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The Clock Radio Alarm Clock

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Looking for a Clock Radio Alarm Clock?

The clock radio alarm clock is not a new device. They've been around for a few generations. However, they have evolved. Some are still very affordable, functional, and reliable devices that will get you out of bed on time and give you the chance to listen to the radio as well. Others can provide a weather report or give you a quality listening experience that extends well beyond FM radio.

Learn more about the available features on the modern clock radio alarm on this page and see a range of devices that are available.

Choosing a Clock Radio Alarm Clock

type=textThere are a wide variety of clock radio alarm clocks available with various functions and a range of audio capabilities. Before you select one, here are a few of the features to consider:

  • Overall size
    The clock radio alarm clocks on this page are not travel alarm clocks, they are all intended for a table or desk top. However, size still varies considerably, so you need to think about how much tablespace you want to give up for these devices.

  • The display
    The size and brightness of the display are typically the most important things to think about with this feature. A display that is too bright will keep you awake, one that isn't bright enough will be hard to see. The size you want can vary based on your vision and where you will be locating the alarm clock. Most have an LED display but the size of the numerals can range from .6 inches to over 2 inches. Some of these devices also provide a projection onto the ceiling where you can read the time as well.

  • The alarm
    Some of these alarms offer a buzzer only, others offer more options. They may allow you to awake to a buzzer, a chime, other sounds, or music from the radio, an MP3 file, or a connected device. Volume is important too, but what is best depends on the individual and how much difficulty they have in awakening. Some allow you to adjust the volume to your preference. Many have an increasing tone which starts out at a low volume and increases. A few even allow you to record a message which plays after you awake/at a set time. These can be great when you have important appointments to remember.

    Another handy feature that's available is a dual alarm. These allow the user to set an alarm to occur when one person needs to get up and a second for their partner. There are even a few devices that allow the user to set the alarm to occur only on certain days; weekdays vs. weekends for instance. Most clock radio alarm clocks have a snooze or sleep function that allows users to activate a delay whent the alarm sounds so that it will go off again after a short period of time. Some devices allow you to adjust this interval.

  • The Clock
    There are a few things to think about aside from having a clock that keeps accurate time. Some of these clock radio alarm clocks offer a calendar and even the temperature or other weather related information. Memory back up is also a good feature to have. It allows the clock radio to display the correct time automatically after power has been off without needing to reset the clock manually. Some clock are also capable of automatically adjusting the time for Daylight Savings Time or Leap year.

  • Power
    For reliability, dual power or AC power with battery back up is good. Using an electrical outlet prevents problems with dead batteries, but having battery back up as well prevents problems with power outages. This type of dual power assures accurate time and a reliable alarm.

  • The radio
    For many people, the quality of the audio from a clock radio isn't of prime concern. A simple mono speaker will wake them with the music they love and that's enough. For others, better sound is desired. While a clock radio alarm clock may most often have a single speaker, others offer stereo speakers. However, listening to them before buying is the best choice since not all speakers produce the same quality audio.

    While all of these devices offer FM radio, some may also feature things like a built in CD player, the ability to play MP3 files, or connectivity to iPods and other listening devices. (Some even charge these devices). Having station presets on the radio is an often requested convenience feature. Having headphones, or at least a headphone jack, can turn your clock radio into a real listening device. There are even internet radio clock radios which provide access to internet music channels as well as FM radio. Some devices also allow you play music for a prescribed period of time to put you to sleep as well. These will shut off when the timer signals it to do so.

  • Other features
    For some who use their alarm clock radio for a lot of listening, having a remote control is the perfect touch. For those with significant visual problems having an interactive or talking alarm clock radio is necessary. These devices allow the user to set the time, the alarm, and more through voice commands. Other high end features include an enlarged LCD screen, picture viewer, and video player.

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    • WindyWinters Nov 25, 2010 @ 4:13 am | delete
      My hubby has an old-fashioned clock radio with a (broken) phone. It really is tacky and I should get him a new clock radio for Christmas. The new ones with the dock are pretty cool.
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    mulberry

    A good clock radio alarm clock can assure you wake up on time and start your day with the music you love. However, some of these devices offer much mo... more »

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