Design Specs

• Of the iHome iH55SR and the iHome iH56, the former is the larger of the two clock radio/iPod docks, but not by much. While the iH55SR is10.3 inches wide by 3 inches high by 6.1 inches deep, the iH56 is 10.2 inches wide by 3 inches high by 6.1 inches deep. Apart from this slight discrepancy in size, the iH55SR and the iH56 have identical design specifications. Specifically, both have silver/gray bodies and black face plates. In addition, each of the clock radio/iPod docks comes with two removable face plate covers: one blue and one pink.
  
  

iPod Compatibility

• As the iHome iH55SR is the older of the two clock radio/iPod dock models, it is compatible with a more limited variety of iPods. The newer model, iHome iH56, can accommodate all docking iPod models, which include fourth-generation, fifth-generation, mini and nano iPods. In contrast, the iH55SR can only accommodate 4- and 6-gigabyte iPod minis; 20GB and 40GB fourth-generation iPods; 20GB, 30GB, 40GB and 60GB fourth-generation color iPods; 1GB, 2GB and 4GB first-generation iPod nanos; 2GB, 4GB and 8GB second-generation iPod nanos; 80GB and 160GB classic iPods; 8GB and 16GB third-generation iPod nanos; and 8GB and 16GB iPod touches. For accommodating its compatible iPod models, the iH55SR provides three interchangeable dock inserts. In comparison, the iH56 provides four interchangeable dock inserts for accommodating its compatible iPod models.
  
  

Power Specs

• The iHome iH56 allows for greater flexibility in terms of how it can receive power. While both clock radio/iPod docks can obtain their necessary 15 volts of direct current via 120-volt alternating current power adapters, only the iH56 can also derive its power from batteries. Specifically, the iH56 can operate using two AA batteries. Using battery power allows the iH56 to be portable, which means users can bring it to the beach, park or other places where a power outlet is absent.
  
  

Included Accessories

• The iHome iH55SR and the iHome iH56 come with many of the same accessories, which include remote controls, AC adapters, AM radio antennae, dock inserts and interchangeable face plates. However, the iH55SR comes with one accessory that the iH56 lacks: a CD/MP3 patch cord, which allows users to connect the clock radio/iPod dock to CD players and other MP3 music players apart from iPods.