Comp Speaker iPod Dock

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best for an Ipod Touch
By Bookworm – See all my reviews
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I’ve been looking around for a very long time for an iHome that would allow me to listen to music and watch my movies.

Since the Touch has you watch your movies horizontally, this dock is probably the best dock out there. Having it pivot to lay on it’s side is most innovative idea I’ve seen so far. Who would have thought something that simple could make your Touch worth so much more! Having said that, the clock will also change when you pivot it on it’s side as well, which is a very nice touch. Also, this WILL charge your Ipod.

There are 3 light settings for the clock. Bright, medium, and low. I usually set mine to low at night so that it doesn’t keep my room dimly lit while I’m sleeping. One thing to realize is that the clock display isn’t very big, so if you have a night stand right next to your bed, it probably won’t bother you too much. I’m about 5 feet away from the clock, and I need to wear contacts or my glasses to see it. It’s not an issue for me, however.

Of course, there’s no radio on this dock, which wasn’t a feature I was wanting anyway. For some it might be a big deal, but I just wanted this thing to play my songs and watch my movies, so I’m still satisfied with it.

Next up is the alarm. I’ve heard/read about the alarms on these going from very soft to annoyingly loud, but for this one, it doesn’t get so loud to the point where you want to throw something at it. If your Ipod isn’t plugged into it correctly, the dock will ring it’s default alarm ringing. Unfortunately, the dock only has one alarm setting, whereas some of the others have two. Again, no big deal to me. The sleep and snooze button are separate, but are in a good spot where you don’t have to look for it.

As for the sound, I was actually quite surprised at how good it was, even when blasted up. Even though it has the bass boost, you’re not going to get a very big boom out of it. It’s good enough to have it being played in a small room. Hearing your movies being played on this thing is very good as well. It still maintains everything in your movie the way you first heard it on your dvd player.

One aspect to take note of: I do have my Touch in the DLO jamjact, which requires some careful maneuvering to get it to dock correctly. Plus, it won’t stand straight when it’s in the jamjacket either. Of course, I just take it out when I need to, if I want it to fit exactly on the dock. Either way, it doesn’t bother me.

The remote works very well, although I’ve found that I have to point it at directly in order for me to switch songs. I’m still not sure what the menu button does, however. I thought it would take you back to the main screen, but nothing happens.

In all, I’m very satisfied with this product. It charges your ipod (my Touch anyways–Haven’t tested what else fits on it), plays your music/movies, it pivots so you can watch your movies, it’s got 3 light settings for your clock, and it doesn’t getting obnoxiously loud when it wakes you up in the morning. Look no further if you’re wanting to have the best of both worlds for your Ipod Touch!

**UPDATE** 9/26/09
After having this guy for several months now, the alarm no longer works. Technically, it still does, but to elaborate, when I set the alarm to a certain time, it doesn’t go off anymore. Instead, it goes off at random times now, which is really disappointing. Thankfully, it still charges and plays from my iPod touch, but seeing it lose it’s alarm system forces me to give it a 3 star rating instead of a 5.

Amazon.com 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.

Wake & Sleep to iPod, AM/FM Radio or Buzzer, Built in adjustable dock insert fits all docking iPod models, High Fidelity stereo drivers in Reson8 speaker chambers, Patch cord included to play MP3/CDs and iPod Shuffle, Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep