Types of Alarm Clocks

Basic Alarm Clock You know this kind -- Garfield resents it. Relatively rare today, since clock radios are cheap. Some people might like them for their old-fashioned charm, lack of a snooze button, and incredibly loud ring.	Clock Radio The basic alarm clock that you can find just about anywhere. You know what to expect. AM/FM tuning and a snooze button. Fancier versions have multiple radio stations programmed digitally, a good quality radio, and other special features.	Travel Alarm Clock Tiny alarm clocks. Fewer people need these today, since most cell phones have built-in alarms. Battery operated. Make sure to check your batteries before you travel! Some have multiple time zone ability. Analog and digital are available.	"Alternative" Alarm Clocks There are a number of alternatives to the traditional buzzer/music wake-up paradigm. The pictured alarm clock gradually brightens to simulate a natural dawn. Try searching for "alarm clock with bed shaker " for one device guaranteed to scare the heck out of you!

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.
• Some have multiple sound options, including the radio or the CD player.
• Some grow gradually louder to wake you up more gently (known as a crescendo alarm ), but most simply stay at whatever volume you set.

• 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 functions.
• This will let you keep track of what time it is at home and wherever you are traveling at the same time.

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 gradually with light as well as sound.
• Calculator and calendar.
• Multiple radio station memory slots (AM and FM).
• Projection  -- some clocks feature red projections of the time, date, temperature etc. 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.

Related Products

Sound Machines	Bedside Lamps	Nightstands	Table Radios	Wall Clocks

External Links

• Wikipedia -- a little information about how alarm clocks work.