Order iLive Docking System and Boombox with Speakers for iPod and MP3 Players (Black)

I managed to find this product(in Blue) for $20 at Target. I was in the market for an iPod dock with speakers, but also had a radio function as well. This seemed like a perfect fit, and it pretty much is, even if it does have a few flaws.

Pros:

Easy to setup. It comes with a nice selection of adapters for various iPod models. I have an iPod Nano 3G and didn't even need an add-on. It fit right out of the box.

It charges the iPod. No more having to hook it up to your computer every other week or so.

Good sound quality for the price.

Like I said above, it's also a radio.

Features an LCD display, which shows you either the time or radio station.

Rather small, which is nice. I have it right next to my bed on a make-shift nightstand that's no bigger than 3'x3', and still have room for TV remotes and glasses.

Able to control the song without messing with the iPod's click wheel.

The handle. I know, it's a minor thing, but it helps.

Cons:

The LCD display is bright. Very bright. Especially in a dark room. So if you have it on while you're trying to sleep, you'll have to make do with a bright blue glow throughout the room. It'd be nice if it went off after a few minutes.(note: It only glows if you have it set to iPod or radio. When it's off, there's no glow).

Tuning into a station can be a bit of a pain, and it won't always stay on the station you select. This is a problem with the actual tuner itself. It likes to move up or down slightly. So if you're tuned into 102.5, it'll sometimes go to 102.6 or 102.4.

My particular model's headphone jack doesn't work. I'm not sure if this is a common issue or not, but I felt it was worth mentioning. Overall it's probably my biggest disappointment, because I used to enjoy listening to the radio as I slept. This really isn't possible now, unless I feel like waking up everyone else.

There's a constant 'hiss' when you have it turned on, regardless if you're playing a song through the iPod or radio. It isn't very loud, thankfully.

Meh:

I have no idea how long it lasts on battery power or how well the AV out works. Sorry.

It's not the lightest thing in the world, but that really wasn't a deciding factor for me.

Not being able to control the volume from both the click wheel and included volume control was somewhat disappointing. The iPod's volume control becomes useless when docked(at least for the Nano 3G).

Overall:

If you can find this for under $30, pick it up. It's a great little product that gets the job done. It's biggest flaws are the constant LCD glow and slight 'hiss'.Get more detail about iLive Docking System and Boombox with Speakers for iPod and MP3 Players (Black).