iHome iP9

Reviewers say the iHome iP9 is one of the best iPod clock radios you can get for less than $100. While the sound quality won't blow you away, the iP9 offers decent sound for its size and has a number of features that set it apart from other iPod radios. The iHome iP9 is certified to work with the iPhone, so you shouldn't get interference when playing music, although at least one reviewer notes a little buzzing when the iPhone is connected to the EDGE network. There's no problem when the iPhone is in 3G mode. The iHome iP9 includes an AM/FM radio, dual alarms, programmable snooze settings and a full-featured remote that can access your iPod menu. There's also a battery backup, so your alarm will still go off if the power goes out. Most reviewers say the iHome iP9 is a good value, although some think the dock is flimsy, and we saw a few durability complaints on user-review sites. If you don't need the alarm clock, you can get better sound quality from larger iPod speakers like the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 (*Est. $120).

We found the best review of the iHome iP9 at iLounge.com, one of the most prolific reviewers of iPod speakers and accessories. The reviews there are detailed, balanced and appropriately critical. Some are also highly comparative. AppleTell.com and iProng magazine also have helpful, albeit shorter, reviews. And there are a good number of owner-written reviews on sites like Amazon.com.