iSymphony CR1 Portable Clock Radio Music System with Built-in Universal Dock for iPod (Black)

• Compatibility: iPod mini; iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod classic 3G, 4G, 5G; iPod touch
• Built-in Universal Dock for iPod charges your iPod while docked
• Alarm clock wakes you up to your favorite radio station or buzzer alarm
• 4-watt output power with FM stereo/AM digital PLL tuner
• Auxiliary input for any external audio player; AC/DC power (works with 6 C-cell batteries)

This is the perfect little system if you want to listen to your iPod tunes in your cubicle or work area, or at home in one particular room (bedroom, kitchen, etc). It's not meant for really large areas and at only 4 watts isn't going to crank out sound that rattles the windows, but that's not what I bought it for. The sound is crisp, clear and consistent, the clock, alarm and radio also work well. Since this is a basic system you control it using the iPod wheel rather than through the buttons on top. I've used this daily since I got it and it sounds as good as day one. I've used both a 30 and classic 80 gig iPod with this because they provide different size shims. If I wear this out for whatever reason I'd definitely buy another since it's already outlasted a previous (higher-priced) system I had by a different manufacturer. I think this great for the price and the size fits just about anywhere without being too obtrusive or bulky.

Edit 7/7/08: Still works and sounds great. The only problem I've experienced is the antenna seems delicate and broke off (probably due to user error, aka me). I don't get radio reception where I use this (my office) so it's not really a problem, but if you are going to be using it, take care when extending and retracting it.

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This product does what it says it does: allows you to dock your iPod and doubles as an alarm clock radio. While it meets the bare minimum of its claims, it has serious design flaws that prevent a favorable recommendation.

The clock on the radio can only be viewed from a very certain angle in front of and slightly above the unit. Viewed from level to the device, slightly to the side, or any distance of more than 2 or 3 feet, the display turns into an unreadable luminescent blur. Because the display is tilted upward when the unit is sitting level, it is completely useless as an alarm clock if it sits level to or above your bed.

This assumes, however, that you can use it as a clock to begin with, because the unit will display the radio frequency and not the clock anytime you have it set to the radio function including when the alarm goes off. The unit also must be turned off for the alarm to function, and the display is not lit when the unit it turned off.

If all you want to do is play your iPod at work on your desk and don't mind using the iPod's clock instead of the display on the unit, this product may work for you. However, if you plan on using it for an alarm clock, you're much better spending a little more money for another unit. You'll probably end up spending that money anyway once you realize how poorly this product was designed.