All Reviews > Hardware > Audio > Speakers
November 3, 2008
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.
Visit Digital World for the latest home entertainment and digital audio news and reviews
Gear4 BlackBox 24/7 scored:
8.1 out of 10
Gr8 design, cool alarm clock, and works with every ipod except the iphone.
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!
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.
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.
|
£50 | |
|
£50 | |
|
£60 | |
| Prices, delivery and availability at 6 retailers | ||
Submit to:Digg
Slashdot
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Subscribe to PC Advisor now and claim your FREE gift
Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?
% of PC Advisor readers agree with you
What tasks can your smartphone do that would have traditionally been done on a laptop?
Follow the conversation at @SmartphoneFocus
web browsing, search facilities, voip, email, word processing everything RT @Graham_D_C
Mainly email but getting better at spreadsheets etc, RT @IDGdan
Question of the day!
Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?