Advertisement



Go Back   Zune Boards > Zune Discussions > Zune Talk > Zune Accessories and Review

New Member?



 
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Zune Accessories and Review Learn about all the hot Zune accessories and leave your reviews!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 09-30-2008, 07:00 PM   #1 (permalink)
Support Team
Expert Zuner
 
(-_-)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,933
Reputation: 209
Default Review: Ihome ZN9 Clock Radio/Audio System


Hey, I apologize in advance that the formatting is terrible, I just copy/pasted from the Gotzune Article. The links/bold/font size didn't copy over... and neither did the chart at the bottom.
Quote:
Vendor: Ihome


Price: $99.99

In this review I'll be taking a look at Ihome's new Radio/Audio system for zune. At the moment it's the only product of it's kind for zune, being the only zune alarm clock on the market, and one of the few Zune audio systems. Overall testing this product out was an enjoyably experience, with just a few annoyances. Enjoy!

Meet the new ZN9, the world’s first clock radio for Zune. The ZN9 features several innovative solutions, including wake and sleep to your Zune™ music or AM/FM radio presets, a 7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times, and an extra large, backlit LCD display with dimmer.
With our Reson8 speaker chambers, you’ll be able to enjoy stereo sound around the clock. The new ZN9… treat yourself and your Zune right.

* Wake or sleep to Zune, AM/FM Radio or buzzer
* Charges Zune while docked
* Auto-Set Clock sets itself
* Programmable Snooze
* High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8® speaker chambers deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power
* Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep increase/decrease Alarm/Sleep volume so as not to startle the user
* Clean contemporary design complements the look of the Zune
* Dual alarm with AM/FM presets
* 7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times

Design

Well, we'll start off this review with the design of the device itself. The front of the ZN9 has a 3.75" wide by nearly 1" tall backlit LCD display, surrounded by a metal mesh lining over the speakers. The top/back/bottom are covered in a black matte finish, while both the sides feature a more glossy black . The actual dimensions of the unit itself are 10.2" W x 3.1" H x 6.4" D. The general shape of this player resembles a smaller version of an Xbox 360, specifically due to the slight inward curve of the top and bottom portions. The pictures below show the front, back, side, and bottom view.








Most major controls on this unit are located on the top of the device, with a few squeezed into the back as well. On top of the device is where the preset buttons, radio/line in button, volume wheel, alarm reset/power button, sleep button, snooze/dimmer button, alarm 1/2 buttons, play/pause button, set wheel, and EQ are all located. The back contains the FM antenna slot, AC adaptor jack, line out jack, clock adjust button, time zone button, DST switch, AM loop antenna socket, and line-in jack.



Buttons_thumb3

On the top of the ZN9, centered are the 8 functional buttons, which include 1-6 presets, the equalizer button, Alarms 1&2 sleep, and radio. To the right you have the setting wheel, with the play/pause button centered within. This wheel is used to set different functions, and scroll through options, such as when setting alarms or choosing radio stations. On the left is the volume wheel, with the alarm reset/power button. Below the buttons is the snooze/dimmer, and above we have the dock itself. As you can see room is left for the ability to slide this back and fourth and center your zune based on the model you have.





Bundled inside the Ihome box we have a power adapter, radio antenna, dock adapters for each of the zune models(4/8,30,80), manuals, and of course the ZN9 itself.





Interestingly enough though, the ZN9 remote is not included with this unit. On the contrary, all that's included is a slip of paper advertising the "special offer from ihome". This is for the $19.99 ZN9 remote , which has the following features:

* Play or pause Zune
* Access next and previous song
* Scan current track backwards and forwards
* Snooze function & alarm reset in alarm mode
* Control volume level

Now, seeing as this is built with the purpose of functioning as an alarm clock, I can see how the remote was left out. I do believe though , some sort of remote should have been packaged with the unit for the convenience of consumers who plan to use this as not only an alarm clock but as an audio system.

Features

Alarm:



The most important feature of course with this product is the alarm feature. The ZN9 features two separate alarms, each of which can be programmed for 7, 5, or 2 days a week. You can also set your ZN9 alarms to wake you up to either the radio, a built in buzzer, or the zune itself. For setting the zune to function, you are required to have your zune set to the song you want. When the alarm starts up in the morning it will initiate the "play" function of the zune and the song begins. There is also a nice and gradual about 10-15 second increase as the music begins to play. If your zune happens to not be correctly set for this to take place, or the zune is not even docked, the ZN9 recognizes this and resorts to the buzzer alarm. Snooze time can also be set to the range of 1 to 29 minutes. The alarms are quite easy to use, simple to disable/enable, and incase of a power failure will still go off(in buzzer form) due to the backup battery's in the device.

Sleep:



Sleep is a handy little function allowing you to fall asleep to either the radio or your zune device. The range can be set to 120, 90, 60, 30, or 15 minutes and the music will gradually lower in volume until it's silent.

Radio:


The radio includes both FM and AM radio along with 6 programmable presets.


EQ:



The EQ in this device features treble, bass, 3D effect, and balance. It's convenient having the simple EQ function, and nice to see since unfortunately the zune itself does not have one built in.

Interesting Notes

There are a few extra things to notice with this device. To begin with, my zune has a tendency to attempt to wireless sync while docked. Although this does end up being fairly helpful, it did annoy me to begin with. If the zune is left idle on the dock, and the wireless is on, it will attempt to connect with the computer.(at least mine does!)


The other problem is with power. Sometimes when the power source is unplugged/plugged in, the unit resets itself to default settings. The back-up battery's are put in to prevent this, so I'm not sure if it's a malfunction with my specific unit or not. I have emailed Ihome about this problem, and am still awaiting a response. I'll update this review when that comes in.




Conclusion

This is quite sleek looking, and easy to use alarm clock. It also contains some nice features, such as the Radio, Sleep function, Dual Alarm, and EQ. Getting the hang of using this device is very simple as well, and changing settings is fast and easy. The sound quality is great for an alarm clock, and the EQ is helpful. However,the sound quality can't quite compare to most Zune Stereo systems if that happens to be the reason your purchasing this product. $99.99 is a good price for the ZN9, but It should have shipped with some sort of remote. For anyone looking for an alarm clock, and wants the added feature of docking/playing your zune with it, I highly advise this product. Not only is it the only Zune Alarm clock your going to find on the market at the time being, but it can also be used as some decent speakers for listening to your zune.

Anything I didn't cover that your wondering about? Feel free to post a comment and ask.



__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.





(-_-) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2008, 07:13 PM   #2 (permalink)
God of the Post Reports
Support Team
Section Staff
Super Zuner²
 
Locke's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: In the kitchen, preparing a brand new batch of n00blets
Posts: 4,137
Reputation: 702
Send a message via MSN to Locke
Awards Showcase
Member of the Quarter Biggest staff suck-up Biggest Shouter 
Total Awards: 3
Default

Oh yeah, I saw this over at Gotzune a while back.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Now with links!
Quote:
Originally Posted by stkr
But yes, please do try to stay on-topic, even if you are blowing up someone's head.




Locke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2008, 07:19 PM   #3 (permalink)
zB Writer
Zune Lord
 
runtohell121's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: a small town in california....
Posts: 4,850
Reputation: 480
Send a message via AIM to runtohell121
Awards Showcase
Spam King/Queen 
Total Awards: 1
Default

good review
__________________
1.Window > Linux > Mac
2. Sony Ericsson > Nokia > Samsung
3.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

4. don't forget to rep me
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth Sinister
at least when run spams there is some substance to his posts




runtohell121 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2008, 07:36 PM   #4 (permalink)
Support Team
Expert Zuner
 
(-_-)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,933
Reputation: 209
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke View Post
Oh yeah, I saw this over at Gotzune a while back.
Yeah, lol, just realized I forgot to post it here.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.





(-_-) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2008, 08:03 PM   #5 (permalink)
Large Walrus
Support Team
Jr. Staff
Premium Member
Super Zuner
 
SilentWalrus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Posts: 1,871
Reputation: 272
Awards Showcase
Biggest Abuser of Noobs 
Total Awards: 1
Default

I really should get one.
Along with a new desk..
That's another story.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Thanks for the sig stkr.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.




SilentWalrus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2008, 07:39 AM   #6 (permalink)
Energizer bunny from hell
Jr. Staff
zB Writer
Graduate Zuner
 
Matt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: in the kitchen as a n00blet chef
Posts: 1,413
Reputation: 611
Send a message via AIM to Matt Send a message via MSN to Matt
Default

this is the best thing i have ever purchased for my zune...ever....
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.




Matt is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2008, 06:02 PM   #7 (permalink)
Support Team
Expert Zuner
 
(-_-)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,933
Reputation: 209
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sinistermaniac View Post
this is the best thing i have ever purchased for my zune...ever....
I love mine. Does yours ever have reset issues though? like if you unplug/replug in a few times?
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.





(-_-) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2008, 07:30 AM   #8 (permalink)
Squirt
 
Mistercheif's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
Reputation: 10
Default

I have one question.
If any of you have a zune 120 and this, does it work with the ihome ZN9?
And if any of you have it and have a friend with a zune 120, could you see if the ZN9 is compatible with the zune 120?





Mistercheif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2008, 11:48 AM   #9 (permalink)
Energizer bunny from hell
Jr. Staff
zB Writer
Graduate Zuner
 
Matt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: in the kitchen as a n00blet chef
Posts: 1,413
Reputation: 611
Send a message via AIM to Matt Send a message via MSN to Matt
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mistercheif View Post
I have one question.
If any of you have a zune 120 and this, does it work with the ihome ZN9?
And if any of you have it and have a friend with a zune 120, could you see if the ZN9 is compatible with the zune 120?
all zunes are compatible with the zn9
when you want to plug it in you r going to want to use the 80 slot
this is because the 80gb and the 120 gb are the same size
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.




Matt is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2008, 11:57 AM   #10 (permalink)
Coast to Coast.
Support Team
Moderator
Expert Zuner
 
Space Toast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Next to Putis in Sexyland
Posts: 3,373
Reputation: 617
Send a message via AIM to Space Toast
Awards Showcase
Best avatar 
Total Awards: 1
Default

the 120 is virtually part of the 2nd Gen Zunes. it just came out later.
__________________
I am a Music Enthusiast. AKA Music Whore
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gow616
Going Coast2Coast late night with the Space Toast. I'm Moltar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socrates
Beauty is a short-lived tyranny.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

stkr.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



Space Toast is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:51 AM.

 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0 RC8
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=
(C) ZuneBoards 2006-2007
Copyright © 2006 - 2008 Zune Boards | About Zune Boards | Legal | A member of the Crowdgather Forum Community