Customer Reviews:
 A comparison of GPX vs. the Sony Dream Machine February 13, 2007
50 out of 53 found this review helpful
I bought this unit to replace a Sony Dream Machine that I'd bought used which no longer had a functioning CD player. I didn't want to pay $60 or more for another Dream Machine, so I took a gamble with the bargain-priced GPX CRCD-2806.
Here's how the two machines stack up:
1) Display. The Dream Machine has a very subdued display which can be hard to read, day or night, especially at a distance. The GPX has a bright red display with a dimmer option. My feeling was that the GPX settings were either "quite bright" or "insanely bright," with "dim" not really being an option. I am very sensitive to light in my environment at night, so I prefer the Sony on this point, but someone who likes to be able to glance at the clock and immediately know it's 2:38 a.m. might prefer the GPX's high-visibility display.
2) Sound. They're both clock radios, and as you'd expect, neither one is going to blow you away with its audio performance. Both are adequate, although both do have noticeable noise from the spinning of the CD player if you have your music set at a low volume.
3) Tuner. I found it hard to tune in a station on the GPX's dial. The Dream Machine currently available on Amazon has a digital tuner, which is so much simpler and, when dealing with the limited reception that's inherent to clock radios, gives you a better chance of being able to get a decent signal.
4) Battery. The GPX has an available battery backup feature. The Sony doesn't. The Sony does have an internal battery that will store the current time and other settings if the power just blinks for a minute or so, but if you have frequent power outages in your area and you absolutely cannot oversleep, then you may want the added security of the GPX.
5) Alarms. The GPX will allow you to wake to CD or radio or alarm. You set the alarm function for the desired wake-up time, and choose which of the three sounds you want to wake to at that time. On the Sony, you can set a separate time for the radio alarm, CD alarm and buzzer alarm. I haven't used the multiple alarms myself, but can see how it would be useful if a couple shared the clock -- one could wake to CD at one time, and the other to the radio at a later time. I think a better use is if you're one of those people who would prefer to wake up gradually to soft music but who has a tendency to sleep through that -- you could set the CD to come on, then the buzzer for 15 minutes later so if the CD failed to rouse you, the buzzer would get you up.
6) General usability. Since I got the Dream Machine used, I didn't have any documentation with it, but I have found programming it to be completely intuitive. On the GPX, I THOUGHT I set the alarm right, but the first morning, it didn't go off. I think I'd have to read the manual to be able to use it properly, and I do not like to read manuals.
Bottom line:
Dream Machine is more than twice the price, but has lots more features.
GPX is the better choice if high visibility display is critical, or if you're on a very tight budget.
 Never received. Had to find one last minute. January 19, 2007
2 out of 31 found this review helpful
When I ordered this it was set to come before Christmas eve. I even paid extra for shipping. We were doing some remodeling so I was not able to check email for a few days. in that time. between when i ordered it and when it was suppose to be here an email was sent to me that it would not have been here until 1-9-07! I had to cancel the order or I would have had one dissapointed 8 year old. then I had to find one in a store locally and fight the crowds. was not a pretty night. oh well. I did finally get it and my daughter uses it every day!~
 Great Clock Radio January 9, 2007
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
I bought this for work and I just love it. It is the perfect size and has quality sound.
GPX Alarm Clock Radio/CD Player: Excellent Choice January 5, 2007
10 out of 13 found this review helpful
Very good product. Simple and easy to use/operate.
Can't find the timer for the radio October 27, 2006
11 out of 24 found this review helpful
I'd really like to know how I listen to the radio at night and have it shut off in an hour and then have the alarm go off when I need it. I thought that's what a radio was supposed to do.
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