While we all wait with baited breath to hear what Apple will launch on September 12 (US time, for us here in Australia it will be September 13), iPod accessory manufacturer Gear4 has released an excellent iPod compatible clock radio that works with any iPod that has a dock connector.

Called the “HouseParty 24/7″, it’s a 2.1 stereo speaker system (2 speakers with subwoofer) for the iPod with surprisingly good sound. It also comes with an alarm clock and AM/FM radio. The clock and radio work without the iPod being docked into the unit, but when the iPod is plugged in, you can set the alarm to any song you have stored there. You can even wake up to the sound of a video on your 5th generation iPod – and if you’re up to it, you could watch the video too – although you’ll likely be too consumed with actually waking up and getting ready for the day!

In addition, you can plug any mp3 player into the unit through a standard 3.5mm male-to-male plug. It also comes with a remote control that is much more fully featured than most other iPod speakers provide. Most remote controls only allow you to change tracks backwards and forwards, and change the volume up and down. But the HouseParty 24/7’s remote lets you navigate through the iPod’s menu structure, letting you go back and forwards through the menus to select artists, playlists, genres, songs and more. It has 16 functions that are clearly laid out and very easy to master – there’s even a snooze button on the remote.

The front facing LCD screen has a three-stage dimmer switch which you can turn down at night, so you’re not kept awake by bright lights. And as you’d expect from an alarm clock, there is a snooze button on the top of the unit itself (in addition to the one on the remote control) that is slightly more intelligent than the norm – you can it to re-awake you anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes depending on your personal preference.

For those interested in the specs of the speakers, it uses proprietary “ActiveBass 2.1™ sub-woofer technology” and comes equipped with two powerful two-inch magnetic shielded speakers. The speaker output of 2×6W and an additional 12W subwoofer do provide excellent sound.

The local Australian price is set to be $249.95 and it will be in stores soon. While there are more affordable speaker systems (from Gear4 and other companies), a decent set will cost you at least this much. Now you can get one that’s a great clock radio too!

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 at 12:52 am under Media players, Technology.

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