Tech Gift Guide

Tech Gift Guide (TGG) decided that it was time to see what else we could do with our iPods and got hold of the iPod Alarm Clock by Extrememac. Luna, as she is affectionately known, is the perfect replacement for the tired old alarm clock sitting on your bedside table. Finally one can awaken, snooze and nod off to the tunes stored on your iPod - say goodbye to the annoying ‘buzz buzz buzz’ we’re used.

Luna is finished to a very high quality and is extremely sturdy with looks to match. This clock radio looks perfect in the lounge or the bedroom and has a bright clear display with awesome sound pumping through the speakers. Although the device looks like it was designed by Apple the minute you begin the setup you realise that this does not contain the intuitive menu we’re all used to on the iPods. While the silver dials are twirled back and forth just like the iPod wheel they’re not as precise and do sometimes go the opposite way than you intended. But you’re not fiddling with those all the time and once you’re spent a few minutes setting the alarms and radio presets you’re done.

One of the great features of Luna is having two built in alarms. Great for when your other half has to get up earlier than you do. Another great touch is a ‘rampup’ setting for the music whereby the volume slowly increases over a preset time so you’re not blasted awake the second the alarm goes off. You’re also able to wake up to either AM/FM radio, iPod music, buzzer or an aux input.

Radio reception was more than adequate once you grab the external antenna cable, but tuning was another story. Luna lacks auto tune so you’re left twirling the dials moving slowly up the radio spectrum trying to locate your station. But as mentioned it’s not something that you need to do that often.

The supplied remote control lets you control all aspects of the device and is great for having next to your bed for hitting snooze. Although depending on your personality the ease of hitting snooze could be a bad thing! Otherwise you’ve got all the usuals and can control volume and flick back and forth between tracks and playlists.

Luna also has a battery backup in case of power failure, with two AA batteries included. But just in case, even the backup has a backup. A built-in feature will retain clock and alarm settings for up to five minutes without power, even if the batteries are dead or not properly installed. Now that’s smart.

Tech Gift Guide (TGG) tested Luna with the 2nd generation iPod Nano, iPod Touch and Apple iPhone all with excellent results. There is a bit of interference when using the iPhone at times but since it’s not designed for this we’re more than happy.

It’s all the small little extras that make Tech Gift Guide (TGG) recommend this. From stylish design to brightness control, volume ramping and excellent alarm choices - this will make the perfect dock for your iPod.

The best prices we’ve found for the Luna iPod Alarm Clock are at Amazon. Click to buy Luna iPod Clock Radio UK / Luna iPod Clock Radio US