Customer Reviews

Sony ICF-C212 FM/AM Clock Radio with Full Power Back-up (Black)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I got as much or more than I was expecting with this Sony clock radio. Yes, the controls are a bit cramped. Yes, the sliding "on-off-alarm" switch is a bit difficult to navigate in the dark. But it's a good looking little thing, and it had the battery back-up I was looking for, creating less chance of being late for work in the event of a power failure.

So how did I get "more" than I was expecting? This thing sounds much better than the 20 year old GE clock radio it's replacing, and it comes with an FM antenna (a small wire dangling off the back). FM and AM reception were both better than with my trusty GE, who's only drawback was that the battery only saved the time during a power failure, but wouldn't set off the alarm. A great Amazon.com price on a great little Sony clock radio!

What can I say, it's an alarm clock, it does what it's supposed to do. Can't expect too much from the radio. My only rant is the battery. BATTERY BATTERY BATTERY! This will not accept your regular 9V Batteries because it requires a specific type ( IEC code 6F22 to be exact). The specification is listed in the manual and on the battery lid. This can only be a problem if you so desire battery backup power. These batteries are Heavy Duty Industrial type and will set you back at least $5 per versus the buck something of the regular 9v batteries. Most stores don't even carry these. Googling these yielded returns from the UK and China. Regular 9V Engergizers and Duracells have IEC codes of 6LR61. My sister and I have two of these clock radios and have tried various Battery Brands to no avail. We haven't tried 6F22 or 8F22 (more common), though. Hope this helps.

Easy to set up and easy to use. Can use buzzer or radio to wake you up. Easy to set time and alarm. Only has one alarm.

The tuning dial is very short (about four inches covers the entire range from 88 to 108 MHz) so you need a little patience to tune to your favorite station. I have not tried the AM tuning,so cannot comment on that. I wish it had a connection for an external antenna, but then I keep reminding myself that it is only a clock radio!

Lighted digits are large and easily read in day or night, but not so bright to disturb you as you sleep. Snooze and sleep functions work fine.

Pros: Small footprint, stylish black color with silver buttons. The buttons are firm to press and, "drive" nicely. Mechanical alarm set indicator for radio or alarm wake-up is nice. Large time numbers on display. The tuning wheel is stiff so there's no accidental retuning of the radio. Good reception. Great, big snooze bar target!

Cons: Short power cord, no dimmer switch (bright at night). Volume wheel is easily adjusted, should be as stiff as the tuning wheel IMO. Mechanical alarm indicator is tough to read in low light.

Summary: Good clock radio, worth the money for it's overall functionality.

This clock does not have a lighted alarm on function. It has a red painted indicator that switches back and forth according to the alarm on/off switch. If you like a lighted indicator for your alarm, pass on this one. It does have good radio sound.

A great little radio for the price. The sound is terrific for such an inexpensive radio, but it does not come with a light dimmer, nor does it have a second alarm.

The clock radio works reliably and FM and AM radio reception is very good. Sound quality is good, too. The only flaw is that there is no LED to indicate that the alarm is switched on. You will need to turn on the light and double check to make sure the alarm is on.

I have had this clock for about five months now and it has been doing the job for me. It has a nice display and great AM/FM reception.

A minor issue that I have with it is that I have to remember to hit the sleep button and change the slider to buzz, else no waking up in the morning. My main problem with this clock is with the backup time. I have a brand new 9V battery in the clock, yet whenever I turn remove the power cord from the outlet then replace it the clock gains or loses about 10 minutes. The backup circuit was poorly designed in my opinion.

I just bought these Sony Clock, and its great. Great Display, you can watch without your room been illuminated at night. Great Radio Signal, and Alarm. The only thing is that is power operated, would be the perfect clock, if it was totally battery operated. !!Great purchase!!

Easy to use. Reliable. Very bright, even in dim mode. Visible from far away.