2. Altec Lansing Moondance GLOW

The Moondance GLOW speaker system by Altec Lansing is described as a high performance iPod music device. The compact audio system-plus-alarm clock features a wireless snooze remote and mood lighting.


What’s in the box?

Inside, you'll find a remote control and two strange devices that look like pyramids without the points on top. One of them is a separate "snooze" remote and the other is a receiver that plugs into the back of the system. The design is rather swanky, modern-meets-retro style. The glossy black unit tilts slightly backwards and when the Moondance is powered on, it is backlit by an orange LCD. The remotes have the same design.
The touch-sensitive buttons are at the top on the unit, with one button per function. The audio remote has all the controls, while the second remote enables you to stop the alarm and can also be used to play and pause music. Those who like to bang their hand on the alarm clock in the morning will be thrilled, the shape fits the palm perfectly. In terms of auxiliary input, the device can connect to a second audio source. There is also the possibility to add a FM antenna. A USB port would have been welcome, but is absent.
Audio quality

There are two 3-inch full range drivers which is far more than what you usually get on an alarm clock. Sound quality is good for such a compact device. Sounds are well-defined, clear, well-balanced and powerful. Difficult to say anything bad on this level (except maybe a weakness in bass) but then again, in what world could two 3-inch speakers produce the same bass as a 15-inch subwoofer? After all this is an alarm device to wake you up, not one to power a dance party!

We liked everything on the Moondance GLOW and we are rather sorry to see that it can only be used as a dock with an iPod.

The Moondance GLOW is a compact audio system for iPod with an alarm clock, wireless snooze remote and mood lighting. Design, usability and audio quality all meet here in one product.