Customer Reviews

Sharper Image Dual-Time Travel Alarm Clock SR362

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I perused countless mail order catalogs and searched dozens of stores looking for a small alarm clock that would be suitable for travel and unobtrusive on a night stand, but found only clocks that were either too large or too chintzy. So I was elated to find Sharper Image's Dual-Time Travel Alarm Clock (SR362). The time is displayed in large numbers (7/8 inch tall), with the date and a second time of your choosing displayed underneath. You can choose 12-hour or 24-hour "military" time. In the 12-hour mode, the display says "PM" when appropriate, but does not ever say "AM". The display lights up with a bright blue light when the large snooze/light button is depressed. The snooze/light button is a generous 2 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches in size, so you won't have to fumble for it in the dark.

This clock has a couple of deficiencies, however. The controls are small and fiddly: There are 2 sliders on the side of the clock, which are used to set the times and functions. The top slider selects Time Set, Alarm Set, 2nd Time Set, Calendar Set, or Lock. You use 3 buttons on the front of the clock, to the right of the display, to change the numbers for the clocks or the alarm. The alarm mode is set with the bottom slider: Snooze, Alarm On, or Alarm Off. The sliders can be operated with a thumb or a fingernail, but it takes good vision to see which setting is which. Pushing the buttons on the front of the clock to set the time or alarm requires a finger nail or small instrument. I'm not usually bothered by the diminutive knobs and buttons, but I think they would frustrate people with big fingers or eyeglasses that are not quite strong enough. The snooze button provides a 5-minute snooze, but will only allow you to snooze 2 times before the alarm turns itself off. So the alarm goes off no more than 3 times, allowing 10 minutes of additional sleep, which is not enough for my taste.

The Sharper Image Dual-Time Alarm Clock (SR362) takes one AAA battery (not included) and measures almost 3 inches square and 3/4 inch deep when closed. It is silver and black. The alarm is nice and loud. It has a 90-day warranty and comes with a black faux leather pouch for protection. In comparing the two in a Sharper Image store, I found the quality of the materials in this clock superior to the more expensive Sharper Image Big Screen Dual-Time Travel and Desktop Alarm Clock (SI615), which has design flaws of its own and requires 7 batteries.

As advertised. Small and uncomplicated to set. Big display with a bright backlight (when activated). Big snooze button. Snooze time is only 5 minutes, and can only be used twice.

Absolutely ideal whether you use it travelling or at home. Lightweight and compact. Easy to see even in the dark and easy to use. Excellent!

I purchased this travel clock for a trip last Fall to Europe. It worked out great - the numbers are large and easy to read at night when it is dark and you are groggy. The alarm is loud enough but not obnoxious. And the design is cool and sleek. And the price was right!

I liked the idea of the nice large display and the large snooze button, but believe me, these two features are not worth the awkward design and high price of the Sharper Image Dual-Time Travel Alarm Clock. An example of this poor design is the switch used to turn the alarm on and off. This is a simple function you use every day, and you might expect a simple button to do it. You would be wrong. On this clock there is a three-position "slider" button placed in the most awkward location --the thin edge of the clock. The last thing I want to do first thing in the morning is fumble around, half asleep, with an awkward button just to turn the alarm off. The other buttons on the front of the clock that are used to set hours/min are nearly as awkward. Another issue, which I admit is one of personal preference: The alarm is too loud. I'm used to more sophisticated alarms that start off quietly and gradually get louder. This one has only one volume --loud. After three mornings of increasing irritation with this clock, I returned it and bought the Oregon Scientific Travel Clock for $10, half the price of the Sharper Image Dual-Time Travel Alarm Clock.