Sony RDP-XF100IP Portable iPod Docking Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had agonized over the ideal dock for my iPod Touch with the stipulations that it had to be a reasonable size (I've lost some interest in big component systems.), and it would need at least an FM radio. While I've wanted to try HD radio, my understanding of availability in my area was that it could be if-y. So, good FM access would be fine. It seems like a small thing, but I'm legally blind and don't drive, so casual access to something like a car radio is fairly rare for me. My first, and most familiar, choice was a product that I had some familiarity with - the VERS system, with newer models incorporating a highly visible FM tuner. I had eventually tired of shipping delays for this device and gone to Best Buy to find the Sony.
Not only did the Sony dock have better sound than the VERS that I once owned, it was smaller, stylish and has the best receiving FM tuner that I've ever found in a portable or non-portable device. I've tended to live in older homes with older wiring and cloth wrapped interference bleeding electrical systems. The reception on the Sony dock is unlike any that I've ever owned, even with the convenient telescoping antenna in the stowed position. And the sound is rich and vibrant - certainly comparable to the similar Bose device that sports no FM tuner at twice the price.
The controls at the top of the dock are easily accessed and perform all of the functions found on the remote. As I noted above, I'm legally blind, but depend just enough on the tiny amount of eyesight that I do have to make use of digital displays. This one, unfortunately, and while not a deal-breaker, is terrible. It could be larger, though it's not unreasonably small. The problem is that it's abysmally dim - of almost no use to me. If this was an adjustable - and it wouldn't have hurt if it was larger - the dock would have received 5 stars from me.
In all, the RDP-XF100iP dock is not just a fine dock that does what I'd expect a dock to do, but is a nicely put together package that represents Sony quality first represented for me in my first Trinitron to my latest HD television. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony RDP-XF100IP Portable iPod Docking Station

Go-anywhere sound quality, only by Sony. Hear the difference -- in any room, indoors or out -- with the Sony RDP-XF100iP portable dock for iPod and iPhone 1. The rechargeable battery provides up to seven hours of listening, and when plugged into a power source the dock charges your iPod or iPhone .

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Sony RDP-XF100IP Portable iPod Docking Station

Teac HD-1 Clock Radio with iPod cradle and AM/FM HD Radio Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this radio for about a month. I purchased it as a replacement for my 25 year-old alarm clock radio, and also to see what HD radio was like. Overall, the workmanship of the radio is fine, and the sound quality is decent, given the size and price. The radio has quite a few features packed in for the money, and from that standpoint, it is a good buy. FM reception is good. AM reception is average.
As I primarily use this as an alarm-clock radio, my review comes from using the radio for that purpose. I don't use the iPod docking function, or use the radio for casual listening. As such, the radio has some short-comings as an alarm-clock radio, and that's why I only gave it three stars. If used the radio primarily for something else, like casual daytime listening or an iPod dock, I could easily see rating it higher. The issues with the alarm clock function are as follows:
1) The display is way too bright for an alarm-clock radio, even on the dimmest setting. Particularly if the radio is sitting on a nightstand next to the bed. There are are three brigthness settings, but very little difference between them. Due to the brightness of the backlight, it is very difficult to glance over and see the time when it is dark if you've been sleeping and have just waken up. Backlit LCD is not the best display technology for an alarm-clock application.
2) When the alarm starts the radio, the time is no longer displayed. You can push a button to display the time, but it reverts back to the radio information. Not exactly convenient if you are laying in bed and need to see what time it is. During the alarm-clock function, a time display is more important than the radio station frequency or other HD information. The radio display function should have a display modes with a large time display that can be permanently selected. Perhaps along the bottom where the HD radio information scrolls by. The Sony radios have this feature.
3) When the radio is used as an alarm, the radio turns off 1 hour after it first goes off. For me, 1 hour is a little short, especially if I hit snooze a couple of times. My old radio used a two hour time period. Ideally, this setting could be adjustable.
4) The snooze is 6 minutes. That's a little short for me. Again, it would be nice if this setting was adjustable.
The last three issues could be fixed with some software changes. The first item would require a hardware change. Maybe I can find some tinted plastic film that could be fitted over the display to tone it down a bit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Teac HD-1 Clock Radio with iPod cradle and AM/FM HD Radio Receiver (Black)

Compatible With All Iphone & Ipod Models; Plays & Charges Iphone & Ipod; Offers More Local Fm Channels; No Subscription Required; Crystal-Clear Sound; Itunes Tagging Capable; Large Lcd Screen Shows Song, Title & Artist; Dual Alarm Clock With Snooze Button; 5 Equalizer Presets For Improved Audio Fidelity; Rear Firing Bass Ports For Superior Sound; Headphone Stereo Output; Video Output With Cable Connector; Dipole Fm Antenna & Wire Loop Am Antenna; Includes Remote

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about Teac HD-1 Clock Radio with iPod cradle and AM/FM HD Radio Receiver (Black)