- Wake or sleep to iPad, iPhone, iPod, custom playlist, FM radio, custom apps or buzzer; Universal dock to charge and play iPad, iPhone or iPod while docked
- App-enhanced to work with free iHome Sleep app or paid iHome Radio internet radio apps; and App-enabled dual alarm with weekday/weekend/custom alarm settings
- Reson8 speaker chambers with specially designed high-end drivers deliver astounding clarity, depth & power; and adjustable EQ with bass, treble, 3D and balance controls that let you customize your sound
- Sync button syncs clock time to always-current iPhone time settings in seconds
- Includes remote control, battery backup, Daylight Saving Time switch, preset clock, line-in jack and 100V- 240V universal AC adapter
Also on top of the unit are easy buttons for both alarms play/pause, equalizer, presets, mode and alarm reset. There is also a wide Snooze/Dimmer button for eight different displays of light intensity.
The rear of the unit is used for setting your time, time sync, time zone and DST switch with an AM Loop Antenna socket and a Line-in Jack and power cable jack. You only need to deal with these once. The unit comes with a detachable antenna, which is a plastic rectangle set in a plastic stand. This piece is flimsy and seemingly out of character with the quality that is the rest of the unit. A metal antennae attached to the unit would have been nicer. There is also a convenient wafer thin remote that runs on a lithium battery (I don't see the point of this).
Whether you use an iPod, iPhone or iPad, this clock/radio system is very good, particularly for the price, which is less than the other version I mentioned above. The sound is also amazingly crisp with a good range. It's great to be able to set all the music functions of your iPad, iPhone device using the buttons on the unit. If you protect your iPod/iPhone/iPad with a device (such as an Otterbox), you can remove a rubber strip that gives you depth room to set and recharge your device without worry. Apple is always coming up with new household items and this alarm clock/dock is a great unit to own or give as a gift. This version of iHome will save you money over previous editions.
Buy iHome iD83BZC App-Enhanced 30-Pin iPod/iPhone/iPad Alarm Clock Speaker Dock Now
I have placed photos in the photo section of this page. Check them out for more details.I have reviewed a knock-off of this clock for Amazon in the past. (see the product here, but it's a different page and my review is not on it: http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-Clock-Radio-Ipod-iphone/dp/B004Y3BKI0/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1337650403&sr=8-24 ) The knock off looks good, and is similarly priced to the "real" iHome clock being reviewed here.
The fact that this will allow you to charge/link with your iPad is a big plus for me. I have iPods, iPhones, and the new iPad, but haven't had anything that links with the iPad and it's a great feature. The connector is placed in such a way that it links right up, and --this is cool-syncs with your clock on the iPad if you press the "time sync" button on the back. Setup is literally a 30 second process, and that includes plugging it in and putting the iPad into place (tops!).
It does say that it works with most covers/cases--I found that it would not work with mine. (The Speck Products new iPad FitFolio Case SPKA1186, seen here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IPZ8VG ) I had to remove it, which is sort of a bummer, but it is so easy to get it back into the case (and out of the case) that it's not a biggie to me. Of course, it links up with your iPad, iPhone, and iPod.
If you look at the buttons on the back (see photo), you see that it has Daylight Savings Time, Time Set, Time Sync, and Time Zone options. It has a Line-In for auxiliary audio.
The GREAT part about this clock is the App function. Go to the App Store and search for iHome and download iHome Sleep and iHome Radio to your iPad (or iPod). Now, the manual says nothing about a third App, called iSet--this App works, too! And not only does it work, you SHOULD download it, because it expands your clock into a piece of art. I am attaching photos to the photo section of this page. It gives you a lot of control over how your iPad looks while it's hooked to the clock--with some really nice looking backgrounds. The Apps give you so many options, from radio stations that you'd not normally get in your area (I had to pay $1.99 for the iHome Radio App) and very easy to personalize settings for your clock and your radio functions. You can easily set your alarms for certain days, and keep adding more and more special alarms as necessary (you're not limited to the two that are part of the clock). These are through the iHome Apps.
The quality of the music is superior to any clock radio I have heard. Of course, it's no Bose, but it's just fine for listening to music while you fall asleep or while you wake up...or while you work in your office...
I really like this clock, and think that the Apps make it phenomenal.This is my second recent iHome radio dock I've had an opportunity to review, the other is the iHome iD37GZC which has a couple of advantages over this device: it has an auxiliary USB charging port and it's much more compact. My wife uses the extra charging port all the time, as we will often want to charge two iPhones or an iPhone and an iPad simultaneously, so you might want to consider the other one just for that.
As for this one, it has its benefits. It is solidly built with an attractive metal front grill. The clock display is dimmable over many levels, and my wife's first request was for me to dim it all the way down; at all levels the display is easy on the eyes, has good contrast and is generally attractive. Controls are large, varied and amply spaced, so you likely can learn to find them in the dark. The large size is a bit off putting, but at least an iPad seems proportionate. Finally, the companion iOS app is attractive and competently executed, I was particularly taken by the button to find local streaming radio stations, so I was quickly sampling New Hampshire Public Radio. I like that the newer iHome clock docks have a button to sync their time with the device, makes daylight saving time conversion quick.
As for the downside, sound is OK, and if you grade on a curve of clock radios good, but still a little hollow sounding even after playing with the equalizer settings. Docking is a bit harder than I'm used to, and the flexible connector idea is pretty picky against even moderately thick iPhone cases, so people with protective cases might want to look elsewhere. And of course, the 30 pin docking connector is incompatible with the current Lightning connector sporting iOS devices unless a pricey and awkward Apple adaptor is added.
In general, a competive, mid-range iOS dock and clock which will look good on a largish bedside table.
Want iHome iD83BZC App-Enhanced 30-Pin iPod/iPhone/iPad Alarm Clock Speaker Dock Discount?
I recently received this iHome clock radio stand for my iPod and I really like it.I purchased my first iHome portable speaker system for my iPod years ago.
It is a mini boom box design and still works well today 6-7 years later.
Not too long ago, I added an iHome iD37 alarm clock stand to my collection.
I use it nightly to charge my iPhone and use it as my alarm. It works great
and doesn't take up much room on the nightstand.
That prompted me to get this iHome product, the iD83. The iD83 is a larger
version of the iD37 with the added features that being bigger it is capable of
holding my iPad stable even when it is in the case I have on it. My case on my iPad
is a Belkin Snap Shield Thin Perforation Case for Apple iPad 2 (Gray)
and I use an iPad smart cover to protect the screen. Even with the extra bulkiness
the iPad sits on the iD83 without any problems.
The iD38 has good sound and all the other features I have come to expect with
iHome devices. This includes the iOS alarm and radio apps that can be purchased
for free on the Apple App store.
This is another great product from iHome and I recommend.
Save 29% Off
This device does everything that a clock-radio should do.Pros:
You don't need an iDevice present in order to have a working alarm clock. There's a radio option and a buzzer option too for the alarm.
DIsplay has 8 levels of light intensity. It certainly gets dim enough for night-time!
Dual alarm.
Can handle iDevices with cases on them (without removing the case).
You choose the alarm volume when you set up the alarm. So no worries about the sound not being on or loud enough.
Cons:
Sound is only "ok". You won't be using it as your main stereo speakers!
Having the 8 buttons on the top all being the same to the touch is unfortunate. If you're the groggy type when you wake up, and just need to smash down on the right button with little thought then maybe this device isn't for you. Also the snooze button is flush with the top -it should be more pronounced.
