Here is a word of warning....

I have been on the look out for a quality clock radio for a while now and on seeing the XtremeMac Luna™ I thought I'd found it. http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/speakers/luna/index.php

I parted with the US$150 and waited for the US postal service to slooooooowly deliver it. Well, its been on my bedside table now for 3 nights and I have to say first impressions AREN'T that good.


First problem is the display dimming feature. Unlike most clock radios, this doesnt automatically dim as the ambient light decreses, it requires you to choose a setting. The problem is that the lowest setting still ends up flooding the darkened room with light so you end up like a "rabbit in the headlights". Another annoying feature is the big silver buttons click very loudly when pushed. Not an ideal feature in somehting used when people are asleep or close to it.


The worst problem however is the radio reception/tuning. Its very poor. The AM band tuning moves up in increments of 10, meaning tuning into NewsRadio 585AM here in Perth is impossible. The FM band requires a long unsightly white aerial cable to be draped up over a bedside lamp for decent reception.

I have to say the sound quality is good for such a small unit and the iPod integration and the remote control are very good. All in all however I wouldnt recommend this to anyone and urge you to try before you buy.

I am about to pick up something like that as well....I saw the Luna on iLounge and thought it looked good, but I am trying to hunt down one of these:

http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...ESHQNHKFSEKI5P

I also found a "Jensen" brand one at Target that might do the job. I think they have reviewed it on iLounge, and it goes alright. I'm not looking for earth-shattering sound, and my budget is under $150 AUD.

No iPod integration, but I have one of these:


http://www2.oregonscientific.com/sho...ult.asp?cid=11

Really, really impressed with it. So impressed that I've bought more as presents for people

I spotted one in Harvey Norman at Garden City in Brisbane...so it might be worth asking a Harvey Norman near you?

BigW sell one which is about $70 and does the job

otherwise there is the iHome

I still use my German made clock radio I bought as a kid in the 1970's. It has red LED display with excelent variable dimm function. Guess it shows you get what you pay for.

The Luna looks really cool though...pity about all the problems...

From what I've read in the user guides found online, is the backlight intensity problem partially solved by turning the backlight down to 0? I understand the backlight will come on to a set intensity when the alarm goes off.

Seems all backlit LCD clock radios now days light up the room like a disco - what were they thinking?

I'm still debating whether to commit to buying one of these, seems no one in Perth will hold stock. Apparenlty Dick Smith Electronics Powerhouses stock them, but there are DSEPH in Perth. Although I believe one is going to be built in Innaloo (WA).

I saw them in stock at Myer city (perth) about 2 weeks ago.

From the site:
FFS! Its an alarm clock…

i have one. i have no such problem with the back light...only thing i dont like is the am tuning... its shit!

You weren't aware the U.S use different frequency steps for their AM band than the rest of the world before buying????

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediumwave

Sounds like a good unit (apart from the clock backlight), but just one you should have bought locally..

well i got mine as a present...

and apart from the am situation... yes it is very good

I use apple alarm clock x]

Works for me. Chooses a random itunes song. I love it.

I'm waiting for the Luna X2 to come out. Looks awesome