Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsOK, a few technical issues and not fussed about the design!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 5 March 2023
A few weeks ago, I bought a 3rd Generation Echo Dot (obsolete, but still selling well....go figure Amazon!) when they were on offer for £25 everywhere.
It's in my living room and I absolutely love using it.
I decided that I fancied a 3rd Gen with Clock for the bedroom, only to find that they've stopped making one and yet, they are selling 2nd hand, in some places (go figure Amazon!)
Having sold a phone 2nd hand, which just about covered the cost of the 5th Gen Dot with Clock, I took the plunge and ordered one.
First impressions, were OK, I wasn't too fussed by the "spherical" design and I had a few technical issues setting it up, such as the display didn't "auto adjust" and I never managed to connect to Bluetooh (not a problem on the Dot in the living room)
I used it for a day, or so, but what really "bugged" me (OCD kicking in) was that I really didn't like the protruding buttons on the top/back of the device (they're more, or less, flush on the 3rd Gen) and, from certain angles and definitely, at a distance (for me) they spoil the aesthetics of the sphere.
So, sadly, I decided to return it. Pity, because I like the improved functionality of the display.
I've since managed to bag a brand new 3rd Generation Dot with Clock, which came, annoyingly, with a U.S. Plug, but I managed to buy the official Amazon replacement plug, which works brilliantly.
Long and the short of it. The "puck" design of the 3rd Gen Dots, is obviously very popular.
It's a shame that Amazon didn't "update" the functionality of the display and carry on making the 3rd Gen Dot with Clock, giving people the same choice that they have with the regular Dots.
I'm sure that they'd still sell like hot cakes!
I'll keep an eye out for the 6th Gen Dots, but my guess is, that they'll still be spherical, which will be of no interest to me!
