Engadget's back to school guide: docks and alarms
By Donald Melanson 
posted August 10th 2010 2:00PM
posted August 10th 2010 2:00PM
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we've got docks and alarms in our sights -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides.
Whether you're simply looking for something to put on your bedside table or considering an iPod dock to replace a bulky stereo, you now have more devices than ever to choose from, which can be a tad overwhelming if you're trying to stay on budget and still get something decent. As usual, however, we're here to help, and have rounded up a range of docks and alarms that should more than satisfy at any price point.
On the cheap
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Cheap iPod docks don't necessarily have to be boring, as evidenced by Altec Lansing's handsome Octiv Mini, which can now be had for as little as $40. While it'll work with any iPod (or other audio device via the line-in jack), this one is best suited for iPhone or iPod touch users considering it comes with its own alarm clock app -- which, incidentally, is a great way to ensure your device is fully charged before you rush off to classes in the morning. |
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Sony Nature Sounds Clock Radio (ICF-C717PJ) Sony's touting this one as a "nature sounds" radio, but that's not it's only standout feature -- it also has a built-in projector to display the time on your wall or ceiling. No iPod dock here, but you do get a 3.5mm audio-in cable, and it packs a few other features not usually found in a clock radio, including a calendar and an indoor temperature display. $60 from Sony Style |
Mid-range
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Logitech's S715i only just made its debut earlier this month, but it's fast developing a reputation as one of the best sounding moderately-priced iPod docks around. Of course, you'll have to make do without an AM/FM radio or built-in alarm clock, but if you're looking to actually replace full-fledged stereo system with a iPod dock and still keep things on a budget, this might just be your best bet. As a bonus, it even packs a built-in rechargeable battery that promises eight hours of use. |
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Sony ICF-CL75iP It may not boast the internet-connectedness of the Sony Dash, but the company's ICF-CL75iP might just give you a bit more bang for your buck. You'll get a big 7-inch screen for displaying photos and videos -- stored on either the 1GB of built-in memory, a MemoryStick, SD card, or an attached USB drive -- plus the ability to play audio files stored on said media and, last but not least, an iPod dock that can be conveniently tucked away when not in use. $140 from Sony Style |
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iLuv App Station Like the Octiv Mini, the App Station relies on your iPhone or iPod touch and an app to handle alarm clock duties, but it goes a bit further with a pair of speakers that deliver some decent sound for the price, and iLuv's even thrown in a nifty rotating dock for good measure -- letting you actually use a wide variety of apps while your iPhone or iPod touch is docked, hence the name. $90 from iLuv |
Money's no object
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It may look more like a boombox than a dock, but Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 won't likely disappoint when it comes to delivering room-shaking sound -- and, like any good boombox, you can load it up with eight D-cell batteries to take the party outside. You'll even get not one but two auxiliary inputs to connect additional devices, and a remote that can be stored in the dock itself and clipped onto a belt. |
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Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini Looking for some great sound without sacrificing style? Then you might want to consider Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini, which keeps things considerably more compact than the company's full-sized Zeppelin but remains just as eye-catching, and should pump out enough sound to easily fill any dorm room. $400 from Amazon |
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Bose SoundDock 10 Does it deliver $600 worth of sound? Maybe not, but if money is truly no object then you'll probably still be plenty satisfied with Bose's SoundDock 10, which has displaced the SoundDock II as the company's top-end iPod dock. Like Bose's other offerings, this one is stylish but understated in appearance and, at 19 pounds, it's hefty in more ways than one. $600 from Bose |
cellphone
@kb24istrash And if money's no problem, get them a hooker.
@kb24istrash
I love how all of the "suggestions"
include an iDevice..
subtle.. subtle ads x]
@kb24istrash Oh Sony with your catchy names that roll off the tongue...Sony ICF-CL75iP...it's a mystery these things don't take off.
No Dash love?
Anyway, as a student beginning late august thanks a ton for this series Engadget! I'm excited to see what you have to recommend. I'm trying out Nook Study on my Dell Mini 10 + Lenovo a600 at home, could you cover the digital options for students?
As far as alarms - Droid + Dock (or with Froyo now baking the alarm screen right in without the dock...Droid and that's all.) I use my computer for music/speakers so it all works out.
@Autobots not a whole lot of Zune docks out there, or Android docks... not to say they don't exist, it's just that the "i- device" accessory market is massive and mature, so it's likely this list will apply to most people.
@JONNNathannn
I know. No Chumby or Dash?
@kb24istrash Exactly. Just use your freaking cell phone.
@gballa408
When you have money it's "call girl"
@worthbak
true, but what if a person doesnt have an iDevice,
thus at least providing some recommended alternatives
to iDevice docks would be nice
@Autobots
I used a Tivoli Model One which is $150. To connect the iDevice, I use a cable from the docking connector to the line input, and for any other device, I use a jack-to-jack cable.
Basically you get a nice radio and reasonable sound (far better for the price than Engadget's recommendations).
Erm... touchstone some MOAR?!
@kb24istrash
engadget missed out on one of the best-sounding docks i've heard for 1/3 of the Bose dock price: The JBL Onstage 200ID for $200. it's a beast.
Just get them condoms..
@gballa408
And Ramen (if they're college students)....
Just get a old phone with an alarm...there...
Hmmm
What if I don't have any iDevice ?
Well that sure is more complicated.
@rakoo Yeah, it's funny and oddly cruel that all of these are for iPhone specifically but most docks allow AUX in, my dad has the Bose one they show. The dock part swivels in and hides...so there's no where to stand your phone or device but it'll play it.
@JONNNathannn
Dude that BOSE system is the pinnacle of epicness. And I can second that it works with any device.
@rakoo At my school it seems like 1 of every 2 people own an iPod or iPhone, and if they don't, they would buy one, that's the typical high school so graduates would tale their iPod / iPhone with them
Can you reccomend something for the student wants to dock his android based phone?
@jonzey231
What a silly thought.
@schismal You're right, I must be crazy to want something that isn't centered around my iDevice.
@jonzey231
Seriously Engadget... why no love for android. I'm proud to say I don't own an iDevice. Android Multimedia Dock is all I need. It does everything an iDevice doesn't lol.
@jonzey231 are there many Android-phone docks? I'm sure there are, but it's probably a pretty small marke - small market means little choice and little differentiation. That will change as time goes on and Android grows, but for now, just do a Google search and find one if you can. The problem with iPod/iPhone docks is that there are TOO many - it's more useful for Engadget to list the best ones in a massive market than the few ones in a small market.
@jonzey231 Bose has a blue tooth adapter that fits in the dock so you can play any BT enabled device, like your DROID(s).
@jonzey231 I don't think android docks exist aside from the one for the original droid and the one for the nexus one which you can't buy anymore. Those are pretty different from the other dock/alarm clocks they have here.
@milkham that's part of the issue of having so many manufacturers for Android. The public see's it as one platform "Android" but it's really manufacturers, just like it always was. You can't make a universal "Android Dock" when everyone's phone is shaped differently...
@frank da tank i knowwwww, so now whenever you get a new android phone youll have to buy a new dock for it, that is if they make one for it :/
@jonzey231
Yes, I want an Android dock. Oh no, wait. My phone IS the dock. With alarm too! Phone price $200, dock price $0. Saves on price & space.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45494160@N04/4880635414/
With the vast majority of families on pretty tight budgets these days, I really don't see too many caring one way or another about some frivolous US 300.00 to 600.00 iPod dock when WalMart/Target/et al has plenty of choice that provide the same functionality for well under US 100.00.
You guys really need to get more realistic about these 'Guides'.
@DaHarder
...Rant Over: Though I do understand that you're 'categorizing' them as well.
@DaHarder
I guess you missed the part where it said "money is no object." Im sure the 10 percent still has nothing to worry about.
@KillaChaos
Agreed... I posted in haste, as the first thing I saw on my phone's display was the 'Money's No Object' section.
What about a Zune dock?
@darkninja962 a Zune dock? I didn't know people actually bought Zunes...
@darkninja962
There's only a few...
Altec and Kicker each make one.
@Critic2029 I actually bought the ZK500 (Kicker Zune sound dock). What a let down. It claims to have a 6" subwoofer and there's even a big thing that *looks* like a speaker on the back but there's no driver behind it. If you look at the fine print, it's referred to as a "passive bass reflex radiator".
@darkninja962
i have had 2 zunes and while the audio quality was excellent when paired up with my Sure headphones.. they both shit the bed right after the warranty was over and they wanted more than the price of a new zune to get them sent in and repaired. so i just use my android phone for an mp3 now.. i want a sweet dock tho aside from the motorola one.. its just 2 magnets in a special position and i cant use it with my otterbox on the moto droid.
I don't understand the point of fancy alarm clocks, especially the ones that requires AC power. I have a traditional analog alarm clock that is guaranteed to wake me up, bought it for less than $5 when I was in high school, and all it needs is a C battery, and 1 battery lasts for years.
@(Unverified) they're useful not only as an alarm clock, but also as a set of speakers. Very useful to combine devices in a cramped college dorm.
@worthbak
I used to live in dorms. Having a speaker is not really welcomed, plus it's contradictory if space is really a constraint. That's what earbuds are for.
What do you need alarm clock for? To wake you up. My old analog cheap alarm clock does the job, and is more compact than any of those speakers.
@pika2000
Most analog clocks don't have a 'snooze' button, which is something I can't live without.
I'd still rather go with a powerful set of computer speakers and just use the 3.5mm jack. You can get a rockin set of 2.1 speakers for $50...yeah it doesn't charge your iPod/iPhone, but a lot of docks aren't compatible with new hardware anyway, and a cable to charge it is cheap.
No Chumby One?? I has an awesome alarm system that allows you to make crazy alarm settings. Wake up to mp3s. iPod, and streaming music. Plus you get all the cool widgets. I the best alarm clock I have ever had!
I thought it was some kind of elaborate joke, that all but one is iCentric.
I'm not being snidy or trying to be a smartass when I say, won't it be easier to have an Apple section, that you can cordon off from the Mainsite - that way you can keep these articles about a TV talkshow host badmouthing Apple and iPod docks away from people who will just complain.
Not saying all Apple news isn't newsworthy, otherwise I would just exclude it [That being said, this article doesn't actually have the apple tag - which it should].
All you need is some pens and a notebook. All this stuff is a distraction. Play music on the computer.
I want a webOS dock and alarm.
@einhanderkiller
Alarm clock + Touch stone + Glue Done! Your Pre speakers can handle all you music and if you use something like this http://www.tinyurls.co.uk/S8692
it could look pretty snazzy!
I guess that while focusing on price points you forgot about different "device points" to go along with it.
For the very heavy sleepers, I would recommend the Sonic Boom alarm clock on Amazon. It is extremely loud and even includes a vibrating disc that goes under your pillow. I used to sleep through any alarm and disturb other people in the house because my alarm would wake them up. With the vibrating disc, I wake up immediately without disturbing others.