Alarm Clocks
They may be one of the more despised products out there but just about everyone needs one.
Alarm clocks are a fact of life. Find one that won't fail you and let us help.
Types of Alarm Clocks
Features to Consider
* '''The Snooze Button'''
** Where is it located?
** Will you be able to hit it with accuracy while still half asleep, or will you accidentally hit something else (like the Off button)?
** How long is the snooze? Is snooze length programmable?
* '''Ease of Programming'''
** Is the clock easy to program or excessively complicated?
** Where are the programming and set switches? Are they dangerously close to the snooze button?
* '''Power Source'''
** Does the alarm clock run on house current?
** If it runs on house current, does it have a battery backup?
*** Battery backup is important, especially if you live in an area prone to blackouts.
** If you get an alarm clock that runs only on batteries, make sure to change or recharge them frequently.
** Analog, wind-up alarm clocks need only occasional winding, but they don't offer the range of features available on electronic alarm clocks.
* '''Numbers'''
** Most people like to be able to read their alarm clocks, so make sure the numbers on yours are big enough for you to read easily, especially in the dark.
** If you wear glasses, don't forget you might not be able to read smaller numbers in the middle of the night.
** There are also analog alarm clocks available, but consider whether you will be able to read it in the dark.
* '''Backlight'''
** Some clocks have adjustable backlighting levels.
** If you are sensitive to light while trying to fall asleep, look for a dimmer switch.
** Some high-end clocks may automatically adjust their brightness when you turn the room lights on or off.
* '''Multiple Alarm Settings'''
** Some clocks only have one programmable slot for the alarm.
** Fancier models may have a "72" system, which means that the alarm can go off at the same time every day, or it can go off the same time five days a week and at a different time the other two days of the week.
** Some clocks simply have more than one alarm that you can set some have as many as three or four.
*** Handy if two people need to wake up at two different times.
* '''Wake-Up Call'''
** Some clocks only offer one alarm type usually a beep or chime of some kind.
** You may choose to opt for one that has multiple sound options, including a radio or CD player.
* '''Sound Machines'''
** Many alarm clocks on the market now have a
Sound machines can also be purchased separately.
* '''Time Zones'''
** If you are specifically interested in an
alarm clock for traveling, consider getting one with multiple time zone settings.
** This will let you keep track of what time it is at home and wherever you are traveling.
Other Features
There seems to be a never-ending array of alarm clocks on the market now with all kinds of special gadgets. Here are a few of the most fun features:
* Sync with atomic clock for absolute accuracy.
* Indoor and outdoor temperature, weather and humidity.
* Built-in gradual light wakes you up progressively with light and sound.
* Calculator and calendar.
* Multiple radio station memory slots (AM and FM).
*
Projection: some clocks feature red projections of the time, date, temperature and more on the wall or ceiling.
*
Talking alarm clocks: announce the time on demand or when the alarm goes off.
* Specialty alarm clocks: feature
cartoon characters or other novelties.
Hot Alarm Clocks
Newest Products
MP3 Alarm Clocks
You can dock or line-in any iPod or MP3 with a standard USB input into these alarm clocks. Wake up to your favorite playlists with crystal clear, digital sound.
Related Products
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
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NL: Alarmklokken Shopgids
DE: Wecker
