Awesome iPhone compatible Alarm Clock

[mcmanus7]

I started to look for a really good alarm clock that is iPhone 2G and 3G compatible... something that I could charge my 3G with and just a overall good alarm clock....

After digging through the usual contenders (iLuv and iHome) I decided to see if I could find any other companies that make a good alarm clock thats 3G compatible...

Fortunately for me my search ended shortly after it began...

This is what I stumbled onto...

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd215/mcmanus7/ICFCD3IPS_lg.jpg

It is the Sony ICFCD3IPS iPod and iPhone Dock Clock Radio
It retails for $99.99 in the US and $129.99 in Canada
here are the specs..
Digital AM/FM Tuner : Let's you choose from a wide variety of radio, talk and music programming.
LCD Display with Brightness control
iPod® operation: Play/Pause, FF, Rew
iPod® charger: charge your iPod® while you listen
Remote control: gives you access to your iPod® from anywhere in the room
CD-R/RW Playback capabilities: allows you to listen to your collection of CDs

It has 2 alarms that can be set to play from cd,radio,buzzer,iphone/ipod..

The area that docks is spring loaded... so when you're not docking the iPhone/iPod it just pushs in..... sound quality is really good compared to the normal clock radio....

it has automatic DST and time zone settings.

Overall I would say I am VERY satisfied with this product...

[mcmanus7]

Just a follow up... it seems like you'll be able to use a number of cases with the dock... it's very deep.. my main case is a seidio innocase II and it can dock with no problems

[Rayfire]

Remote control: gives you access to your iPod® from anywhere in the room
CD-R/RW Playback capabilities: allows you to listen to your collection of CDs



Nice find, may I ask where you bought it? Cheapest one I saw was $95 at Amazon but if you know anything that is lower that would be great. I'm thinking of getting a new one this Christmas - but before that

Does the remote let you access/play your iPod app on your iPhone?
I've read this Sony product doesn't offer good sound quality but like everyone said, I'm also after the alarm feature and remote playing functionality if it does work on iPhone.

[mcmanus7]

I didn't really even think of the functionality of the remote that came with it.... but sure enough you can fully control your iPhone using it... select different folders etc.... sound quality is pretty damn good.... it doesn't have a very large speaker but for the price its very good quality... I purchased mine at the sony style store here in canada and it was 129.99 by far a better product then the 2 alarms I found at my local apple store

[Rayfire]

Can you try playing with the remote and see if it could play the iPod function of the iPhone while it's docked in this Sony's Alarm clock?

Also does it have any error/warning messages - Airplane mode? And I assume too that you're iPhone is running on 2.2 with this Sony's alarm clock?

[esco]

I've been waiting forever for the Luna X2, but I've become fed up. Thanks for posting this, I might just buy it...

[mcmanus7]

Alright time for another update..

My 3G is running 2.2 and the airplane mode error does not come up.... it simple just starts charging like it's docked into your computer..

You can access the iPod functions fully through the remote provided... simply select iPod mode and your iPhone wakes up in ipod mode ready to go..

[mcmanus7]

hmmm seems like if the phone is not 100% docked correctly you'll get the airport error.. happens maybe 1/5 times i try.... it charged my phone perfectly last night with the phone turned off...

[tombee]

so you can wake to an ipod playlist?

[Rayfire]

hmmm seems like if the phone is not 100% docked correctly you'll get the airport error.. happens maybe 1/5 times i try....

Yeah that usually happens too on most accessories which says they're compatible with the iPhone but if not properly docked you'll get an error. Happens on my FM transmitter.

[mcmanus7]

You can wake to the iPod i'm not sure if you can set one specific play list to wake to though... the sound quality is really good for a clock radio

[Rayfire]

I was trying to find this gadget at one of the nearby Sony stores but they didn't have it :( I don't want t pay for shipping mostly for electronic gadgets priced in a fairly huge amount.

[key714]

I was trying to find this gadget at one of the nearby Sony stores but they didn't have it :( I don't want t pay for shipping mostly for electronic gadgets priced in a fairly huge amount.

Free ground shipping on all orders from sony :D

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644533853

[Rayfire]

Free ground shipping on all orders from sony :D

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644533853

Wow somehow I missed that! Thanks for the heads up key714!
And boy there's so many of them :eek:

[mcmanus7]

oh wow looks like the americans are way more lucky... we only have 2 to chose from for sony... I would have jumped all over the XDR-S10HDiP

[pocketdoc]

Anyone see the article about clock radios coming out this January? For the life of me I cannot find the web site and cannot remember. There were 2 or 3 new ones coming out, and one looked really nice and small. It was reportedly coming out Jan 09.

My nightstand is fairly small, so i like the ones with a small footprint. I have a nice TImex, but it is not shielded.

Let me know if anyone saw that mysterios article. Early Alzhiemers, I think...

[mcmanus7]

just thought I'd give all you canadians out there a heads up... futureshop is now stocking this alarm clock at 99.99... which is $30 discount from what sony is selling them and is even cheaper then what sony usa is selling them for since its 99.99 cad not usd....

check it out online or in store... but in store they're selling EXTREMELY fast... both the futureshops by my house got 20 in each... store 1 sold out yesterday (as soon as they stocked them on shelfs) and store 2 i got the last one that wasn't a demo....

[Rayfire]

Just a follow up... it seems like you'll be able to use a number of cases with the dock... it's very deep.. my main case is a seidio innocase II and it can dock with no problems

I'm about to take a plunge but I need answers to these questions if someone can help.

1)Is there someone out there that can test a Switcheasy Capsule Neo on the iPhone 3G if it will dock properly on this alarm clock? (Use the universal dock adapter probably)

2)Is the power cord coming from the back of this clock?
The reason why I'm asking is that the edge on my table is only 5.6 inches.
The specs for the product says 6 x 5.7 x 4.6 in
If the power cord is coming from the back then I'd have to either force it to bend which is a bad idea


I need the answers asap hopefully before 6pm PST so I can make up my mind lol before their promo for free shipping ends

[mcmanus7]

1. I don't have a switcheasy Neo... so I cannot test it out... but the only case I have that hasn't docked is the Otterbox defender.... the SE Colors docks, Seidio Docks.... the docking area is really large.... the otterbox almost docks.. but the dock port is too far in for it to reach haha... I'm almost positive a SE Capsul Rebel would work as well however I'm never putting that case back on my iPhone to test...

2. The power cord comes out of the back... however it's a very thin wire... its not like it's a thick thing coming out... bending it will not harm it at all


Also remember if you're buying from Sony you have a 30-day return period.... Alarm clocks ordered online can be returned in store....

[Rayfire]

1. I don't have a switcheasy Neo... so I cannot test it out... but the only case I have that hasn't docked is the Otterbox defender.... the SE Colors docks, Seidio Docks.... the docking area is really large.... the otterbox almost docks.. but the dock port is too far in for it to reach haha... I'm almost positive a SE Capsul Rebel would work as well however I'm never putting that case back on my iPhone to test...

2. The power cord comes out of the back... however it's a very thin wire... its not like it's a thick thing coming out... bending it will not harm it at all

Bad experience with Rebel? If you're positive that Rebel would fit, then Neo should fit as well - wow that's a plus

For your second answer, well the edge of my table like I said is only 5.6 inches (just measured it) and the specs of the alarm clock is 6 x 5.7 x 4.6 in assuming that's L x W x H - so I'm 0.1 inch short on my table. Do you think that will be fine? Then bend the wires at the back? I'm on hold on their customer service line for 15mins now - not cool.

And so far thank you mcmanus, you're like my Sony customer service rep :D

[mcmanus7]

haha yes bad experience with the rebel...

As for it fitting... you shouldn't have a problem..... I just double checked and the wire shouldn't be a problem... its about the same thickness as speaker wire... very bendy... just aslong as you have a clear outlet... the plug in is a sizeable powerblock...

[Rayfire]

haha yes bad experience with the rebel...

As for it fitting... you shouldn't have a problem..... I just double checked and the wire shouldn't be a problem... its about the same thickness as speaker wire... very bendy... just aslong as you have a clear outlet... the plug in is a sizeable powerblock...

Ok I'll take your word for it! I'm sold. Their cust service lines are so busy as I'm still on hold for 20mins ongoing.

Woot I'll buy this once I get back home! My gift to myself! Merry Christmas to me from me haha

[mcmanus7]

Hopefully all goes well! I love mine haha

[Rayfire]

Hopefully all goes well! I love mine haha

I'm just worried about that 0.1 inch short on my end, and the bending of the wire but hopefully everything goes well like you said.

I'll update you once I get it ;)

[Rayfire]

1. I don't have a switcheasy Neo... so I cannot test it out... but the only case I have that hasn't docked is the Otterbox defender.... the SE Colors docks, Seidio Docks.... the docking area is really large.... the otterbox almost docks.. but the dock port is too far in for it to reach haha... I'm almost positive a SE Capsul Rebel would work as well however I'm never putting that case back on my iPhone to test...

2. The power cord comes out of the back... however it's a very thin wire... its not like it's a thick thing coming out... bending it will not harm it at all


Also remember if you're buying from Sony you have a 30-day return period.... Alarm clocks ordered online can be returned in store....

I just finished my agonizing hold for more than 30mins, I spoke with a tech agent, they said I have to remove the iPhone out from the case for it to be fit on the dock. But yours mcmanus fits with Seidio Innocase right? And you're positive that the Rebel will fit? Hmm..

EDIT:
If you would be so kind enough can you take a picture of that sliding dock that they have? Just so I could make judgment call whether it will fit a Neo or not.

[mcmanus7]

The reason they say this is because apple doesn't recommend charging with a case on... I just confirmed.. it will charge with the rebel on... it even has a little space behind it.... now it does come with a "dock adapter" but i don't use that... i just place it on....

[Rayfire]

The reason they say this is because apple doesn't recommend charging with a case on... I just confirmed.. it will charge with the rebel on... it even has a little space behind it.... now it does come with a "dock adapter" but i don't use that... i just place it on....

You're my hero, you tested it using a rebel.

I just placed my order at around 11:33 PST Monday haha, should arrive before Christmas if their promo is really true. I'll update you once I receive it.

[mcmanus7]

I didn't want to entice you into buying a product that I said worked with the rebel unless I tried it and made 100% sure it worked.... I can confirm that this case works with the switch easy Colors case, switcheasy rebel, seidio innocase and SGP Ultra Thin... The only case I own that this doesn't work with is the Otterbox Defender.... but really that shouldn't be a surprise haha

[Rayfire]

I didn't want to entice you into buying a product that I said worked with the rebel unless I tried it and made 100% sure it worked.... I can confirm that this case works with the switch easy Colors case, switcheasy rebel, seidio innocase and SGP Ultra Thin... The only case I own that this doesn't work with is the Otterbox Defender.... but really that shouldn't be a surprise haha

Well I didn't want you to get another bad experience again (sorry) with your Rebel, hopefully it didn't do anything bad on you. I'm pretty excited, it says Ship date is on the 24th so that might be possibly their ship out date, I won't get before Christmas :(

Update:
I will actually get it tomorrow at Dec 24th around 10:30 AM - BEFORE Christmas :D

[Rayfire]

So because of the holiday craze, apparently all shipments got delayed
but my package was WAY delayed, I got it at 31st Dec instead of 24th
even though the package was just sitting at their Fedex location facility
on idle for 2 business days, sigh.

Anyway, I really got excited that I got this for New Year's, to make up
for Christmas. I just finished playing with it!

Pros:
-Love the nice sliding dock for iPhone/iPod
-They come with an iPhone universal adapter (not an iPod)
-Led light brightness settings are fine for me
-Sound is ok for it serves more of an alarm clock (more of speaker sound)
-iPhone 3G compatible
-iPhone 3G charges without any error message, make sure you align it properly and carefully when docking
-CapsuleNeo for iPhone 3G with dock adapter fits it wohooo!
-Since CapsuleNeo would fit, I'm almost certain any case with the right "universal adapter" will fit this dock
-They really made this for an iPhone in mind (but not entirely)
-All alarm features work fine as describer (with radio,iPod/iPhone,buzzer,CD)
-CD features would let you repeat, repeat all, shuffle
-It includes an audio in, in case you want to connect it to other devices
-There's also a jack if you want to connect this radio clock to better speakers
-Time feature (Pacific Standard Time for me) with auto DST correct
-Neat round design
-Remote can almost do anything
-BEST PART: Their back up battery for clock and especially ALARM feature! I've been hating alarm clocks that won't buzz when power goes down (or got a reset or something)

Cons:
-Remote can't do the sleep feature, you have to press the button on the clock, I was hoping they would allow you to do it on the remote
-Remote won't be able to toggle the Shuffle/Repeat/Repeat All for the iPod playlists on your iPod/iPhone ...this I really want
-You need to be careful of the front part, since it's the CD cover for the player.


Overall:
For $99 I'd say it's recommended, the cons that I listed are probably just because of my laziness to get up and play with the actual clock radio, it's because my bed is like 5 meters away from it. The only thing was that the shuffle feature or the repeat for the iPhone won't work on the remote nor the Clock radio itself. So if I had to rate this from 1 to 10 being ten the highest, I'll give this one an eight! It's definitely recommended, and thanks mcmanus7 for referring me this one!

[WPeterson]

cool style from sony as usual, but such dock looks not worthy $99, the half price of a iphone, right? :confused:

[Rayfire]

cool style from sony as usual, but such dock looks not worthy $99, the half price of a iphone, right? :confused:

Ugh, you just reminded me that I bought the iPhone at an unsubsidized price, but no worries holiday cash reversed my expense for this dock :D

With what it can do, I can say it's worth $99. The way you can control your iPod/iPod on iPhone is the kick ass part

[bobbitz2695]

I just got this and have figured out most of it. On the little remote at the bottom are "Menu," up/down arrows, and Enter. (I'm hoping that my "Dream Machine" is not broken.) I can't seem to find any function for them. Could you possibly tell me how these three things are used? Also, I was hoping the arrows could move me around in audiobooks, but I can only seem to go to the beginning or pause. This is annoying. Hope I can find my way back here if you answer.

Thanks . . .

Bobbie in Portland O



I started to look for a really good alarm clock that is iPhone 2G and 3G compatible... something that I could charge my 3G with and just a overall good alarm clock....

After digging through the usual contenders (iLuv and iHome) I decided to see if I could find any other companies that make a good alarm clock thats 3G compatible...

Fortunately for me my search ended shortly after it began...

This is what I stumbled onto...

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd215/mcmanus7/ICFCD3IPS_lg.jpg

It is the Sony ICFCD3IPS iPod and iPhone Dock Clock Radio
It retails for $99.99 in the US and $129.99 in Canada
here are the specs..
Digital AM/FM Tuner : Let's you choose from a wide variety of radio, talk and music programming.
LCD Display with Brightness control
iPod® operation: Play/Pause, FF, Rew
iPod® charger: charge your iPod® while you listen
Remote control: gives you access to your iPod® from anywhere in the room
CD-R/RW Playback capabilities: allows you to listen to your collection of CDs

It has 2 alarms that can be set to play from cd,radio,buzzer,iphone/ipod..

The area that docks is spring loaded... so when you're not docking the iPhone/iPod it just pushs in..... sound quality is really good compared to the normal clock radio....

it has automatic DST and time zone settings.

Overall I would say I am VERY satisfied with this product...

[jparris1]

Since this thread has been reawakened I wanted to mention there is now a smaller version of this devices without the CD player. Otherwise it is pretty much the same. One big adavantage other than a smaller size is that the dimmest setting is dimmer than on the previous model, so it may serve people disturbed by light in the bedroom better.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001RB1XY8

[Rayfire]

I just got this and have figured out most of it. On the little remote at the bottom are "Menu," up/down arrows, and Enter. (I'm hoping that my "Dream Machine" is not broken.) I can't seem to find any function for them. Could you possibly tell me how these three things are used? Also, I was hoping the arrows could move me around in audiobooks, but I can only seem to go to the beginning or pause. This is annoying. Hope I can find my way back here if you answer.

Thanks . . .

Bobbie in Portland O

Go to your iPod first when your iPhone is docked. From then on, use the remote's Menu, Up, Down to select the playlist you want and move it using the up and down arrows.

[zdblue11]

arg i want an alarm that doesnt cost too much <$50 and something that simply charges/wakes me up in the morning. Anyone recommend me a alarm dock under 50? I've made a post here but i saw only 1 dock recommendation and it was also over 100 dollars :p

[okwuzupwitdat]

First time user. Please let me know if I am not properly posting my inquiry (e.g., this section reserved for reply only). I have a related question. Is there a recommended device (same media sources CD, iPhone, etc.) to connect directly to a home receiver (Speakers/Audio not required in the device itself)?