![]() Both FM and AM radio reception are very good-all the stations we expect for our location came through clearly. Music has a nice warmth to it, but it's not exactly sparkling. That is, there's pretty much no bass to be heard, but audio isn't bad on the whole. Sound quality is about on a par with that of your average iPod clock radio. A small button on the top panel allows you to enter this mode, and there's even a stereo patch cable included.ĭuring testing, we found that the Sony ICF-C1iP is quite easy to set up and use, thanks largely to an explicit quick guide that's included in the box. If you want to use the ICF-C1iP with a non-iPod audio source, Sony provides for that with an auxiliary line input on the rear of the unit. The center button turns all the audio functions off. The left and right sides scrub through tracks and tune the radio, while the top turns on the radio and switches between bands. Pressing down on the pad activates the iPod mode and serves to play/pause music. Here, there's a volume rocker and a circular control pad that rather mimics the iPod's own Clickwheel-minus the touch-sensitive scrolling, of course. The various audio functions are handled mainly via the included remote and the controls located on the top-right side of the Sony ICF-C1iP. Along with the current time, the LCD displays the current mode (iPod, FM, AM, or audio in) and the alarm time and type. The display features large, legible text, but its location at the bottom of the speaker might not be ideal depending on the amount of surrounding items and the angle of view. A central iPod dock juts out of the bottom and houses the backlit LCD. The front of the unit is covered in a metal speaker grille, which is interrupted only by an adjustable rectangular appendage that serves as rear support for a docked iPod (no dock adapters are included). It's quite a bit larger than your average radio alarm clock, measuring about a foot long, 5.3 inches tall, and 5.5 inches deep at the widest point of the base. The Sony ICF-C1iP is probably not the best choice for a small or cluttered nightstand. In this price range, you’re looking at models with multiple charging ports for several devices larger, better-quality speakers and light therapy functions.The Sony ICF-C1iP radio alarm clock for the iPod isn't the smallest or most stylish in the category, but decent audio quality, great radio reception, and a reasonable price point make it a fine option. Models at this price often allow users to set multiple alarms, and many feature Bluetooth connectivity.īetter sound quality will cost you more, and so will a sunrise simulator. Pay a little more and get yourself a clock radio that doubles as a charging dock for your smartphone. Some models at this price point also have sleep timers and USB charging ports. Some models even run away from you, so you’re forced to get out of bed to shut them off! Clock radio pricesĪt this price, clock radios will have functions such as a radio tuner, a number of presets so you can program your favorite radio stations, and a snooze button. Other units double as charging docks for smartphones. Some high-tech clock radios incorporate additional features like room temperature readings and weather updates for the day ahead. There is no fail-safe if the battery runs out in the middle of the night. If the power goes out, you won’t miss that important meeting in the morning. Most clock radios require an outlet for power, but some have batteries for backup power. Out of everything in your life, your clock radio should be the least of your worries. Buttons should be responsive, easy to press, and intuitive. Programming your favorite radio stations should also be easy. Make sure setting the alarm is simple enough that you don’t run into problems that leave you racing to work. You won’t get any use out of a feature-heavy unit if it’s too hard to program. When deciding on a clock radio, consider its ease of use. If you sleep like a rock and constantly ignore your alarm, a more persistent clock radio may be right for you. If you have difficulty sleeping, you might need a clock radio with features that help you drift off peacefully. If you work odd shifts or have to get up early in the winter when it’s still dark out, a sunrise simulator may help with morning grogginess. If you’re a very heavy sleeper, sound quality – and volume – may be more important to you than other features. If you’re thinking about buying a new clock radio for your boudoir, first think about your sleep habits. If you want to save space on your bedside table, opt for a clock radio that doubles as a light.
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