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

Twin Bell Alarm Clock  They've got two bells, Garfield resents it and you probably did too as a kid. Not many people choose them today, as clock radios are inexpensive. Some people might like them for their old-fashioned charm. They lack snooze buttons and have incredibly loud rings.	Clock Radio  It's a standard digital alarm clock that you can find just about anywhere. AM/FM tuning are a staple feature as is the snooze button. Fancier versions have multiple radio stations programmed digitally, a good quality radio and other special features.	Travel Alarm Clock  Most cell phones have built-in alarms, so there is less need for these today. Some people like having a back-up alarm while on the road. They're battery operated. Make sure to check your batteries before you travel! Some have multiple time zone settings. Analog and digital are available.	"Alternative" Alarm Clocks There are a number of alternatives to the traditional buzzer/music wake-up paradigm. The Bio Brite Digital Sunrise  alarm clock (above) gradually brightens to simulate a natural dawn. Try searching for an alarm clock with bed shake  for one device guaranteed to scare the heck out of you.	MP3 Alarm Clocks  You can dock any standard iPod or IPhone (excluding Shuffles) into iPod alarm clocks.  Line-in MP3 alarm clocks have USB ports that you can plug your device into like you would with your computer. These are the best way to wake up to high quality, digital music.

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 "7-5-2" 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 built-in sound machine  to provide white noise while you fall asleep.
• 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

Zen Alarm Clock Wake up  to an increasingly intense series of chimes. Not as jarring as that mechanical beep. Also available in digital  and travel  models.	The Neverlate The Neverlate  is a seven-day alarm clock with seven independent alarms, a programmable snooze, and a nap feature.	Puzzle Alarm Clock When the puzzle alarm  goes off, pieces pop out. You can't shut the alarm off without putting the pieces back in. Accomplished snoozers will not like this one.	iPod Alarm Clock Wake up to one of your 10,000 songs.  Consider looking for one that can double as a set of travel speakers or a bedroom stereo.

Newest Products

Wakey, wakey!
Projection Alarm Clock with Forecast  This alarm clock projects indoor and outdoor temperature, and gives you a complete weather forecast for the day. So as soon as you wake up you'll know exactly what to wear.  Perfect for the rushed morning.	The Sonic Bomb  This is a perfect gift for that heavy sleeping teen in your life.  The Sonic Bomb has a 113db alarm and pulsating alert lights to make sure sleeping beauty will get to school on time.	The Sunshine Voice Activated Alarm Clock  You can record your own voice messages to be played anytime of the day.  This is perfect for remembering that important appointment you do not want to miss. The clock can also act as a remote control and wake you up to the TV.

Chumby Chumby is a new concept in alarm clocks. Instead of just waking you up in some kind of creative way, it also displays information, interact with your computer and more.	EEG Alarm  EEG alarms monitor your sleep patterns and wake you at the optimal time in your sleep cycle, to prevent morning grogginess and help you feel more refreshed. Not widely available yet.	Clocky Clocky is something like your alarm clock via Jim Henson's Creature Shop. It runs away from you when you hit the snooze alarm. This way, you HAVE to get up to find it! If you love the cuteness of this clock, but you're put off by the run away feature, don't worry; you can disable the wheels.

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.

iP9 Alarm Clock Radio & Audio System for iPhone and iPod  iHome brings you a high quality alarm clock radio that lets you wake to your custom iPod playlist at different times on different days.  The iP9 has a static shield to block that annoying iPhone/mobile phone interference. High fidelity speakers provide clarity and depth.	Timex MP3 Clock Radio for Flash Cards & MP3 Drives  This stylish alarm clock is compatible with all flash drives and plays MP3 and WMA files.  Comes with a remote and aux/MP3 line-in.	Altec Lansing Moondance  This is a top of the line, travel alarm clock that creates high fidelity sound.  Docks any standard iPod (excluding Shuffles). Speakers have built in woofers to deliver deep bass sound.

Related Products

Sound Machines	Bedside Lamps	Nightstands	Table Radios	Wall Clocks

External Links

• Wikipedia.org: A little information about how alarm clocks work.
• HowStuffWorks.com: Inside a wind-up alarm clock.
• Slate.com: A review of ten alarm clocks and some other interesting buying advice.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Alarmklokken Shopgids
DE: Wecker