits that you can either live with or can't. Knowing what I know now, I would purchase the iLuv again. It has most of the features I need and the price is reasonable.

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iHome iH4 Alarm Clock Speaker System with Dock for iPod (Pink) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this for my wife and haven't played with it too much but will pass on her comments. The unit is small and easy to use. Overall pleased with only two comments.
The volume is incremental and only adjusts from the unit itself and ignores any changes made on the iPod. The problem with this is that if you want to fall asleep to some 'gentle and soothing' sounds/music the difference between no sound and the first step is too pronounced.
The only other item to note is that the dimmer also has steps and if you like your room very dark at night the lowest setting visible is just a bit too bright. However, you can completely turn the light off which is nice and all you have to do is hit a button to turn it on -- then step thru all the settings to turn it off...but that's not too bad.


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iHome's iH4P is a stylish iPod alarm clock that's great for any place where space is limited. Wake and Sleep to your favorite music. Plus, the iH4P offers unique adjustable accent lighting.
Dock Your iPod for the Night Place your iPod in the iH4 to enjoy listening or waking to your favorite tunes. The dock charges your iPod so when you're ready to hit the street, so is your music.
Alarm Clock The iH4P lets you wake to your music when docking your Apple iPod, or go with the more traditional buzzer. A gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume to make waking up that much easier.
Use the selectable sleep timer to fall asleep to your favorite tunes, and rest assured that you'll make it to work or school--battery backup maintains time settings during power failures.
Great Sound, Great Looks The iH4P boasts EXB Expanded Bass and Reson8 technology for great sound in a small package, along with adjustable LED side accent lights, for a modern look.
Auxiliary Input Use the auxiliary line-in jack to connect external devices like MP3 or CD players.
Optional Remote Need a remote? A full-function remote control for iPod and clock is sold separately.
What's in the Box iHome iH4P Speaker System with Alarm Clock for iPod (Pink), AC adapter, iPod inserts, manual

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