iHome iH8BR Clock Radio for iPod Review

Update Feb 7, 2010.... I wrote my original review almost 2 years ago.And, as I said, I liked the unit so well that I bought a 2nd.But now that I've used them for a couple years, they both have become unusable as alarm clocks.I assume dust has worked its way under the wheels used to set the clock.Now you can spin the wheels but the alarm time remains the same.Happened on both units.Call me old fashioned but that is too soon for these things to wear out...and the fact that both units have the same problem indicates a design flaw.

Also, I was not pleased that with my newer iPod connected, my radio would just be total static.It was tolerable, only because I preferred to wake up to the iPod, but I should be able to wake up to the iPod and radio, not just to the iPod or static.

So, I've changed my rating from a 4 to a 2.These things weren't that expensive, but combine the design problems with the fact that both units no longer allow me to change the time of the alarm, and it makes this product something I would not recommend.

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Product Description:
The iH8 is an inspired take on the iPod alarm clock, with clean, contemporary design and features galore. Charge and play most docking iPod models, and use the alarm to wake to your iPod, radio, or buzzer. Enjoy advanced sleep features like an adjustable volume and gradual volume decrease. Connect external devices with the included auxiliary input, and enjoy great sound, thanks to iHome's speaker chamber design. An extra-large, backlit custom LCD with dimmer and backlit buttons make control a snap, and the included remote just adds to the convenience.


A feature-packed clock radio and audio system for iPod. Click to enlarge.
iPod, Radio, or Buzzer Alarm
Wake to your docked iPod, the radio, or--if you must--a classic buzzer alarm. Whichever you choose, a gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so it's not too jarring.
The alarm is easy to set, and boasts a number of features to ensure you get up in the morning. Battery backup means you'll still get up in the event of a power failure, and Alarm Reset turns off the alarm and automatically resets it for the same time the following day. If you select to wake to iPod but no iPod is docked, you're still covered--the iH8BR will sound the buzzer instead.
Sleep Features
In designing the iH8BR, iHome paid special attention to the other end of the alarm clock equation--going to bed. Sleep to iPod or radio, with programmable sleep times of 120, 90, 60, 30, or 15 minutes. Gentle Sleep gradually decreases the music volume as you drift off to dreamland.
What's more, an Adjustable Sleep volume solves an old alarm clock problem, allowing you to select a comfortable "sleep" volume level without affecting the "wake to" or listening volume levels.
Play and Charge Your iPod
The iH-8BR's Universal dock plays and charges most docking iPod models (in addition to using them for alarms). So when you do finally wake up, your iPod will have a full charge as you head out the door.
Quick Time Zone and DST Switch
Traveling or moving with your iH8BR? Adjust the preset time to any of seven different time zones at the touch of a button. Ditto on that pesky Daylight Savings Time.
Includes full-function remote. Click to enlarge.
Extra-large, backlit custom LCD with dimmer. Click to enlarge.
AM/FM Radio
The iH8BR delivers solid radio listening with PLL digital tuning, an external AM antenna for better reception, and built-in Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) for enhanced FM reception.
Save your favorite stations on the four AM, four FM1, and four FM2 presets.
Big Sound, Small Package
The iH8BR delivers 6 watts of great sound, thanks to its high-fidelity stereo speakers in specially designed isolated speaker chambers. Dial in the EQ controls to get just the sound you want.
Need more? The included speaker jack lets you add separate speakers.
Auxiliary Input
Connect external devices like MP3 or CD players to the rear auxiliary input for your enjoyment.
Full-Function Remote Control
Enjoy convenient control from a distance with the included remote--control radio and iPod functions, plus EQ and volume. You also can control snooze and reset alarm functions, in case the device isn't by your bedside.
What's in the Box
iH8BR Clock Radio and Audio System, Remote control, Docking inserts, AC power adapter, AM antenna and stand, Owner's manual.

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iLuv iMM153BLU Dual Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker for your iPod - Blue Review

A great concept let down by a few design flaws.

My intent for buying a new alarm clock was two-fold:
1) To enable me to set an alarm which would wake me, without disturbing others
2) To have a way to dim the clock so it would not disturb my sleep with too much light in the room.

Having this connect to an iPod Nano was a bonus.

The first thing that impressed me from the specs on this alarm clock was the bed shaker.Now, take note, this says Bed Shaker - and it truly is.Anyone sleeping on the same matress will feel their skull vibrating almost as much as yours, even when you place the vibrating disc under your pillow.9/10 points for effort - 4/10 points for implementation

The second thing that persuaded me to this model was that it appeared, from reading through the reviews that the brightness on the clock was settable from 0 (no backlight) to 9 (bright enough to read a book by).This seemed great as this would allow me to have the backlight off for sleeping and adjust it if/when I needed to read the clock... However, the implementation of this is a fatal flaw for me with this product.Let me explain in detail:
a) The brightness change requires you to set a new overall brightness level; so if you are at 0 you click the Dimmer/Snooze button and it goes to 1.To turn the light off you have to click the button another 9 times to cycle back to 0.This is awkward, though is way surpassed by the loud clicking made by the cheap switch which wakes anyone else not wearing earplugs...
b) Insult is added to injury with the design of the Dimmer/Snooze button.Imagine you're sleeping with the backlight off (Dimmer 0) and the alarm occurs - you hit the button to increase the brightness, but it's a joint-function Dimmer/Snooze button... So, the alarm snoozes - and no matter how many times you hit the dimmer/snooze button again, to turn the brightness up to see the time, nothing happens.It appears the the clock is in "alarm mode".The only way to see the clock is to fumble for the alarm off button, turn off the alarm permanently and then hit the Dimmer/Snooze button again to now increase the backlight on the clock to level 1.
I know, and apologise, if this appears like a rant - and maybe my unit is faulty as the Dimmer 1 setting is incredibly bright and disturbing to sleep.

On the brighter side.The iPod functionality works well, even on the new iPod nanos, and the speakers are ok - definitely not hi-fi, but for a bedside table to listen to music whilst reading a book, they are adequate.

Anyway, please take the review as is, and if you we looking to an alarm clock with similiar prerequisites steer clear of this one.I wish/hope that these flaws are corrected and welcome any feedback to highlight better alternatives.

Hope this helps,

Click Here to see more reviews about: iLuv iMM153BLU Dual Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker for your iPod - Blue

Product Description:
Deep sleep ? Now instead of just hearing your alarm, you can feel it too. The iMM153BLU's bed shaker alarm accessory will shake you awake and make over-sleeping a thing of the past. The "Shake and Wake" bed shaker alarm accessory vibrates your bed or pillow to shake even the heaviest sleeper awake. Rich sound quality from the built-in speakers provides depth and clarity to your favorite iPod tunes, while the universal iPod dock plays and charges your iPod. Auxiliary line input for 3.5mm jacks allows you to plug in other audio devices as well. The large, easy to read digital numbers can be brightened or dimmed with a 10 step-LCD dimmer level control. Drift asleep to the sounds of your iPod or FM radio, and wake up to your choice of iPod, FM radio, buzzer, or bed shaker. FM radio features PLL tuning digital tuning technology and 10 programmable stations.

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