What to Consider When Looking for Digital Clock Radios
With the advent of smart phones which conveniently tell the time, set alarms, and stream music it is hard to find a digital clock radio outside of a traditional hotel room. Yet, nothing looks more at home on a nightstand than a clock radio and nothing feels as good some mornings than hitting the snooze button and a traditional alarm clock.
Although new alarm clock radios can be purchased inexpensively, you might find yourself spending the same or more for a vintage alarm clock radio like those from Panasonic, which has produced scores of clock radio designs over the decades.
What Are the Most Common Features of a Clock Radio?
Whereas a clock and a FM-AM radio are the two obvious features, these useful electronic devices do more than tell time and tune into radio stations. Some clock radios also feature:
- Dual alarms
- Radio alarm
- Talking alarm
- Nap feature
- iPhone or iPod dock
- Stereo speakers
- Noiseless LCD or LED digital display
- Battery back-up system
- Dimmer controls
- Preset EQ for audio quality
- Built-in CD player
- Weather radio
- Nature sounds to aide sleep
- Projectors that display the time on the ceiling
- Bluetooth speakers for streaming music from a wireless device
Why Buy a Vintage Clock Radio?
A vintage clock radio is ideal for anyone who is trying to create a retro or Midcentury interior design. Vintage clock radios often feature:
- Space-age plastic designs
- Wood grain enclosures
- Festive colors
- It is more environmental to reuse than by new
What Should I consider When Buying a Clock Radio?
- Style: Choose one that matches your decor and that youll be happy looking at every morning.
- Alarm: Some clock radios have simple buzzer alarms, while other allow you to be woken by music from a radio, CD player, or smartphone dock.
- Sound Quality: If you plan to use a clock radio for listening to music, you will want one with good sound quality, which is determined by the size of the speakers. Also, units with built-in CD players and iPhone or iPod connectivity tend to offer good sound quality.
- Clock display: Make sure the clock hands or digital display are legible from a distance so you can tell the time. Many clock radios have illuminated displays that dim when the lights are out to ensure the light doesnt interfere with sleeping.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Panasonic.
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