For a man that have very little interest in most modern day technologies and isn't even a major fan of music my dad is absolutely fascinated by music speakers. So every couple of years, when he has the money he will buy a new music speaker, claiming it to be a gift to my mum or the family in general. The most current purchase (last years purchase) was this, the 'Sony I-Pod Speaker Dock Clock Radio'. My dad had recently bought my brother's old G1 I-Pod touch and was keen to have his music waking him up in the morning. 

_Appearance_

The 'Sony I-Pod Speaker Dock Clock Radio' has pretty much the usual design of I-Pod docks; central there is the connection point where you can attach your IPod; this sits on the clock which gives you the current time, your alarm time and what method it is set to wake you up by; then the main part which is the actual speakers; and then on top of the speakers sits a variety of controls. Personally I really like how it looks, it is nice and petite so fits perfectly in a small space whilst also looking fairly elegant not drawing too much attention being a simple black design. 

_Function_

Now this is where for me it really does shine. As it says in the name this is intended to be used as an alarm and for us that is what it is used as and it happily sits next to my parents bed ready to wake them up at half six every morning. It was easy to set and can obviously be altered depending on when you need to get up. One thing I really like is that it can be set with two alarms at separate times which is perfect for a couple who need to wake up at different times. When you set the alarm you have the option on what you want to wake up to: your IPod, the radio or just a normal alarm noise. My parents choose the IPod option so every morning without fail they are woken up to one of the songs on my dad's IPod. Until touched the music will continue to play for up to 90 minutes which is nice if you like to get ready with some music on. The volume can be changed depending on how easy you are to wake up and that lovely snooze button is also present every morning presenting the option of just a couple more minuets. 

Even if you aren't looking for an alarm the Sony I-pod Dock Clock can be used in just general use. It isn't heavy at only 1.9kg so can easily be transported. The sound is very impressive and even at louder volumes the music is still really clear and has plenty of clarity. I have also found the clock feature (although never set to the correct time in my house) very useful on busy mornings when I'm rushing out and need a quick time check. The whole screen is lit so can also be seen during the night, however it is quite bright so probably not best to put it directly in your line of sight during a dark night.

The controls of top are pretty similar to other Sony products and for my parents was very easy to use, more so once you used to it. If you do, however, want to change it from a distance it also comes with a wireless control so that you can be the other side of the room when a song you don't like comes on and it is easily changed without much movement on your part.

It is compatible with a variety of IPod modules: ipod nano 4th generation, ipod nano 3rd generation (video), ipod nano 2nd generation (aluminium), ipod nano 1st generation, ipod touch 2nd generation, ipod touch, ipod Classic, iphone, ipod 5th generation (video), ipod 4th generation (colour display), ipod 4th generation, ipod mini. So branches out to a variety of IPod users. 

_Conclusion_

I personally really like this. I can't remember now how much he paid but I believed it was around the £70 mark last year. Though not the cheapest available for what you get I feel this is quite good value. The sound is clear, alarm system is very useful and the various options it gives you are nice and can bring an appreciated change if you fancy something new. The various options make it not only useful for it's intended purpose of being an alarm clock but also the perfect little buddy during the day when you want to listen to some tunes. Definitely would recommend this product.