iLuv Modern Sound 30-Pin Stereo Speaker Dock

• Understated elegance, complements any room.
• Powerful built-in stereo speakers for incredible depth and clarity.
• Features clock display options, creative alarm sounds, searchable weather forecasts, Internet Radio and more with the iLuv App (FREE from the App Store).
• Play and charge your iPhone or iPod with one connection.
• Auxiliary line input to support any audio device with a 3.5mm jack.
• LED indicator for ON/OFF and Volume.
• Built-in stereo speakers allow you to hear your music with depth and clarity
• Plays and charges your iPhone or iPod
• Watch YouTube videos, movies, run appsand play games while docked
• Auxiliary line input for any audio devices with 3.5mm jack
• Power On/Off and volume buttons with LED indicator

The iMM288-01 is a very basic stereo speaker docking unit for the iPhone and/or iPod. The docking station has only three control buttons: on/off, + and volume control.

The unit worked right out of the box and installed the required app as soon as I plugged in the iPod, but I am moderately disappointed in the sound quality. It sounds a little "tinny" and the bass tones could use improvement.

On the positive side, the iLuv app does include access to Internet Radio, multiple clock displays, alarm sound options and access to some weather information. Since the unit itself is simple and the app installed easily even someone technologically challenged can feel confident that they can buy and operate this dock. Of course there are also tons of other apps that you can use if you prefer to customize your options.

I wanted a docking station that would charge my ipod so that I can listen to podcasts while I'm cooking without running down my battery the way I currently do when connecting to a set of regular stereo speakers and for this purpose the product suits my needs. Still, even at the discounted price of $68.64 it seems a little overpriced considering its mediocre sound quality.

Ease of Use: 5 stars

Sound Quality: 2 stars

Price: 2 stars

Overall Rating: 3 stars

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I love the iLuv. I've been using it on my desk with both my iPod and iPad. I especially enjoy using it with my iPad because I can set music image displays while listening to music, or watch videos. The iLuv has a cool slick design, all black, that melts into the background. You simply plug it in and turn it on. Place your ipod on top and operate. It charges the battery while you use it. It's great! And, the sound quality is top-notch. It has a nice even, lush, balance. I'm really enjoying mine and I highly recommend it to all my friends. Cheers!

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I'm using this with my 1st generation iPod Touch. I'm not an audiophile, but I can tell that the sound coming from this dock isn't as good as what comes from my iMac computer speakers (it's an iMac I bought in 2007, and its speakers produce a "warmer", more in depth sound, than the iLuv dock's sound). This dock is not as good as what I get from my Sennheiser PX 100 headphones, and it's lower quality than what I get from my stock stereo system in my Honda Element. But this is what I expected, this little dock being what it is. For what it is, it does an alright job. When I crank up the volume, there's no tinny sound or static.

Pretty simple unit: There are 3 buttons along the top (Volume down, Volume up, Power on/off) and there's a 3.5mm jack on the back if you'll be using a 3.5mm male to male cable to connect your MP3 device to this dock like if you wanted to connect an iPod Shuffle to this dock. This 3.5mm male to male cable is not included with this dock, so if you don't already have one you'll have to buy it separately (they're about $7-8).

A little detail: The product photo shows a blue LED in the upper corner to show when the dock is powered on, but the dock I received has a white LED. If you use this dock in your bedroom and prefer a pitch dark room to sleep in, this one white LED is like a spotlight in a dark room. I put a piece of black electrical tape over the LED so it won't bother me at night.

I've only had this dock a week, so far so good, but if there are any longevity problems, I'll be sure to update.

*UPDATE* Using this on an end table next to our bed, my husband and I have noticed that when this dock is turned on and our iPod Touch is in the dock, the dock makes a fluttering heartbeat sound. It's very noticeable in a quiet bedroom and we can even hear it when the dock is playing music.

A note regarding price: When I wrote this review, this dock was priced at $55 (an okay price), and a week later it's at $70. The list price is $89.99. As this dock gets up to the $70 price range, the competition offers a lot more for a little more money. For example, the Panasonic SC-HC20P-K Compact Stereo System is $91 (for a new unit, and it's $77 for used-like new condition) and in addition to an iPod dock, it also has a CD player and FM/AM radio with presets. If you're looking for an iPod dock, you may want to consider the Panasonic unit.

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This was immediately given to my 12 year old to see if he could set it up. You just HAVE to give it 5 stars for "ease of use". He had it set up 1-2-3 and had downloaded the free App for the alarm clock feature which he loves and uses every day. No, it is not the high quality of an expensive sound system. We have Bose speakers in the house, so we do have some perspective on quality! Honestly, I'd give it a 5 star review if it were based on my son's opinion. If you want to spend more money for high quality sound, then yes, you might want to shop around a bit more. I am perfectly happy with this system for our use 12 year old bedroom.

UPDATE: ONE MONTH LATER.....our iLuv no longer charges the iPod. It is only used for speakers only. It's a shame because we really liked the product. I must change my original 5 star to a 2 star now totally based on durabilty. It should have lasted longer than a month. I'm very disappointed.

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iLuv iMM288 Stereo Speaker Dock for iPod and iPhone

This iPod dock is a lower level device in this category. It has mediocre sound quality but maybe for this price range that is to be expected. Still, it would be nice to be surprised that it's better than the price belies. Well, not so much with the iLuv.

It is very basic in its feature set. It has the dock connector up front, a mini jack in the back (for non-iDevices) and three buttons, volume up, down and power. It's simple to deal with, for sure. The instructions steer you towards some iLuv apps in the iTunes App Store. They are very basic but give you an alarm clock the weather and some music/radio like channels. The good news is there are countless other such apps, many free, that perform these functions far better. At least they did provide an app to complete the package. Given the sound quality, I'd stay with talk radio or other less demanding sonic type stations. I tested the iLuv with a first gen iPod Touch. That device has no speaker so this is an opportunity to get some sound out of it. It's an OK device but I really wish the sound quality was better. At the current price point of about seventy dollars it's too high for what it is. If it goes on sale for twenty or so less maybe then it can fill an inexpensive need.