iHome ZN9 Clock Radio for Zune

Pros: Easy to use, very clear and fairly loud. Large display and very slick looking.

Cons: Not portable, no remote.

Summary: I just pick this up from Circuit City, as it came out today 7/6, fortunately for me because i had just bought the Altec Langsing im414 for zune yesterday. And if it hadnt been for ZN9B coming out i would have kept it. But like i said luckly for me, i got to put them both head to head. and the im414 lost in over all quality.

Appearance: they both take up very little space, and the im414 has a cool look with the design. But the ZN9 has a better overall appearance because the plastic looks better quality. The im414 looks dull sitting next to the ZN9, but good by it self. The LCD screen is large and time is displayed all the time on the ZN9 since its a alarm. It also display the functions better on the screen. It will say ZUNE, FM, INput etc. The im414 only has dot that display next to the function.

Sound: Ok, neither of these are going to rock your house. I have 1000 and 660 watt surrounds that will do this. I bought this for the bathroom to hear music when either me or my wife shower and get dressed. But as i am test both, they both fill a bedroom with a comfortable close to loud sound. But the ZN9B is much better quality. Since i have 2 Zunes, played the same music at the same time, and the ZN9 sounded way better in quality and volume. The im414 distorts at its highest setting and the ZN9 doesn't. When hearing a acoustic song, ZN9 sounded as we where in the room with the artist, clear and full sound. The im414 sounds good as well but not high quality as the ZN9.

Functionality: As for easy of use ZN9 all the way. I read on reviews and alot of people have problems with im414 zune functions. You have to turn it off the zune then plug it in almost every time you want to use. Which is kinda of a hassle to do. With the ZN9 its basically its plug and play. Just set on base and press play. If you set it on base when its on and playing all you have to do is press the power button and then play. With the im414, its more complicated and hit and miss, such that i had a aux input wire ready just incase to use the output instead of the base.

Only things lacking ZN9, is remote and battery portability. The im414 use 3AA batteries and sounds just it loud as on AC power. Its says 24 hour of use on set of battery, but even if it lasts less, thats pretty good for the batteries and the sound it puts out. But cant hold this against ZN9 since its a alarm clock. Wanted to keep both, but I know one would mostly never be used. And only reason was because im414 battery portability. But ZN9 overall better quality and value. A must buy.