Review on Sony ICF-CS10IP: Premium Docking Station with iPhone Support (Discontinued) by April Masters

When I was looking for an iPod alarm/speaker system for my bed, I preferred looks and functionality to sound quality. I looked at the ubiquitous iHome models, but didn't like the way the iPod docked on top, so the integration looked like an afterthought. With a docking station stand on the front, the imaginatively named ICFCS10iP fits the bill cosmetically, and overall positive user feedback on the alarm system's functionality has given it another point. The price was right too, about $10 to $20 cheaper than many iHome models. After reading the sound quality comments I thought the sound was decent but not impressive but only by listening for myself will I know for sure. After a day or two of use, the unit works and sounds exactly as I expected. The sound quality is basically "done" with a decent response in the highs, but rather poor bass reproduction. The bass extension feature doesn't make it any better and tends to distort the sound of the lower registers. While generally a bit flimsy without it, it's preferable to the artifacts created by the electronic wizardry behind it. The radio actually sounds better than the iPod, which I think is because radio stations use dynamic range compression. This, in turn, points to the speaker system's limited playback capabilities. However, when used as an alarm clock, there is no particular need for high-quality sound, and the sound utility is sufficient for my purposes. The clock face has three settings - off, silent, and bright. The dim light wasn't too bright, but your mileage may vary based on sleep needs. While I could put up with the touch dimmer, turning the display off completely didn't seem like the best solution as I often wake up in the middle of the night or before my alarm goes off and want to know how long I've been gone before I get up got to. The alarm system and setup is simple and intuitive, allowing me to perform basic functions without consulting a manual. Of course I checked it later to make sure I knew all the features. Perhaps the most misunderstood feature is the remote control, which lets you navigate your iPod playlists with simple button presses. While I doubt I'll be using it that much as my main purpose is to use it as an alarm clock and bedside charging station, it should come in handy if I use the device for something more complex.