Emerson iC2196 iPod Dock Alarm Clock Radio

• Clock radio with iPod docking station and CD player
• Compatible with all dockable iPod models
• Recharges iPod batteries while connected
• Digital tuning AM/FM stereo clock radio
• Top loading CD player

Hard to believe this is nearly the only item available when you search for "ipod dock & CD clock radio." The only one under $100, that's for sure. Trusty old Emerson, never innovating, but cranking out functional, well-made versions of established items.

This one is like a decent desk radio, plus a decent old-fashioned cd player, with a 2006/era ipod dock AND a line in (even more old school). Let's address each of those features:

1. The radio is am/fm/fm stereo. The unit itself is the antenna for AM, while there is an extendable wire for FM. Be sure to protect this, as it's needed for maximum reception. The dial is analog, but that's fine for me, as I've never know digital to give better reception. Compared to other clock radios I've owned, this one picks up weak singles and tunes in confidently, and the dial is responsive.

2. The ipod dock says it will even play (but not charge) the iphone. So far it strikes me like my Sony mini-stereo; it'll play more than it gaurantees, because it's a good one that was up to date at the time of manufacture. The unit controls also do a decent job of handling the iPod menus, once you realize what to transpose.

3. The CD player has a non-locking lid, but that's fine as this is a stationery unit. It plays home-recorded CDs as well as commercial ones, don't know if it can do MP3-CDs, as I don't make those. I'd guess not. It will play repeat, random, and even let you program in your favorite tracks. Pretty much exactly like a good discman from 2002 or so.

4. The alarm clock has TWO settings, which works for me as my partner and I get up at different times. Either can wake you to the radio, a CD, your iPod (if docked) or an insistent but not blaring digital bell. This is ideal. There's a 10 minute snooze, or you can turn it off with one touch. We keep it far enough from the bed that we have to get up, anyway.

5. Plus, that line in will accomodate whatever other device you might want to attach with a stereo cord. The speakers have a rather thick sound (the bass drowns out the treble), but many people prefer that. Vocals have been clear and the sound is the same no matter which function is playing.

6. The display is big and red, so it can be seen from yards away. Powering on or off doesn't affect it. There's no dimmer, so we cover it with a cloth at night.

All in all, this is a high-performing bargain, and if it looks a little cheesy in the photo, it's really made of heavy duty plastic and looks much more sturdy and slick in person. Great job, Emerson!

Buy Emerson iC2196 iPod Dock Alarm Clock Radio Now

I have been looking around for a CD player/IPOD speaker combo for a long time now. Most others that I've seen were either too pricey, or too bulky, or had too many bells and whistles that I didn't care about, or had the IPOD speakers but no CD player, etc. I needed it to be compact so that it would fit into my home office space, but I also wanted good enough speakers so that I can fully enjoy the music.

I found this nifty little system and gave it a shot, and I've been very happy with it. It works well with my older version IPOD Nano (the system comes with several 'inserts' that you can sit on the IPOD base so that it holds your IPOD in place). As far as I know this should work with various versions and generations of the IPOD Touch, Nano, etc. Again, I have a 3rd generation Nano and it works great.

The system itself is very easy to figure out. This is a CD player, clock, radio and IPOD speaker all in one. You just push 'power' and a button to select what you want to play radio, cd player, Ipod. You can control your Ipod from the buttons on the system. The sound quality is pretty good I am no expert, but I like what I hear. This system is also compact and can fit easily on a nightstand, small desk, kitchen corner, shelf unit, etc. It plugs into an electrical outlet but can also be used with batteries if desired.

Again, for $50, this was money well spent for me. I'm very pleased with this and highly recommend it.

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The sound quality is good and you have your choice of playing a CD, radio, or iPod.

We wanted to set the two alarms so that first the iPod Touch plays one of our favorite songs for wake-up and then a few minutes later the AM radio plays. But when the radio comes on, there is a great deal of static. When the radio begins to play, the iPod Touch stays on, its song progresses from minute 3 to 4 etc. The sound from the speakers is from the radio, not the song from the iPod Touch, but the static was unacceptable. When the iPod is turned off by pushing the button at its top left, the static goes away.

There is a picture of the iPod Touch on the package, but the instruction book lists other iPods but not the Touch, and there is no plastic insert specifically for the Touch. So maybe other iPods work better with this unit.

This radio also has a tremendous amount of static from a nearby lamp with a compact flourescent light bulb, much more static than our old clock radio, which we have gone back to.

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I was hesitant about this unit before purchasing. I wasn't blown away by it's slightly dated look but I took the chance because so many of the other fancier-looking iPod radios are poorly reviewed.

I wanted something that gave me versatility for my desk at work, and this has achieved that perfectly. Just as advertised, I've got an AM/FM radio, CD player and iPod player all in one. I tend to listen to radio more than anything but like having the other options available. It works great with my 2nd generation Nano and I've never had any problems with any of the functions. The speakers are just fine and really I can't think of anything negative about this model. For the price, it's definitely worth it.

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Got one as a gift for Christmas. I don't have an iPod but I do have an MP3 player, and I can connect it or listen to CDs or radio so there's lots of listening options. Numbers are easy to see, and setting the time is really easy. Sound quality isn't bad--sounds like a small boombox but really the fact it's so versatile is why I like it. Small size is perfect for my bedroom because I really don't have room for a big shelf system or theater system. Overall a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Well done, Emerson!