SDI iHome iH4B review (black)

It's worth noting that the iH4 has a line-in jack for plugging in other portable audio devices. It also comes with a small battery (it slips into the button of the unit) that keeps the clock running in the event of a power outage. But the speaker and dock are powered by a 10V AC adapter, not batteries, so the IH4 isn't really designed to be moved from room to room. However, you can purchase an optional remote at iHomeaudio.com for $15 if you want to control the iH4 from afar.

As you might expect from a single speaker this small, the iHome iH4 doesn't deliver a terribly impressive sound experience. But engage the SRS Bass (yes, it boosts the bass, but the sound still is pretty thin), keep the volume in the low range to midrange, and it delivers passable sound for its size. To be clear, this thing isn't designed for anyone whose priority is finding an affordable iPod speaker system that sounds good. This one's simply for someone who wants to charge his or her iPod on a bedside table or desk and casually listen to some tunes. Some radio functionality would have been nice, but I guess you can't have everything for $50. Given its low price, the iH4 will likely find a home on quite a few bedrooms. But prospective buyers should hold know that there's a stealth step-up model available: the Timex Ti700. For an additional $20, the Timex--which is actually manufactured by SDI--adds an AM/FM radio, dual alarms, and the wireless remote. If you're looking for any one of those extra features, it's a much better deal.