Product: iHome iH41 Swivel Alarm Clock
Buy it?: $79.95 each at Brookstone or www.brookstone.com
Best Uses: iPod Loudspeaker, alarm clock, iPod charger, movie “theater”
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars


From the day I got my iPod Touch, I have been avidly against buying an official “iPod licensed” dock. My impression has always been that it was a waste of money to get an iHome when I could get cheap loudspeakers that work with both my iPod and my Zune. After trying this out, I realized that I was completely off base, and believe it or not, I plan to buy one next time I wander the mall.


What is it? How is it different from other iHomes?

As an iHome, this device plugs into an outlet and acts as a loudspeaker, playing music from the connected iPod while charging it. The quality is pretty high, and the maximum volume is loud, although not as loud as a full-fledged stereo system. You can also turn it sideways (the clock display rotates) and watch the videos on your iPod.

This comes with a remote that you can use to change the song, volume, or alarm/snooze settings. That remote really comes in handy even if you are walking around and cleaning your room, or lying down right next to your iPod. I have found that the best way to use it is to keep it between your pillows at night and use it to snooze the alarm (without even turning!) the next morning.

As for the alarm clock, it wakes you up by playing music from your iPod. If the iPod is not connected, it simply buzzes. The great thing about these high-class alarm clocks is that regardless of what sound is set to play, it slowly gets louder over time, instead of just blasting from the start and startling you out of a deep slumber.


Some Drawbacks…

While this dock does everything it is supposed to do, deciding if you want to buy it all depends on how much you value your comfort, and if that value exceeds $80 =P
I also wish that the alarm clock was better organized. It works perfectly, but only plays music at the volume you were last listening at. Personally, I listen to podcasts quietly before I sleep, so I need to remember to turn the volume back up for the alarm every night. It also only has one alarm, though its various snooze features make up for its lack of a second one.


My advice:

While the price is a bit on the steep side, its “luxurious, yet unnecessary” benefits are so useful they make life easier, so this dock is a must-have if you have the money.



***A special thanks to the very helpful people at Brookstone who made testing this product possible.