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November 3, 2008

Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 review

The 24/7 is another reworking of the BlackBox range from Gear4, but unlike the other models in this iPod alarm clock range, the Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 doesn't have the benefit of Bluetooth.

No matter, because as a compact iPod speaker system with a built-in alarm clock and iPod charge-up facility, the Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 is a little beauty that really appeals.

The front of the Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 sports a 12-hour clock armed with two programmable alarm options. Nap and Sleep functions offer opportunity for staying under the duvet that little bit longer. The alarm can be FM radio, a boring buzzer or your iPod library, which can be docked on top of the unit.

If you opt for a musical wake-up call then the Gear4 BlackBox 24/7's small speakers, just 2.75in in diameter apiece, won't exactly blow the covers off the bed. At the same time, a soothing blue light accompanies the alarm.

You'll supposedly get 16W in total from the Gear4 BlackBox 24/7's speaker combo, but they struggle to sound more than average. The radio quality fares rather better, though.

Styling is dominated by angular corners and a glossy charcoal-black plastic exterior. Construction feels robust enough to withstand a few accidental knocks during bleary-eyed wake-up calls. The touch sensitive controls work well, and there's a remote control, too. You can power it with batteries if you find you can't do without it when you go on holiday.

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Independent customer reviews from

Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 scored:
8.1 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 18 reviews:

22 Aug 2008 Rohan, Harrow, London

8

Good Points

Gr8 design, cool alarm clock, and works with every ipod except the iphone.

Bad Points

while listening to a track, you cannot change the volume using the touch buttons. You have to use the remote. And it has a very weak light which they call a lamp!

01 Aug 2008 Anonymous verified purchaser

9

Good Points

Looks good sounds good The alarn and time is not the easist things to set up but once it is setup it is okay to use.

Bad Points

Yhe setup is not the easist things to do. I found that turning thw alarm on to the desired time is a bit of a fiddle.

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Total reviews: 4,313

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Gear4 BlackBox 24/7

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