The ever-growing ubiquity of Apple’s iPod media players—coupled with the still-growing popularity/grumbling surrounding Apple’s iPhone is creating a new kind of problem in some circles: Multiple iPod (or iPhone) Households. In an MIH, one person might have multiple Apple i-devices—say an iPod, which has recently been supplemented by an iPhone—or couples might have pooled their households and decided to get rid of the extra dining room set, but hold onto all their iPods. But it doesn’t matter how people get there, the result is the same. Crisis.
Vendors like JVC and Griffin have been moving into the space, and now comes iLuv with its IMM173 dual alarm clock radio featuring two docks—although only one dock supports the iPhone, so a two-iPhone household will be out of luck. The iMM173, of course, can play media from iPods and iPhones while charging the devices, and also features an FM radio so users can get news or other information that might be a little more up-to-date than that four-month old podcast they’ve been meaning to play. The iMM173 also features jAura acoustic speaker technology for a full sound (5 Watts per speaker), digital clock display with two alarms, a quick-and-easy Daylight Savings Time switch, wake and sleep functions, and eight programmable radio presets. There’s also an aux input for other audio devices, treble and bass controls, and an LCD dimmer.
Expect to see the iMM173 in September for $129.99.
