iLounge

A bit larger and sleeker-looking than iHome’s popular clock radio iH5, iLuv’s black- or white-colored i177 also packs an important extra feature: a dual alarm, which you’ll only get if you step up to iHome’s more expensive iH7 (or down to Memorex’s iWake), plus the guarantee of a matching eight-button remote control in the box. In terms of audio quality, it’s stronger in treble than in bass, where the iH5 and iH7 are both better-equipped, and roughly par for the clock radio course in overall sound, with very good AM/FM radio tuning. We wouldn’t pick this over the iH5 overall because of the sound, but if you need the dual alarm, are attracted to the included stereo AV cable - which lets you connect your docked iPod to a TV or a different stereo - or have a need for the integrated iPod shuffle (first-generation) dock, it’s a strong overall package for the price, and looks nice on a nightstand.