iLive Portable App-Enhanced Boombox FM Radio with Dock for iPhone/iPod - Yellow/Black

• Portable boom box with AM/FM radio
• Dock to play and charge most iPhone and iPod models
• 20 FM radio presets with digital volume control
• 3.5mm audio line input and composite video output
• AC adapter included, batteries sold separately

I was looking for something to replace my old radio that could also be used to play my ipod while I exercise. This seemed like a good fit, but I was hesitant to buy because it was hard to find many reviews and there are virtually no details available from amazon or the manufacturer's website. I took a chance and I was pretty disappointed. What you don't know: the antenna is super short and only extends straight upward, so the FM reception is terrible. I couldn't pick up any station without severe static, even in locations that my old radio had no problems with. The knobs are loose and the whole radio is very lightweight plastic. Also, the knobs don't actually rotate, they just do a left click or a right click, and adjusting the volume or tuning takes endless repetitive clicks in either direction. Plus, the FM station presents are deleted every time you unplug the radio, so you have to enter them all back in each time if you plan on moving the radio between different locations or unplugging for storage. On the plus side, the iPod functionality was good with excellent sound quality. However, having FM radio was vital and there were just too many headaches to warrant keeping it. All of the design flaws really make it a $25-30 value at best, not at all worth the $60 price tag.

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After hearing my friend complain again and again about how dainty all the other docks look sitting on his workbench in the garage, I broke down and purchased one of these for him. He immediately commented on the looks of the thing, and set about replacing the one he had set up already. The player sounds great in the space he has, and he can't wait for the weather to warm up so he can enjoy it more.

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I wanted a relatively small iPhone compatible music player that I could keep in my studio. My needs were not great...put the iPhone on shuffle, hit play and leave it alone. From that perspective, I have no 'major' complaints about this system. I qualify this because I realize most users will want a bit more flexibility in a system, and this device may present some serious drawbacks for them.

Look and feel: Cheap. It looks cheaper in person than in the photos. Don't buy it for it's looks. The feel is even worse. Buttons are hard and click, unit feels empty and without quality.

Sound quality: Fair to good, but it lacks volume. It simply doesn't get very loud. Enough for background music, but that's about it. Seriously, I turned it up all the way and my wife and I were still able to carry on a full conversation just 3 feet from it. If you like your music loud, don't buy it.

Design: This system has some serious design flaws that you should know about...

1. The buttons and knobs don't allow you to navigate the iPod/iPhone, nor does it come with a remote. The worst part is that the plastic door needs to be shut to hold the iPod in place, otherwise you get an unstable connection with the dock connector. When the plastic door is shut, you have zero access to the iPod. Want to switch to a different playlist or browse to a different artist...tough. You have to manually remove the iPod, select your music, then put it back.

2. There is a free app that you can download that adds some functionality, but again, you need to open the plastic door to access those features on your screen.

3. The volume and track knobs click when you turn them. Want to turn up the volume? Twist the knob until you hear the very loud click, then release. Repeat over and over to keep raising the volume. You can twist to the click and hold, but it takes several seconds before the volumes starts going up...so it's actually faster to click it 10-15 times to reach full volume.

Do you like to turn your iPod on and let it play for hours on end as mood or background music? If that's the extent of your needs, fear not as this unit will do the job. I hate that it doesn't get very loud, but it does sound good...for an entry level unit.

Do you like to play and active part in your music, selecting songs, adjusting volumes, etc., etc? If so, do NOT buy this unit.

For my needs, it's a keeper because it was so cheap. I'm guessing most users would hate it though.

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Just bought one of these and it is total junk. its a $15.00 radio. The sound quality is not good. The buttons are very very cheap. The whole unit is made out of very cheap plastic. Anyone who thinks this thing can be handled roughly is out of there mind. I just got it today and its being sent back tomorrow. Don't waste your money, I wish I didn't.

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I had been searching for a portable dock for my iPhone that looked like it might be able to withstand a knock or two; I am not kind to my electronics. I found this thing and thought it fit the bill pretty nicely. Sound was pretty good, I didn't bother much with the apps at the time, saw no point in it. Anyway, put it to use when my buddy and I were sealing his rear-windows against the wind. Some caulk dribbled on the housing where the iPhone sits. Glad this thing has an enclosed dock.