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MP3 Player Clock Radio

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Fun and Function: The MP3 Player Clock Radio

An MP3 clock radio will not only wake you up on time, but it can give you a great way to listen to radio as well as your MP3 player. Many of them have docks for some of the most popular media players on the market, but they may also have auxillary lines allowing you to connect to other media players as well. Throw in a remote control and you have the perfect bit of entertainment.

Learn all about the various features these clock radios possess, find out how to select the right one, and discover some great models on this page.

Buying Tips

type=textModern clock radios have a variety of features to think about when you're shopping. Here are a few things to consider before selecting an MP3 Player clock radio:

  • Size
    Obviously, you know where you would like to locate your clock radio, now you just need to get the dimensions on the device you're considering to determine if it will fit without cluttering your space. Some have hidden docks that slide out and others allow you to place your media player on top. Either way you need to allow for this.

  • The Display
    The display is also important. You need it to be large enough to be able to read it from your bed; this of course depends upon your vision, where you will locate the device, as well as the size and brightness of the display. Most offer an LCD display, and some allow you to adjust the brightness for your personal needs. Some displays show more than the time; they may have a calendar or perhaps artist/song information.

  • The Radio
    Some MP3 player clock radios provide FM stations only. Others may also give users AM, and perhaps HD stations as well. Having station presets is a great convenience for quickly getting the stations you want, but a remote controladio is another nice feature. Equalizer controls can add to the listening experience. Users can also look for a sleep timer to allow them to enjoy the music before falling asleep.

  • Audio Quality
    Audio quality is impossible to judge without listening, but there are reviews from current owners and review sites that can help. (Clicking on the products below will take you to the product page which includes any user reviews.) Certainly stereo sound is better than mono in most cases. Having equalizer controls can also improve the audio.

  • The Alarm
    A device with dual alarms is great when you have a significant other who has to get up at a different time. You can set the alarm for two different times without resetting it for your partner after waking. Progressive volume is an often requested feature so that if you awake without the loudest tone, you aren't subjected to it. Most of these devices will also give the user the option of waking to the alarm, the radio, or the music of a connected audio device. Most will also provide a Snooze function to squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep. There are also a few of these devices that allow you to set alarms that are different for weekdays versus weekends.

  • Connectivity
    Some of these devices have WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity that allow you to stream music and talk through it to answer your connected phone. Some have a dock for your iPod, iPhone, or Zune. In addition, many of these devices also offer auxilary line-in connections for other external media players, CD/DVD players, and other portable devices. Obviously, this gives you even more listening options.

  • Power Source
    Most of these devices plug into an electrical outlet which eliminates the worry of dead batteries. However, having battery backup can assure clock and alarm reliability when a power failure occurs.

  • Remote Control
    Having a remote control is perfect if you want to locate your alarm away from the bedside. Some remotes control only some functions, others are full functioning and control the display, the radio, music, the clock, and more.

    • Buy an MP3 Player Clock Radio

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    Find MP3 Player Clock Radio Reviews

    Review: Philips Docking System DC390
    The system also has an alarm clock, and users can set it to wake them up with music from the docked device. Of course, while there is an audio input for MP3 players, the system will only sync with Apple devices that are docked.
    An audio station with plenty of punch
    You can connect a portable MP3 player to the AXiS using its auxiliary-in function and use it as an alarm clock too. The AXiS also provides access to premium online music service Last.fm with a trial account of 31 days. I tested the AXiS at home and had ...
    BlackBerry Curve 9320 Review
    As I said in the introduction to this review the BlackBerry Curve 9320 is currently the low end BlackBerry in RIM's range so if you are looking for the best BlackBerry smartphone then you need to read our Bold 9900 review. However, if you are looking ...
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    • Yeticat Aug 16, 2010 @ 2:36 pm | delete
      After looking around at what was available I ordered the
      Yamaha TSX-70BU Desktop Audio System for iPod/iPhone
    • OhMe Jan 10, 2010 @ 1:18 pm | delete
      There sure are a lot of MP3 Player Clock Radios to choose from. Hope you sell a lot of them.
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    Photo Credits:
    Introduction Photo by: CC-BY-ND Altec Lansing, Plantronics Germany
    Choosing an MP3 Clock Radio by: Mrs. Logic

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    mulberry

    An modern MP3 player clock radio isn't your daddy's model. These devices offer a broad range of music options, nice sound, remote controls, and more.

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