If you are on the market for an iPod enabled alarm clock make sure you take a look at the iHome IH9.

After looking at other alarm clocks like the Emerson iTone iC200 SmartSet Alarm Clock Radio for iPod this one beats them all hands down. Sure it costs a little more, but up to now we haven't found anyone offering a product of this caliber at this price. The iHome iH9 features two alarm clocks that can be set independently and can be configured to "alarm" you either every day of the week, Monday through Fiday, or just on the weekends. Waking up to your favorite playlist is great and being able to shut up the alarm clock without getting out of bed using the remote control is priceless, but can also have a downfall: We think that one day you might shut off the alarm in your sleep without noticing and sleep right through your morning meeting.

The iHome IH9 allows you to wake up to your favorite tunes on your iPod, AM/FM station, or an old school buzzer. When it is time for the alarm to activate, it gradually increases the volume and wakes you up without a jolt. A feature that is my personal favorite is the full-function remote control. The remote allows you to control your iPod's menu as well as almost all aspects of the iHome IH9 alarm clock. The sound quality is also excellent for the price.

The display is bright blue on black and has several levels of dimming so you can set it to your favorite brightness. The iHome IH9 also features a backup battery, that allows your clock to function while the power is out (the radio/alarm features will be disabled during a power outage even with the back up battery). It is also a shame that you can't power this device completely by battery since it would have been great to take this little guy with us to the beach.

All in all the iHome IH9 is great unit and we would easily recommend it. The villa gives it two thumbs up based on its price and quality.


Features
- Wake to your iPod playlist, AM/FM radio, or buzzer
- Fall asleep to your iPod or AM/FM radio using the adjustable sleep timer
- Bass, treble, 3D, and balance controls
- High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers
- Play and charge your iPod
- Auxiliary port for connecting other audio devices such as CD players
- Six watts total output
- High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers
- Full-function remote control that interfaces with iPod and radio
- Universal dock with inserts to fit docking iPod models
- Gradual wake or sleep gently increases or decreases alarm/sleep volume
- Extra-large, backlit custom LCD display with dimmer
- DST switch for quick daylight savings time adjustment

Specifications
- AC power, 10V, 1.4A
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 9.05 x 4.25 x 3.54 in./23.0 x 10.8 x 9.0 cm

In the Box
- iHome IH9
- Docking inserts
- Remote control
- AC power adapter
- Two AA batteries (for power backup)
- User's manual

THE GOOD
- Alarm volume gradually goes up (no jolt)
- Full-function remote control (priceless)
- Full control of your iPod
- Great sound quality
- Nice display
- Easy to use

THE BAD
- A little bigger than a typical AM/FM alarm clock
- Price is a bit higher than we would like to pay for this kind of device
- You might mistakingly turn off your alarm while you are asleep using remote (read review for what we mean)

WHERE TO BUY
Amazon

MANUFACTURER
iHome Audio