iHome iA100

iHome iA100

iHome has a number of compact, rectangular-shaped iPod clock radio stereo systems in its product lineup. In fact, these types of tabletop systems are how the company initially made a name for itself and as the company has expanded, so has the selection of iPod clock radios. So, what does the iA100 bring to the table? For starters, it's iHome's first product that's intended to work as a speaker dock for the iPad (though it also works with iPods and iPhones). At $200 list, the unit--it's effectively an oversize clock radio with an Apple dock on the top--is among the company's most expensive products. Not only does it pretty much throw in the kitchen sink in terms of features but it also offers a higher level of sound quality (this is part of the company's "studio series" that's stamped with Bongiovi Acoustics brand). That doesn't mean the sound is all that terrific, but it is better than what you'll find in step-down models such as the $100 iP90. In terms of design, the iA100 looks pretty nice. It's got a matte black finish on top and a rubberized "insert" to help cushion the bottom edge of your iPad when docked.