Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)There seems to be some confusion, Sony had a previous model of this that was very similar but was NOT iphone compatible. This new model IS iphone compatible. Make sure the box says "iphone" and not just ipod on it or make sure you order this unit (from this review.) Sony really should have changed the name or the look more. I suppose they will replace the old one with this one ultimately.
I found a great review of this also in ilounge.com where they gave it an A- and they are pretty stingy with their A's so I knew it had to be good. This is in fact a GREAT iphone / ipod clock radio / speaker system. I was pretty blown away by it and the price. They called it Sony's BEST iphone / ipod accessory ever and I agree.
Pro's:
First, most iphone systems like this start at $150, so this is a great deal at under $100. The unit is pretty small really and sets up instantly. Nothing like a great product for less than what you expect to pay.
Amazing sound! I was unprepared for the quality of the sound and even the "mega-xpand" really does seem to give you a larger, more separated sound. I don't know how this stacks up to say a $300 Bose ipod speaker system but I am more than happy for a bed side / desk side speaker. I have had it for 4 days and I have not heard any noticeable cell phone noise or interference also.
There is a very nice adjustable knob in the back that you turn to adjust the position of the dock for the ipod. Hard to explain but this solves the issue of different ipods being thicker or thinner than others. You adjust it once and it stays put - impressive. Should make it compatible with many different ipods.
The Remote! It comes with a tiny infrared remote that lets you control ALL of the ipod's music controls. Very slick. You can menu up to all the playlists, album, songs, artists etc.. and then drill down and play. Also very impressive! It will even turn on the ipod its its off / asleep. This is extremely useful!
The clock functions are ok, I can't say much good or bad really here. 2 alarms, adjustable display on the clock, programmable radio stations buttons, an AM and FM antenna. I usually just use my iphone's alarm to wake me up but I assume the clock stuff is also good. Its a pretty basic alarm system, buzzer, radio etc.. no multi day alarms or such. Also has sleep mode that you can set on the remote. No nature sounds or any of that. Just 2 alarms and snooze, etc. More than enough for me.
It also has an audio in port on the back which is very nice for watching movies or such on the ipod & playing thru the speakers. I won't use it much but its a killer feature.
It also has some sort of auto time set function, works ok but I had to set my time zone. I think it comes with a built in lithium battery to keep the clock function set in case of a power outage, also nice feature.
Con's:
Not many really. The unit seems a tad unstable on my desk, like its top heavy but it hasn't fallen over or anything. I might try and put something under the back to make it more stable.
The alarm display is very cluttered,even if you have the alarms off, it still displays one of the alarm times and such. The time display is very large so thats not an issue but it be nice to turn off some of the extra display stuff.
Even with the knob adjusted, I still have to carefully position the iphone on the dock and slide it in, I wish it would slide it more easily. Also not a huge detractor.
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Sony ICF-C1IPMK2 Speaker System and Clock Radio with iPod Dock (Black)Product Description: Universal iPod, iTouch & iPhone Dock, Wireless Remote w/ Full Menu Control for iPod, Digital AM/FM Tuner, Wake or Sleep to iPod/Radio/Buzzer, Auto Time/Daylight Savings Time Set, Dual Alarm, Adjustable Support for iPod
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