This alarm clock has several features that I really like, but unfortunately it's also got one big drawback that drags its overall value down considerably: it doesn't always go off. This has only happened three times in the year that I've been using it, but that's three times that I've been late for, or entirely missed, important appointments. The alarm will be properly set (each time I've checked afterward to make sure I hadn't made an AM/PM mistake or anything), but then not make a sound at the appointed time. And it will STILL be set and turned on when I finally awake, so I know it isn't a matter of me accidentally turning it off in my sleep. It's also not just an issue with this one particular clock, as I own two of the exact same model, and the other has done the same thing.
However, there are things I like about the clock, if only it would just do what it's principally intended to do. I'll just offer a brief rundown on positive and negative features...
POSITIVES:
+ When it does go off, it's plenty loud, and never fails to wake me up (the product name "Banshee" is quite appropriate - in fact, this could be a negative aspect if you prefer a less shrill alarm). There are two volume settings available - "loud" and "soft" - and the softer setting is all I've ever had to use.
+ The numbers are large and very easy to read, even from across the room.
+ The buttons are also sufficiently large that setting the alarm/time is easy, even in the dark.
+ This clock is cordless (the product description here says it runs on three AAA batteries, though mine, which is exactly the same by all other appearances, requires one AAA and one 9-volt battery) so it can be placed anywhere, or be taken along on trips, without having to worry about a place to plug it in.
+ I also happen to like the appearance of this clock. It's very simple and unobtrusive.
NEGATIVES:
- First and foremost is the fact that it occasionally fails to go off, as I mentioned at the beginning of this review.
- The snooze function only gives you an additional 4 minutes, which hardly seems worth it. I myself tend to like a clock with a snooze time of between 8 and 10 minutes. But this is largely a matter of personal preference.
- The display is not constantly backlit, and you must hold down the snooze button if you wish to have a light by which to read the clock in the dark. This can be irritating, especially if you're not entirely sure just where your alarm clock IS as the moment. On the other hand, however, this feature may be beneficial to those who require absolute darkness in order to sleep.
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Westclox Banshee Digital Alarm ClockProduct Description: The Westclox Banshee includes features that make your room more simple and your life less stressful.A soft and compact case design keeps living spaces clean and simple. No need to stress about wake-up time because the extra loud alarm clock will wake you up but also has a dimmer sound setting for those more sensitive to morning sounds. You will never need to worry about power outages by taking advantage of its convenient battery operated mehcanisn which maintains time though the darkest of times.
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I ordered this travel alarm clock for my office. I like it because it is small and red, and I like the black face. It is different than the run of the mill travel alarm clock. The numbers and arms glow, but the face does not light up at all. So if your looking for a clock with a button to light up the face in the middle of the night, this is not the clock for you. Otherwise its great!!!The alarm works well, and the sound of the alarm is sufficient to wake you up.
