Review: iHome iH5 speakers

These days you can’t move for iPod accessories, be it remote controls, power adapters or speakers.

The iHome iH5 iPod clock radio follows this trend, and is a clever idea that means you can wake up to your favourite track every morning.

The unit itself is quite bulky and larger than a normal clock radio alarm, but nevertheless looks quite stylish.

All models of iPod can be used, with a variety of inserts provided to connect each type to the top-mounted docking port.

Set up is easy, and the instructions are clear to follow when setting the time and the alarm. Simply press the ‘Wake-To’ button to select which option you want to be woken by, be it radio, buzzer or your iPod, and then press the ‘Alarm Reset/Off Button’.

This will stop the iPod playing, setting it to charge. It will then come back on automatically at the set alarm time, either mid-song or at the start of a track or playlist you choose.

As the song plays, the iHome increases the volume slowly until it is time to get up. If you hit the snooze button, this will pause the iPod for five minutes. Tuning the radio is simple, using the large click wheel located on the top-right of the system, and all the buttons and controls are clearly marked,

The remote control is a good addition, with buttons for snooze and volume. You can also skip tracks, but you can’t select playlists or artists.

FM radio is also included and can be tuned using the dials on the top.
Sound is good, although there is a loss of quality at higher volumes. However, as it will be mainly used in the morning we doubt anyone would want it blaring out.

We were impressed with the features and simplicity of use.The front clock panel, however,is quite bright even at the lowest light setting, and the entire top panel of buttons is illuminated orange, which could prove to be annoying in a dark room.

It is quite expensive, but it does more than just your average iPod speakers, and to have the option to wake to your favourite tunes on demand in the morning is a real boon.

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Tivoli Audio iSongBook speakers
Verdict: Despite some niggles and the high price tag, the sleek-looking, good-sounding Tivoli Audio iSongBook is almost irresistible
Rating: 4
Price: £300

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