Get Better Gear!

Premier Sponsors

Other World Computing

TechRestore

Top 5 Free Apps

Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: August 29, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Release Date: August 07, 2009

iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

Top 5 Paid Apps

Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
Release Date: March 31, 2009
Genre: Games
Bloons $0.99
Release Date: April 05, 2009
Genre: Games

Discover New Music

  • Goodbye Jumbo

    • 8 out of 10
    • World Party
    • Released in 1990, World Party's

  • With Teeth

    • 4 out of 10
    • Nine Inch Nails
    • In the sprawling post-A&R rock and roll world, there are two camps: the Beatles and the Stones. The Beatles are the artists that like to explore, evolve, and change styles. The Stones are the artis

  • Go Away White

    • 10 out of 10
    • Bauhaus
    • Go Away White is an album I've been waiting more than 20 years to hear, and the good news is that it was worth the wait.  The latest -- and last, no...for real this time -- album from

  • Priest = Aura

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Church
    • Another of my all-time favorites, Priest = Aura is one of those rare albums where every song is simply fantastic, and a testament to how good pop-rock can be.

      Each song immediatel

  • Guero

    • 10 out of 10
    • Beck
    • Beck is the modern master of the groove, and Guero is merely the latest example of this. From the opening power chords of "E-Pro," to the Pac-Man cuteness of "Girl," to the dirge-like lullab

Reader Specials

Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!

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.

Post Your Comments

  Remember Me  Forgot your password?

Not a member? Register now. You can post comments without logging in, but they'll show up as a "guest" post.

Commenting is not available in this section entry.