Recently, a friend and I went to an Apple Store where I bought a black 2GB iPod nano! We also stopped by a CompUSA where I saw the iHome iH5R clock radio on display. The Apple Store also had one on display, but when I was at CompUSA, I decided to buy an iH5R so I could use my trusty old 30GB iPod in my bedroom to lull me to sleep at night.

The iHome iH5R is available in either a white or black finish. Since my iPod is white, I opted for white. This clock radio has a remarkably large and clear liquid crystal display. Setting the time was easily done via the click wheel on the top right of the clock radio.

Enclosed in the box with the iH5R were six inserts to allow the various iPod models to fit firmly into the slot on top of the unit. An audio cable was also included to connect a non-Apple MP3 player or an iPod shuffle to the clock radio, auxiliary port.

Both the instruction manual and iHomeaudio's own web site indicated that the remote control is a $20 extra-cost option. An ordering blank was also enclosed in the box to purchase a remote control. Despite that, the box also contained a remote control. Go figure! I guess that's what the little "R" subscript in the name of this clock radio stands for!

Both the clock radio and the remote control came with batteries already preloaded, which was nice. The remote control uses a tiny watch battery. The clock radio holds two AA batteries to retain the time and alarm clock settings in the event of a power failure. The unit also has a fairly small footprint, so it is ideal for placing on a night table.

The remote control (see picture inset) controls the power to the radio and iPod, adjusts the volume, skips tracks, and fast forwards through a track. The remote control can also move up and down the AM and FM radio bands, switch between AM and FM, and it has a snooze button that can also be used to dim the bright display. Unfortunately, the remote control cannot change albums and/or playlists, but it is handy for those who prefer to keep their clock radio out of arm's reach. The remote control works with most iPods, but not the shuffle, nor will it control any non-Apple MP3 players.

While I wrote this review, I put my new iH5R clock radio through its paces as I listened to the musical sound track of the Broadway play version of the War of the Worlds on my iPod. I throughly enjoyed what I heard! The sound quality is fine for a clock radio. The radio reception is good, due in part to the separate external antennas that are included with it. The controls on both the clock radio and the remote control are easy to understand and use. The printed instruction manual is also clearly written and it is available via the web site.