- Compatible with all docking versions of the iPod and all iPhone models
- Easy volume and source touch controls--system remembers your last setting after shutdown
- Wake to your favorite song from your iPod or iPhone or a buzzer alarm
- Large backlit LCD with automatic dimming, for easy viewing and menu navigation in any environment
- Backup battery allows alarm function to operate in the event of power outage
A week ago, my trustworthy old clock/radio/CD player finally died after over 10 years of faithful service. When I started looking for a replacement clock/radio, I realized that I didn't care about having a CD player any more, but it would be really useful if I could use it as a docking station/speaker to play music on my iPod or iPhone.
For me, the most frustrating obstacle that I ran into as I searched through various products and reviews was a lack of comprehensive and accurate information regarding compatibility with different iPod/iPhone models! I have a 3rd generation iPod nano and an iPhone 4, and I wanted a dock that would be compatible with either device. For several docking stations, I found that Amazon, the Apple store and the manufacturer's own website had 3 different versions of which iPods/iPhones the dock was supposedly compatible with so which should I believe?
In the end, I was debating between the iHome iP90 and the JBL On Time 200P, and the compatibility issue ended up being the deciding factor. Several reviewers commented that the iHome iP90 only came with docking inserts for a few iPod/iPhone models (not including the iPhone 4), so they had to visit the iHome website to purchase an additional insert to fit the iPhone 4 that cost an extra $5.99 plus shipping. If I'm already paying for a pricy docking station, I want it to be compatible with my devices out of the box; I don't want to mess around with ordering and paying for extra inserts. Since the JBL On Time 200P was advertised on several websites as being compatible with all docking versions of iPod/iPhone, I decided to see for myself... And it was!
**PROS**
1. Compatibility!! Box contains multiple inserts/adaptors that make it compatible with ALL current docking versions of iPod/iPhone. I was able to plug in both my iPod nano 3rd gen and my iPhone 4 with no problems, and listen to music while they charged at the same time!
2. Great overall sound quality (see CONS section for exceptions).
3. Very sleek and stylish design.
4. Bright blue display makes the time clearly visible from across the room. (That said, I put my JBL On Time 200P in the kitchen but if you want to use this device in the bedroom as an alarm clock, I'm not sure whether the display would be too bright...)
5. Simple and clear instruction manual easy to program/use.
6. You can receive incoming calls while the iPhone is plugged into the docking station. Whatever you're listening to gets automatically muted, and the iPhone rings just like normal!
**CONS**
1. The lowest volume setting is not as quiet as I would like I can still hear it clearly in the next room.
2. The sound quality gets a bit distorted if you turn the volume all the way up.
Overall conclusion: I'm very satisfied with the JBL On Time 200P and would definitely recommend it, especially if you've got multiple different iPod/iPhone models and want a device that's compatible with all of them.
Buy JBL On Time 200P Loudspeaker iPod Dock and Clock Radio for iPhone (Black) Now
I bought this unit mainly because I needed an alarm clock and wanted one packaged with a radio and iphone dock. That being said, this was almost the perfect unit except for one major thing and a few quibbles.
The major problem: the display is waaay too bright!!! I buy an alarm clock for the purpose of waking me up at a very specific time, not to keep me awake all through the night. You can adjust the brightness, but even at it's lowest setting, a blue glow is cast throughout most of my bedroom (12 x 12 feet). It's really mind boggling that the designers could over look this. I'm not the type of person who needs to sleep in pitch black darkness. I can tolerate a night light plugged in by the bed, but the display is way brighter than that.
You can turn off the display completely, but I think it's inconvenient and somewhat illogical. With the display off, it's hard to find the buttons to push in the first place since it's now... dark in the room. Furthermore, it is a clock after all and I would like to know the time without having to push a button... if I could find the buttons in the dark.
PROS:
-Has radio and iphone dock (3G,4)
-Great sound for it's size
-Compact size and stylish
-Has remote
-Backup battery
CONS:
-Display is too bright.
-As others have stated, the alarm is very loud!
-There is no single button surfing for radio presets. You have to hit three buttons to go from one preset to the next. Idiotic. I thought presets were supposed to be convenient.
Read Best Reviews of JBL On Time 200P Loudspeaker iPod Dock and Clock Radio for iPhone (Black) Here
I bought this alarm clock/speaker from 6ave on Amazon 2 weeks ago and am very happy.
The only problem I have, which is mentioned in other reviews, is that the lowest volume setting is a little loud when the house is quiet in the morning and other people are sleeping. It also automatically keeps increasing the volume up to a certain point until you hit snooze or turn the alarm off.
Also, it works with my iPod Nano 5th generation, but didn't come with the right base adapter, so I have to use the white one that came with my iPod. The dock comes with multiple clear adapters, so people with iPhones or other iPod versions may not have to order/use one they already have.
Things I love:
~It has 7 completely independent alarms, each of which can be set to wake to radio, iPod/iPhone, buzzer, or auxiliary player (cord included). Each alarm can be set for a certain day of the week, weekdays, weekends, one time, or 7 days a week!!! I haven't seen another alarm clock with so many options!!!
~You can set the snooze to however many minutes you want! My old clock snoozed for 7 minutes, with no options.
~The screen includes TONS of information including showing which alarm time(s) are set, if the sleep feature is on and for how many more minutes (15, 30 & 60 min options), it gives the time and day of the week, radio station/artist/song when the radio is on, etc.
~It has 10 digital radio presets which makes it quick and easy to run through your favorite stations, AM or FM. (No more scroll wheel for me!)
~The speaker is a good size for a night stand and nice design.
~The buttons are very intuitive and by the second day I could navigate everything easily in the dark.
~AM/FM reception in my location is good without the external antennas.
~The screen has adjustable brightness and contrast settings.
~The remote is a nice feature, but some people have complained about it's durability. I don't expect to use it much, but it's nice to have. It also controls your iPod/iPhone menus so you can change songs or playlists.
~It charges your iPod/iPhone while docked. I was surprised many other systems don't.
~Lighted buttons make navigating menus in the dark a breeze.
UPDATE: After having this speaker dock for exactly 1 month the display died. I only got a blue screen with no text no matter what I did. I called JBL since it's under warranty and they had me troubleshoot a few things to make sure the contrast wasn't just turned down, then had me fax my receipt and they are sending me another unit. In the meantime, I'm left using my cell phone as an alarm... At least their customer service is good.
UPDATE 2/6/13: I haven't had any problems with the replacement unit and have been very happy with it the last year and a half. I would buy it again.
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Got one of these in June 2011. About two weeks ago the display went blank. Can't do anything with it now except charge my iPod. A very expensive paperweight.
Long Overdue Edit: Contacted JBL and they replaced the unit. My daughter is using it and loves it. Changed to 4 stars.
After having this speaker dock for exactly 1 month the display died. I only got a blue screen with no text no matter what I did. I called JBL since it's under warranty and they had me troubleshoot a few things to make sure the contrast wasn't just turned down, then they ask me to fax my receipt, will update you soon on this.
