I have the white version of this - out on the pool deck it doesn't get as hot as a dark colored unit would.I read all the reviews for this boombox, and I was very hesitant - together they averaged out rather negative when I was shopping for it.I owned the comparable iLive boombox - can't remember the model number - it was very sleek and looked sort of like a cylinder.Anyway - it was aweful.Kept running the batteries down when turned off - I had to take the batteries out when not in use.It used six D batteries and it was heavy.It had no remote and the iPod control was awkward.The sound was distorted at around the seven or eight level.It stopped working altogether after one year.I paid around $90 for it, but now it goes for around $50.I was so afraid I would wind up with the same disappointment.But anyone who wants a portable (can use batteries) CD, iPod, AM/FM radio together in one box knows that you are at the mercy of the electronics makers.There simply aren't many of them.There should be, in this day and age - but almost none of them have everything you are looking for.So, as my choices were slim, I crossed my fingers and took a chance on the Sony.
Well - this Sony unit is an absolute breath of fresh air.The remote actually does operate the iPod.Yes, the iPod is a little hard to see in there.But the door that holds the iPod - like a cassette door - does a great job of protecting the iPod and keeping it in place.It's a trade off.The sound isn't that of a Bose.It's not going to wake the neighbors - it's not REALLY loud.But out by the pool I can turn it up to hear it anywhere on the deck or in the pool, and it isn't distorted.It's also much lighter than the iLive, even comparing them both without their batteries.It uses C batteries, so with the batteries the advantage increases.I think this is the very best you can do for the money.If you wanted to invest more in a higher quality system, you would still find it difficult to obtain a unit with all the features offered here.Especially, if you want to be able to listen to a baseball game with it with a push of a button.I kind of still think that the old CD boomboxes had better quality sound at higher volume and were cheaper, so I don't know why Sony can't do that today.For this reason, it isn't perfect, so I gave it four stars.Relative to other available units that offer ALL the same features, this unit would deserve five stars.If you want a versatile quality boombox, but you don't need it to blow your hair back, this is your choice!
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Sony ZSS4IP CD Boombox with iPod Dock and iPhone (Black)Product Description: Make the most of your listening experience, enjoying music stored on your compatible iPod, iPhone, CDs, or over the airwaves with the sleek Sony ZS-S4iP black multi-functional CD boombox.
A sleek, portable, multi-functional CD boombox that plays music from your iPod or iPhone.
Click to enlarge. The secure compartment protects and charges your iPod or iPhone when docked.
Click to enlarge. Control your Sony ZS-S4iP via wireless remote control or with easy-to-use buttons on top of the boombox.
Click to enlarge. A Portable and Sleek CD Boombox for iPod and iPhone Enjoy the ultimate in full-function portable audio with the iPod and iPhone compatible, black Sony ZS-S4iP CD boombox. Compatible players include the iPhone, iPod 4G, 5G; iPod mini 1G, 2G; iPod nano 1G,2G, 3G; iPod touch, iPod classic.
How Does it Work Just press the
Push Open button located on the top of the CD boombox, and the secure docking compartment will open. Once you've docked your iPod or iPhone, and returned the dock to the locked position, you're ready to enjoy your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. And don't worry about your iPod or iPhone running out of juice because it will automatically charge when connected.
When using an iPod touch or iPhone, you can replace the cover with the exchangeable lid (included). The exchangeable cover gives you direct control of your music and iPod touch or iPhone.
More Ways to Enjoy and Manage Your Music The Sony ZS-S4iP allows you to control your music directly from your iPod or iPhone, on the boombox itself, or with an included remote that lets you control your iPod or iPhone from across the room.
Take Your Sony ZS-S4iP with You Wherever You Go Need to provide music for a party or event? You can easily take the Sony ZS-S4ip CD boombox, and your playlists, with you wherever you go. Its special docking station keeps your iPod or iPhone secure during transport. The Sony ZS-S4ip can run on dual power supplies either via included AC plug or by inserting six C cell batteries (not included) into the battery compartment.
Not Just for Your iPod or iPhone The Sony ZS-S4iP also has a top loading CD player with CD-R/RW playback capability and a digital synthesized AM/FM tuner with the ability to preset 20 FM and 10AM stations.
Note: Playback of CDR/RW discs depends on recording conditions.
Key Feature of the Sony ZS-S4iP Portable CD Boombox for iPod or iPhone
CD boombox with iPod/iPhone dock: Listen to your CDs and iPod player tracks in a portable and great sounding boombox
Secures iPod player/iPhone during transport: Securely transport your player without fear of it falling out of its dock
Alternate/exchangeable cover to use with iPod touch or iPhone: Allows for direct control of the iTouch or iPhone while docked
Line in and Headphone jacks: Plug other audio devices, including digital music players, into the boombox or enjoy your music privately with headphones
Wireless Remote: Allows you the flexibility of controlling your music from across the room
What's in the Box? Sony ZS-S4iP black CD boombox, wireless remote (RMT-CS2iPA), AC power cord, exchangeable cover.
Buy cheap Sony ZSS4IP CD Boombox with iPod Dock and iPhone (Black) now Get 25% OFF
I LOVE this GPX BD707B Portable DVD Boom Box! (title on Amazon is incorrect) 
