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Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
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iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
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Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

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Discover New Music

  • Velocifero

    • 6 out of 10
    • Ladytron
    • "Back to the future" isn't the right turn of phrase for Ladytron's newest album,

  • Suspended Animation

    • 8 out of 10
    • Fantomas
    • Mike Patton may well be one of the hardest working men in showbiz these days, and his latest with Fantômas underscores just about how far out he is willing to travel.

      Suspended Animation

  • Rift

    • 8 out of 10
    • Phish
    • This quasi-concept album (the only of its kind) from these Vermonters finally showcased their ability to convey a message with a studio album, whereas previously they only succeeded in doing so live.
  • Machine Gun Etiquette

    • 8 out of 10
    • The Damned
    • Punk rock is mostly associated with three chords and a bad attitude, but the Damned were one of the few bands of the era bent on bringing musicianship and a good sense of humor to the scene. And while
  • 2112

    • 10 out of 10
    • Rush
    • We all know it, right? Well, ya just gotta have it. 2112 finally showed Rush out on their own, doing their own thing, and doing it well, IMHO.

Reader Specials

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In-Depth Review

Luna (iPod Stereo Speakers/Alarm Clock/Radio)

Luna is an iPod AM/FM stereo speaker system with an iPod alarm clock built in. Or perhaps it's an AM/FM iPod alarm clock with a stereo speaker system built in. Either way, it performs most of those functions well and is reasonably priced.

First and foremost, Luna's sound quality is excellent for its size and price. If that's your main criteria for selecting an iPod speaker system/alarm clock, you'll be quite pleased with Luna.

Most alarm clocks offer a confusing array of buttons, bars, and knobs. Luna is different, with excellent and easy-to-use menus and controls. There are four big multi-function buttons/knobs on the top of the unit which are its only controls. And the LCD display, which offers variable brightness, is big, bright, and easy to read even across a brightly lit room. And, unlike many alarm clocks, Luna's display can be turned off completely.

Luna has two independent alarms that can each be customized for source (iPod, radio, or buzzer), volume, dimmer, and snooze time. Plus, you have the option of gradually increasing or decreasing volume for both alarms and the sleep timer, too.

Another nice touch is a wireless remote that controls all audio and clock functions including bass and treble.

That's the good news now here's the bad: Luna's radio reception is mediocre at best. No matter where in the house I set it, FM stations that come in loud and clear on other systems in my house had static and hiss on the Luna. Furthermore, AM radio was even worse. That's easily Luna's worst feature. A close second is the remote control, which has every button you might ever need, but often doesn't recognize them being pressed. Some buttons were worse than others but I often had to press a button two or three times before it worked. Furthermore, the Source, Shuffle, and Reset buttons are so tiny they are extremely difficult to press, especially if you have fat fingers (like me).

Luna is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector and while the SRP is $149, you should be able to find one for around $120-$130.

The Bottom Line

Xtreme Mac's Luna iPod speaker system and alarm clock is a great sounding unit with intuitive controls and a crisp, bright display. Unfortunately, radio reception is marginal and the remote control, while full featured, is balky and has several buttons so tiny they're barely usable. Still, if you can do without the radio and remote, it's one heck of a great sounding iPod alarm clock.

Just The Facts

Luna from XtremeMac

MSRP US$149

Pros:Excellent sound, bright display, big easy-to-use control knobs and buttons.

Cons:Lousy radio reception, balky remote control with several buttons too small to be usable.

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