ICF-C318 Ī clock radio with a large display and two independent alarms, which can be set to a radio or buzzer. The model's speakers were criticised, but the model has a CD tray, and was sold relatively cheap. CNet Australia felt that although it was missing some features consumers might expect from stand-alone devices, the combination of functionality makes up for the shortcomings of each of its parts. They also suggested Sony should add Chumby widget support, a wish Sony later granted with their Dash alarm clock. Engadget knocked the limited codec support, but lauded the attractive design and low ($149.95) announced price tag. It has a 30 pin dock on the right side of the clock. The device has a 7 inch touch screen that can be used as a photo frame, alarm clock, radio, and iPod dock. It has a alarm and also has an FM and AM radio. The clock displays the time by a mechanical flip mechanism. One of the first clock radios, released in 1968. At the time of discontinuation, the name was used for over forty years. By the early 2010's, Sony stopped manufacturing new clocks under the 'Dream Machine' name. For a short time in the late 2000's, the radio clock market experienced a boom, because of several new ones including iPod / iPhone 30 pin docks and CD players. By the mid 1980's, there were plenty of other options for digital clocks, although the Dream Machine still remained a popular option. It was one of the first widely adopted digital appliances in the home. By the early 70's, Sony was selling thousands of it, every holiday season. Many of these older models are not well known because of poor record keeping. In the mid 1960's, Sony introduced the first Dream Machine. The line was started in the early 1960's and ran until the early 2010's. Models ranged from basic AM/FM models to more expensive models including iPod/ iPhone docking, a LCD screen, projectors, and internet connectivity. But while the ICF-CD3iP's speaker quality is subpar, its unobtrusive design, retro CD tray, and ease of use make for a good budget bedside companion.Sony Dream Machine was Sony Electronics' long-running line of clock radios.

Although it costs just $99.99, the ICF-CD3iP's pitfalls won't let us recommend it over the Altec Lansing Moondance Glow ($129), or the iLuv iMM173 Dual-Alarm Clock ($149), which offers an extra dock and better sound. Of course, this may prove to be the best method for getting someone out of bed: listening to the subpar sound quality for long periods of time can get irritating.Īs an iPod docking station and dual-alarm clock, the Sony ICF-CD3iP performs adequately. Regina Spektor's 'Fidelity' sounded decent at low volumes, but tinny and hollow as the volume was turned up, as was the case with most music played through the device.

It's even iPhone 3G-compatible, so there's no need to switch into Airplane mode to avoid the dreaded GSM buzz.Īs we mentioned, the ICF-CD3iP's speakers are positioned (annoyingly) behind the clock face. Setting the alarm to wake up to iPod, radio, or buzzer was a cinch, and the time set and snooze buttons are big enough for even the sleepiest of hands. Several different generations of iPods, as well as the iPhone 3G, synced up seamlessly with the ICF-CD3iP.

Sony alarm clock radio cd