Gizmodo: iHome

Lightning Review: iHome iH12BR iPod Alarm Clock

Jason Chen — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EDT

The Gadget: The iHome iH12, which is an iPod dock, alarm clock, AM/FM radio and stereo speakers all in one compact black box. The BR means it's black and it comes with a remote.

The Price: $79

The Verdict: It works pretty much as expected. We went through loads and loads of iPod Docks in our iPod Dock Battlemodo last year and like the iHome iH52 speaker dock, we found this iH12 to be fairly bass heavy. That's not really a huge deal if you're using this as an alarm clock to wake up to, but if you're just relaxing in bed, you'll have to make some EQ adjustments to find the right bass setting you're comfortable with.

The alarm features are fine, even if the controls are slightly less intuitive than we'd like. The remote is useful for fiddling with it from across the room, and the unit even has a battery backup in case your power goes out. For $79.99, it's a pretty great all-in-one iPod speaker and alarm clock combination that should work well in most bedrooms. If you want great sound quality in a set that you're going to use to listen to music more often, we'd recommend you get a separate unit to go with this. [iHome]

iHome ZN9 is the World's First Zune Alarm Clock Radio

Jason Chen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:56:31 EDT

It's pretty amazing that no one's made an alarm clock radio for the Zune yet—it's been out for a year and a half already—but iHome's stepped up to the plate. The ZN9 has dual alarms, separate weekday/weekend times, backlit LCD, and of course a Zune dock. It's similar in functionality to this other iHome alarm clock we're currently testing, but this one's got an Xbox 360-like tapered case. $99 for the Microsoft fan in July. [iHome]

iHome iH69 and iH70 Are Computer Speakers + iPod Docks

Jason Chen — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

We've seen the iHome iH69 before, but it and the slightly newer iH70 computer speakers have an iPod dock built directly into the body. Why's this useful when you've theoretically got your computer plugged into your computer; the same computer that already has the music library that you fed your iPod with? That's a good question, but iHome's probably assuming you're taking these speakers to, say, work. Or something. The iH69 is $99 and the iH70 is $122 when it's released soon. [iHome]

iHome Alarm Clock Rotates Because It Can

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:30:00 EDT

While the iPod touch is capable of rotating to tweak the video aspect ratio, most docks make you choose one way or the other. But the iHome iH41B dock will actually rotate with your iPod, and its digital clock display will adjust to match. For those of you who just own standard iPods, the iH41B is still compatible. So fulfill all those dreams of docking your MP3 player at a 90-degree angle. And never let someone tell you that you can't do something again. [iHome via Crunchgear]

iHome IP99 iPhone Alarm Clock Wakes You Up With No Buzz

Adrian Covert — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:10:00 EDT

IHome today revealed their new IP99 alarm clock/iPhone dock specificially designed to shield out the rather annoying TDMA buzz associated with the iPhone and other GSM phones. The IP99 is the latest to protect against the buzz (the Altec-Lansing we reviewed in February also does this), as this is becoming desirable feature in the speaker docks. The 10W gadget makes use of iHome's Reson8 audio system, which produces pretty decent sound, given the size and price of their devices. The iHome IP99 will sell in June for $150. [iLounge]

iHome's iHL10, iHL20, iHL31 iPod Dock Lamps Are For iPod Dock Haters

Jason Chen — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EDT

iHome just devised a genius iPod dock—a category that's already full up with five times too many models than it really needs—that's not only an iPod dock, but also a lamp. It's an iPod dock lamp, and it's available in three models, one of which is shorter and fatter, another of which comes with a remote. The perfect thing for a desk that's in need of lighting and/or music. At $49.99, it's neither too expensive for a lamp or too expensive for a dock. If we could only get more of the stuff on our desk to converge, we could actually see our desks. [Checkolite via Slippery Brick via dvice]

iHome iH69 Computer Speakers With Integrated iPod Dock

Sean Fallon — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EDT

iHome's iH69 speakers provide an all-in-one solution for music lovers that fight a never-ending battle with gadget clutter. Simply put, these 20-watt, 2.5-inch computer speakers feature a built-in dock that will sync, charge and play your iPod. Looks like a good example of convergence if you ask me. Let's just hope they don't sound like crap. No prices have been announced, but you can expect the iH69 to hit store shelves in June. [Blast Mag and iHome]

The iHome iHC5 Gets Reviewed

blongo3 — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:40:03 EDT

iLounge got their hands on the soon-to-be-released iHome iHC5. This clock radio has decided to branch out from the iHome's comfortable iPod market, and instead is trying to attract media cellphones. While it does do some interesting things like stream music from your cellphone or PC using Bluetooth, it does have a couple of problems.

Most notably that some cellphones, including the iPhone, don't transmit music over Bluetooth and you will be forced to hardwire your phone. However, even if you're "lucky" enough to have a phone that connects to the iHC5 you'll still have to keep it a good distance away from it unless you enjoy listening to TDMA interference. Although to end on a positive note, the review does say that it is a very capable speaker phone, one that even works with the iPhone, complete with caller ID and a pop out dial-pad. The iHC5 is retailing for $150 and should be available by the end of the month. [iLounge]

iHome iH52 vs. XtremeMac Tango vs. Eton Sound 100 iPod

Mark Wilson — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:30:54 EDT

Round two of our iPod Dock Bracket continues as three docks battle it out for our eternal love and loyalty...until the next round. It's heavyweights iHome iH52 and XtremeMac Tango duking it out in the same ring as the welterweight Eton Sound 100 iPod. Who will win? Why would you even read the teaser anymore? Just hit the jump to find out.

For testing we listened to Emiliana Torrini's Sunny Road, light acoustic rock that builds into deeper instrumentation.

iHome iH52
All the ranges are well represented, with plenty of bass available. The guitar sounds pleasant, and the voice is OK, but not stellar. Nothing here will completely blow you away as no particular range really shines, but there's nothing blatantly broken, either.

XtremeMac Tango
In the quiet opening, there is a noticeable buzz. It's a high and faint, an almost digital-sounding overtone. And once you hear that, it sours the whole package. The lows seem to keep up with the iHome's, though sounds sometimes become murky from lower ranges to the mids—it's lacking control in its resonance. But the vocal track is actually surprisingly quite strong.

Eton Sound 100 iPod
The Sound 100 surprised me, nearly keeping up with its competitors in its overall frequency range. But overall, the experience is a little thinner than offerings from either the iHome or Tango. Still...

WINNER: Eton Sound 100 iPod
Admittedly, the Eton comes in third place regarding sound. The iHome takes that category. But this is the second round, and I refuse to put through a computer speaker system with a dock attachment and a big iHome slapped on the front.

iPod docks are superfluous tech, meant to have a level of sexiness that's superior to our existing computer or surround sound system (and besides, could you imagine if Logitech and Altec Lansing entered their computer systems in the competition). Meanwhile, the Tango just doesn't sound as good as its footprint would suggest. The bottom line: if we were choosing one dock of the three for our home, it would be the Eton. And even if we bitched a little about the sound, at least we wouldn't have to look at another ugly pile of cords.

On Yer Bike with the iH85B, iHome's iPod Speaker

AddyDugdale — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:30:15 EDT

Cyclists may be so excited by the iH85B, iHome's waterproof and impact-resistant speaker unit with its ingenious design that hides iPods deep within its shiny black polycarbonate carapace. And the 99-buck unit is remote controlled, too, so you won't find yourself wobbling across five lanes of traffic and into the path of an oncoming bus just because you decided that it wasn't the time for Avril Lavigne*.

Attach the separate RC unit to your handlebars and the speaker to the bit below your crossbar and off you go. The speaker uses Reson8 technology and it even comes with an AC lead so that you can charge your iPod up through it.

*Does anyone have time for the shouty little brat?

Product Page [iHome via Mobile Whack]

iPod Dock Bracket, iLive Studio vs. iHome iH52

Mark Wilson — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:30:54 EDT

In our next iPod Bracket Battle, two companies with "i" in their name are trying to make it in a world where "we" are all a little sick of the lower case lettering.

The iHome Studio ($179.99) and the iLive iH52 ($200, a price increase for the second "i") battle it out after the jump for your iLove.

And the iHome wins. So don't bet against it in the next few seconds before you hit the jump.

Design

iLive
The iLive has a retractable docking system. You push a button and it ejects á la CD tray. It's neat, until you realize that the tray is flimsy to the touch. We dig the piano black finish, which classes up the unit while promising to become every bit as dusty as our PS3. And the remote is large, which is both overkill and refreshing in a world of Front Row wannabes.

iHome
I'm not going to bullshit you—the iHome is not an iPod speaker system. It's a computer speaker system with a hefty iPod dock attached. However, real speaker wires attach to the sub, which means that if you are willing to hide some cords (and dismiss the GIANT iHOME GRAPHIC), the system offers some level of flexibility. Our other impression: too many buttons with inefficient mapping. Tools like EQ require two button presses where one could do.

Functionality
Both units feature video out, including S-video. Sure, they've also got AM/FM, will sync with your computer, wake you up, and...uhh...amplify your iPod.

iLive
The iLive is one of the only docks we've tested that allows full iPod navigation from the remote, which beats most setups that limit you to playlist support only. The Studio is also very good at leaving rubber smudges on your kitchen table that can't be cleaned entirely.

iHome
The display shows the artist and song if you opt not to know the time. It's big enough to see, too, but we wish we could crank the contrast a bit higher.

Sound
We listened to Beck's Clap Hands. And then we danced around like Beck because no one was watching/grading us.

iLive
The iLive really has some kick to it. The system can thump—but there's a caveat. The thumping simply isn't very good. It sounds a bit synthetic and significantly garbled. And the rest of the sound isn't much different. While the mids and highs certainly fair better than the bass, there aren't any moments in particular where any range shines.

iHome
If the iLive has "some kick," then the iHome is Jackie Chan. Because the iHome puts out so much bass between its EQ and extra tweaks on the stand-alone sub that you will need to consciously crank down the lows to find balance.

The real issue with the iHome—which by all accounts sounds good—is that the mids and highs don't sparkle. I kept thinking, "more cowbell," literally. The system is solid, but it left me craving something even better. Because the woofer delivers in ways the speakers don't.

Winner: iHome iH52

The iHome iH52 wins by cheating—it ignores the rules of simplicity of setup and navigation. But in doing so, the iH52 follows a successful model already pioneered by computer audio enthusiasts.

The iHome fills an odd niche that I'm not sure actually exists (do I want computer-style speakers in my living room, or iPod speakers on my computer?), but it sounds a lot better than its competitor. So the iH52 moves on!

– Mark Wilson

iHome's Table Radio Gives Your iPod a Retro Look

Louis Ramirez — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:30:07 EDT

The folks at iHome went retro with their new iPod stereo. The iH10 is essentially their take on the Table Radio with a built-in iPod dock, AM/FM tuners, and a line-in jack on the backside. Inside the wooden cabinet you'll find a 3.5-inch speaker, which at $49 probably won't fill a room like one of these, but would still make a nice companion to your bff. The iH10 comes out this summer. – Louis Ramirez

iHome

iHome iH4 Single-Speaker iPod Alarm Clock

Gizloco — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:07:34 EST

iHome's latest iPod alarm clock thing steps things down from the more advanced iH7, iH6 and iH5. The iH4 has only one speaker, doesn't have an AM/FM radio and there's no included remote control. All of these trade-offs lead to its fairly cheap $50 price. Otherwise, it's the same old iPod dock that you've come to know and love (or hate). Bottom line? Waking up to Creed has never been simpler. – Nicholas Deleon

iHome iH4 Single-Alarm Clock System for iPod [iLounge]

iHome iH21 Water-Resistant Streaming iPod Dock and Speakers

Jason Chen — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 01:14:17 EST

If streaming your iTunes music via Airport Express isn't for you, then perhaps the iHome iH21 is more your fancy. Consisting of a dock and matching speakers, the iH21 let's you beam your tracks to the basement, the kitchen, and even your bedroom.

Plus, the speaker is water-resistant and remote control-friendly, meaning your music's safe even during your wet and wild orgies. Too bad the same can't be said of the rest of your furniture. – Jason Chen

Product Site [iHome]

iHome iH85: First Look at the Thermos-Shaped iPod Bicycle Boombox

Brian Lam — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 19:53:58 EST

Here's King of the ipod speakers so far. Why? I can't think of one easier to carry. You slip the ipod into a protective, rubberized, canister-shaped speaker, which goes into an over the shoulder ipod holder. Rhyming is awesome. Walk along some boulevard, whistling along to your favorite song. Then, as you wander off into some bad neighborhood and the clouds roll in ominously along with a pack of thugs, use the pod-in-a-bag as a blackjack to fight off the bad men. And don't forget to change the track to a song worth fighting to.

No details forthcoming. You'll know when we know. –Brian Lam

iHome iHM1B Portable Speakers For 1G iPod nano: Isn't That iPod Dead?

Gizloco — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:41:34 EST

For a paltry sum of $30, you can plug your spiffy, first generation iPod nano into this iHome iHM1B really small speaker (system?). Like every other gadget, it's "sleek" and "perfect" for the home, office... wherever! The speaker sports SRS TruBass to give the illusion of bass, super sweet stereo sound and a water-resistant carrying case. Remarkable.

So yeah, you could plug your nano into a pair of iffy portable speakers or man up and get a decent pair of headphones. But yeah, good move on making accessories for retired products. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [iHome via iLounge]

iHome iH7R iPod Dock and Speaker System

Gizloco — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 08:30:32 EDT

iHome has released the iH7R, the latest revision to its popular iH5 iPod dock and speaker system. Like the iH5, the IH7R is compatible with nearly all models of the iPod, but it adds a few features that may make it worth your while. For starters, they've included one more speaker, kind of like how razor blade companies keep adding that extra blade for even closer shaves. The additional speaker, dubbed a "beside" speaker, hooks up the to iH7R proper and is supposed to help provide more room-filling sound.

What also sets the iH7R apart is the (overdue) inclusion of a remote control; the radio now includes a dual alarm and presets for both AM and FM radio stations. The LCD now has a dimmer setting as well, calming the nerves of many users.

Look for the iH7R for $150. – Nicholas Deleon

iHome iH7R Home System for Your iPod [iLounge]

iHome Home Page [iHome]

iHome iH31 and iH19: The iPod Madness Continues

Gizloco — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 12:55:08 EDT

If the iPod ran for president, it'd probably win at this point, what with all the outside support it receives from companies looking to make a quick buck. iHome was one of the first such companies to jump on the iPod bandwagon, many of which we previously covered, and now it's releasing two more iPod-compatible speaker systems, the iH31 (pictured here) and the iH19. The former is a boom box with a dock connector and features an FM radio and line-in for good measure. It'll be available in silver and white, leaving black and U2 iPod owners without an exact match. Meanwhile, the iH19 is a portable case that just so happens to feature a couple of speakers for music listening fun. It's also water-resistant, which seems to be a hot new trend among manufacturers.

The iH31 is available now and retails for $129 while the iH19 should be available soon for $79.99. – Nicholas Deleon

iH31 [iHome]

iH19 [iHome via iLounge]

iHome2Go

Noah R — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 09:06:38 EST

Our new favorite tipster Scott sends photos of the iHome2Go, an iPod docking station-alarm clock. The first iHome clock radio, which came out this summer, wasn't the fanciest iPod docking clock on the market. But it was cheap and awakened us gently. This new model is much more stylish, and folds up neatly into a carrying bag. It only holds the Shuffle, which is a bit unfortunate, and lacks an FM radio. But for $59.99 what can you expect? Now, let's hear more about how gentle it is.

Plenty more photos after the jump...