With Some Clocks, Rude Awakenings

Sunday, October 29, 2006

No one wants to be tied to electronics when they're traveling, but when you need to adjust to unfamiliar settings or time differences, it's nice to have some help along for the ride. (By the way, did you remember to set your clocks back an hour this morning?)

Whether you've scheduled an early-morning meeting or a hot-stone massage, packing a travel alarm means never having to rely on an automated wake-up call to get you there on time. We tested six timekeepers to see how they measure up.

-- Terri Sapienza

· Travel Alarm Clock from Rite Aid

($4.99, available in stores only)

Weight: 2.4 ounces with battery.

Special features: None. This travel clock is as basic as it gets.

The good: Small size, lightweight, uncomplicated. One AA battery included.

The bad: The glow-in-the-dark hands didn't glow, and the small, plastic setting screws are difficult to use. The first time we tried setting the alarm, one of the screws fell off.

Grade: D

· Nightfinder II Travel Alarm Clock from L.L. Bean

($19, http://www.llbean.com)

Weight: 3.7 ounces with batteries

Special features: Eight-minute snooze function, crescendo alarm, backlight, large LCD, indoor temperature and 12- or 24-hour display option.

The good: Where to begin? It's compact, lightweight, simple to set up and super-slim in size. The built-in cover that folds over and doubles as a stand with non-slip feet is especially nice, as is the snooze function and backlight activated by a gentle tap on the clock face. It comes in a variety of colors including ruby and sapphire, and two AAA batteries are included. Believe it or not, we could go on.

The bad: Occasionally the bright backlight didn't turn off after eight seconds like it's supposed to (a minor detail; this travel clock is nifty.)

Grade: A

· Sonic Shaker Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock from Sonic Alert

($29.95, http://www.sonicalert.com)

Weight: 5.8 ounces with batteries.

Special features: Four-minute snooze function, crescendo alarm and backlight. Pillow clasp and travel case included.

The good: Compact, easy to set, easy to read, lightweight and several alarm options (buzzer, vibrator, buzzer and vibrator). The gentle yet effective vibrating that "shakes" you awake is clever. While particularly good for the elderly, those hard of hearing or considerate folks who don't want to disturb other sleepers, we think it's an excellent choice for just about anyone. Two AA and one AAA battery included.

The bad: The 90-decibel "extra-loud" alarm didn't sound all that extra-loud.

Grade: B+

· Travel Soothing Sound Machine With Alarm Clock from Radio Shack

($19.99, http://www.RadioShack.com)

Weight: 6.2 ounces with batteries.

Special features: Five-minute snooze function, calendar, indoor temperature display, backlight and 12- or 24-hour clock option. It also includes six "soothing" sounds of nature (babbling brook, "nightbug," rain, storm, wind and white noise) with sleep timer and headphone jack so you can keep the soothing sounds to yourself.

The good: Compact size, easy to use, large LCD. The headphone jack is a nice touch. Of the six sounds, "storm" sounded most realistic and restful. "Wind" made us feel cold, but if you happen to be traveling in a particularly humid location, that could be a good thing.

The bad: Four of the six "soothing" sounds aren't soothing at all. "Babbling brook" sounds uncomfortably like you've left a tub running somewhere, and "white noise" reminded us of the grating static on a TV that wakes you up after you've fallen asleep and a station goes off the air. Four AAA batteries not included.

Grade: C

· Super-Loud Travel Alarm Clock from Magellan's

($19.85, http://www.magellans.com)

Weight: 7.5 ounces with batteries.

Special features: Not many. Four-minute snooze function, backlight and "super-loud" alarm sound -- a good option for heavy sleepers. (Note: When they say super-loud, they mean it -- 100 decibels loud, to be exact. During the testing, the alarm didn't wake us up as much as it gave us a good scare. Fortunately, there's a high/low alarm switch.)

The good: Easy to operate and set up, and (thank goodness) that high/low alarm switch.

The bad: Not the lightest of the bunch, and we think it's overpriced. At this price the four AA batteries should be included, but they aren't.

Grade: C+

· iHome2Go Folding iPod Travel Alarm Clock from Brookstone

($99, http://www.brookstone.com)

Weight: 1 pound 14.6 ounces with batteries.

Special features: Nine-minute snooze function, remote control, folding speakers, programmable sleep timer, backup battery system, charges and plays all docking iPods. Gentle Sleep and Gentle Waking features gradually decrease and increase the sound of the iPod or buzzer alarm as you are falling asleep or waking up. Padded carrying case, remote control and AC adapter included.

The good: Surprisingly decent speaker sound for the size, and it's nicely priced for a portable iPod speaker system. And waking up to a favorite tune is an awfully nice way to start the day. Lithium batteries for the remote and clock included.

The bad: The largest, heaviest and most involved setup of the alarms we tested (though iPod addicts most likely won't mind the extra weight or time). An AM/FM radio feature would have been a welcome addition. The four AA speaker batteries aren't included.

Grade: B+