Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I wanted to replace my clock radio for one that charges my iPod Touch & has decent sound. After sampling several models at the Apple Store & researching online, I picked this one. As a note, there is a previous model of this unit & there are some major differences. Since both are still available as of 1/14/10, you might want to decide which one works better for you. The differences are: -The old one was shorter, designed for regular ipods. The Touch & the iPhone stuck out higher then the radio, which meant when reaching for the snooze or other buttons, you may hit the iphone/touch and knock it off. -The old one has a smaller clock display. -The old one had a BETTER ipod dock. It actually had a rest behind where the ipod stands, which could be adjusted from the back to go in or out. This to me was an amazing & rather unique solution. The one I bought, the new one described in this item listing, has a bigger clock display & is taller so the touch and iphone no longer stick out on top. However, the dock no longer has the adjustable backrest like the older model. Instead, it comes with 2 plates, one for the iphone, one for the Touch. If you have another ipod, you'll have to bring your own dock plate. The main problem with this dock plate solution is that my Touch doesn't fit with the protective case on (I use an Agent 18). Since taking the Touch out of the case everyday is not something I wish to do, I have to use this without any dock plates. The problem with that is the only support the Touch has is the dock port. This is obviously not a good thing in the long term. It makes using the Touch while it is docked a 2 hand operation; one to stabilize the Touch & keep it from pushing back & the other hand to make the adjustments. This is doubly frustrating since they had a much better docking solution in the older model. I plan on glueing a piece of foam or other material on the radio behind where the Touch would be to support it. Even with this caveat, I would still recommend this Sony. The price to benefit ratio, to me at least, is great. The sound quality and clock radio functions are excellent, especially when you factor in the price you paid. Things I like: -Excellent sound -Lots of options for the clock radio; 2 alarms, different days of the week, can wake up to ipod, buzzer, or clock. -Sleep function also works with listening to iPod -Comes with external AM & FM antennas. Picks up stations I listen to without a problem. -Electronic tuning for radio stations with presets -Plays Pandora & other sound apps through the system also -Buzzer for alarm works great. Starts off slow and low volume. Then increases in intensity after every hit of the Snooze bar. -Clock auto sets & remembers time if unplugged. Only have to set time zone when you first set it up. -Remote works with iPod and has decent range. Things I don't like: -Docking solution is a regression compared to the older model Overall, I recommend this unit. If you don't use a case with your iPhone or Touch, than it would get 5 stars, IMO.