There are lots of iPod Alarm Clocks out there and you need to make sure that you get the right one for you. Here is a list of the different available features for iPod Alarm Clocks. As you read through this list think about which features are important to you or to the person that will be using the iPod alarm clock. When you are done you will educated when it comes time to selecting your iPod Alarm Clock
Alarm and Time Functionality: This is available in two styles built in alarm functions or uses the ipod alarm functions. Most iPod alarm clocks are have built in time and alarm feature meaning they can operate as an alarm clock on there own with out an iPod. The alternative models rely on the iPod's internal alarm to turn on. Technically this is an alarm but not very reliable or user friendly. If you are relying on an alarm clock to wake you up you do not want to have to remember to put the ipod in the dock. Most people are looking for stand alone alarm clocks with built in time and alarm functionality.
Battery Backup for the clock: How many times have you woken up late in the morning cause the power went out in the middle of the night? Many iPod Alarm Clocks have a battery backup capabilities. The alarm clock has a place for 2AA or small batteries that will power the clock and alarm function when the power goes out. They will not play your iPod for hours while the power is out but they will ensure that the time is not lost when the power comes back on. Now you can still wake up on time but blame being late on a power outage. Best of both worlds.
Dual Alarms: This feature is particularly nice if you have two people that both need alarms. Now both people can use the same alarm clock removing the need for an extra alarm clock. You will need to look close at the description of dual alarms for each iPod Alarm Clock. Some manufacturers have dual alarms but the first alarm is wake to buzzer / ipod and the second alarm is wake to radio. Other manufacturers allow each alarm to wake to buzzer / ipod / radio. Depending on your needs one may work better for you than the other. Most people are not aware of this discrepancy.
Remote Control: May seem like overkill but if you are in a dorm room or at a desk across from your Alarm clock it can be a very useful feature. This feature is also useful if you are using the dual alarms for two people. one person gets the alarm clock on their side of the bed and the other gets the remote control.
AM/FM radio: Most iPod Alarm clocks some with AM / FM radios. This is a great feature when you iPod is on the blink or if there is a particular radio show you like to listen to.
Dimmer control: The amount of light needed during the day is not the same amount of light needed at night. Some iPod alarm clocks allow you to adjust the amount of light emitted from the display. Some clocks will adjust the amount of light automatically. If you like to have a very dark room to sleep in this is needed feature to have. Many of the models give off quite a bit of light and can make it more difficult to sleep if they are not dimmed at night.
Sleep Timer. Like to listen to your ipod as you go to sleep? A sleep timer will turn off the ipod at a set amount of time. The timer is usually done in increments such as 120min, 90min, 60min, 30min, 15min.
Gradual Wake: The buzzer / iPod /radio starts out soft and then gets louder. This is a nice feature if you like a nice easy wake-up in the morning.
Travel Models: Will I be traveling with it? Some of the iPod Alarm clock models are small an portable for travel. These smaller models can be used full time at home and then taken with you when you travel. The choice is based on how much you travel. If you are a road warrior then go with the travel model.
Sound Quality: Not all speakers are built equally and iPod alarm clocks are not exception. If you are in a dorm room or will be using the alarm clock to listen to during the day I would look for one that has better sound. Only using the alarm clock to wake up to then sound is not as important.
http://www.ipodspeakerreviews.com/guides/ipod-alarm-clock-features-explained.html
