OTHER TECH

POLK I-SONIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM 2

The Polk I-Sonic ES2 is an AM/FM clock radio on steroids. It has all the usual clock functions, including the all-important snooze button. But it also brings some real innovation to an otherwise often boring category.

The I-Sonic's most interesting feature is its HD Radio receiver. HD Radio is broadcast digitally on the same frequencies as analog AM and FM. Individual stations decide whether or not to add the HD signal. Most of them simulcast the same content as on the analog station. But some take advantage of HD Radio's FM subchannels to multicast unique HD content (usually weather, sports, and traffic). Either way, this is a useful feature that can significantly improve radio playback.

Polk also includes 24 station presets. And the dual-alarm clock can use the radio or an iPod as its source - because, yes, there is an iPod dock here, too, located on top of the unit, beneath a retracting hinged door. Also hiding there (though I'm not sure why) is a headphone jack. Once your 'Pod is docked, you can control track skip and fast-forward/reverse. And the iPod charges even when the unit is turned off. The I-Sonic comes with six well adapters. The small remote provides comprehensive control, including a snooze feature.

The I-Sonic takes advantage of a unique feature of HD Radio - iTunes Tagging. While listening to an HD Radio song that you like, press the Tag button (on the front panel or the remote), and the song ID information will be stored on your iPod. If your 'Pod isn't connected, the info will be stored in the I-Sonic itself; then, the next time you dock, the data will be loaded to your 'Pod. You can tag an unlimited number of songs when your iPod is docked; otherwise, the I-Sonic will save up to 50 tags for later transfer. Either way, when you then connect your 'Pod to iTunes, the Tag data is used to find the songs in the iTunes library. You can preview a song, buy it, and download it. This is a great feature.

Around back, the I-Sonic has stereo analog inputs and outputs, composite- and S-video outputs for displaying video from video iPods, a service port for updates, and connectors for AM and FM antennas. Also around back are two of the unit's four speakers.

Sound quality was quite good. The front-firing full-range speakers had a sweet midrange that offered good transparency. The cabinet is tuned to pump out a decent bit of upper bass, although high-frequency extension was limited. The front speakers are physically close together, but having two more full-range speakers in back helps to create a satisfyingly diffuse sound field. The unit plays loud, and it sounded good and solid at the maximum volume level.

The Polk I-Sonic ES2 is a great example of interconnectivity between media - in this case, HD Radio, iTunes, and the iPod. The ability to tag songs is a terrific way to find new music. If your favorite local stations are broadcasting HD, and you're an iTunes user, then the I-Sonic offers the perfect go-between.

THE FINAL WORD

Without a doubt, the iPod revolutionized audio playback, whether on the go or at home. The idea of having an entire music collection in the palm of your hand was science fiction a few years ago. Now it's commonplace. If you're an iPod aficionado, then an iPod dock is a no-brainer. It gives your beloved device a place of honor while it's charging, simplifies room playback, and adds totally new dimensions to the 'Pod's functionality.

Each of these docks offers features and styling worth considering. By far, the B&W Zeppelin is the style leader, with its award-winning-caliber industrial design. The Canton isn't far behind in the styling department; its minimalistic elegance is a perfect match for the iPod itself. For multiroom playback, a couple of Klipsch RoomGrooves are just the ticket; the ability to plop down a dock anywhere and listen to music is simply fantastic. The Onkyo's front-loading CD player makes it a complete system, particularly perfect for the office. And the Polk offers the unique twist of HD Radio, a great way to expand your musical tastes and your music collection.

As good as these docks are, they're only a sample of what's available. Pull the earbuds out of your ears, bud. Your iPod is looking for speakers.