The first thing that strikes you about the On Time is its almost-circular design. It reminds me of some sort of science-fiction transportation/time warping device. This is one product that certainly has the iPod "halo effect" (okay, sorry, bad pun).

The On Time has a large backlit LCD with automatic dimming, upward-firing tweeter and horizontal low and midrange transducers. It offers a menu-driven user interface, blue dome light, an automatic time-set feature and backup battery update as well. Like all good iPod speaker systems, it comes with a variety of sleeves to accommodate all iPods except Dock-less early generation models and shuffles. A subwoofer output is also available for an optional mini-subwoofer.

What's more, the On Time features halo acoustics that provide 360 degrees of sound. In other words, the upward-firing tweeter and horizontal low and midrange transducers provide a 360-degree sound field. The sound of the On Time is good if not great -- but then devices like this aren't meant to provide top-of-the-line audio. That said, the speakers radiate sound that's relatively "open" and roomy (just don't block the JBL device in with walls or shelves or its 360 sound system will be thwarted)>

The On Time also has TimeCrawler technology. It can set the clock automatically from any local radio station that transmits the time in its signal. Since it has a 3.5mm mini-stereo jack, you can also connect it to your Mac or other devices.

The On Time provides 6 watts per channel (right, left, tweeter) and 70-20Hz frequency response. It weighs 2.5 pounds, has a 10-inch diameter and 10-inch height. The touch-sensitive volume and mute controls are very responsive. The handy plastic roll-top lid works as a stand when the speakers are in use and as a protective cover the rest of the time.

For everything you get, the price tag isn't bad. However, for almost 300 bucks, a remote would be very nice. It's pretty surprising that one isn't included as it seems a natural -- almost a must-have item -- for such a system.

Also, I found it a bit cumbersome to "save" my radio settings when using the radio features (you get five pre-sets). However, once they were set, things worked elegantly. Switching from listening to your iPod's tunes to the AM/FM radio requires simply pressing the button labeled with the musical note icon. And setting the alarm was simple. You can choose to wake to your iPod, to the radio or to a buzzer. The display is plenty big, which makes it easy to read. Another nice touch is the backlit buttons.

However, I have to note that the display can be too bright if you've got the On Time by the bedside. Its light is adjustable, but the screen doesn't automatically dim when it's not being used.

That said, the On Time is a great addition to the ever-growing line of iPod accessories available. Once again, Harman has put a unique slant on a product -- or in this case a curve.

Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10.