The Best Quartz Alarm Clocks
- Clocks started mostly as mechanical artifacts, with cogs, wheels and levers moving in tandem to tell the time. Timepieces were expensive then, but with the advent of quartz crystals, clocks became accessible to many. Today, quartz clocks are more popular than ever, but there will always be discerning individuals who like to be a bit discriminating.
- In the quest for early mornings and wake-up calls, the quartz alarm clock is at the fore. Many variations of the same clock design have been conceived, each with its own way of getting you out of your bed. One can also humorously note that choosing puzzle quartz alarm clocks is about choosing the kind of annoyance you want to deal with in the morning - with the "best" one being the most irritating of the bunch. One model, the Puzzle Alarm Clock, launches three puzzle pieces up in the air at the set time, requiring you to complete the pieces to turn off the alarm. There's also an interesting alarm clock called Clocky, which "hides itself" randomly in the morning (it has wheels), making waking up a quick exercise just to turn off the alarm.
- People sometimes buy small thingamajigs like these either to relive happier times or to succumb to a growing interest. Quartz alarm clocks in the shape of tourist destinations are fancy choices, but novelty certainly doesn't end there. The quartz alarm clock could reflect a profession, another gadget entirely, an animal, or any of the myriad things that a designer could think about. Novelty quartz alarm clocks are also great conversation pieces, something to display in the office lounge or living room. You might fancy the interactive alarm clock Nooby, your one-eyed morning companion; just wring his neck to stop the alarm. The Crazy Blender Alarm Clock is, well, shaped liked a blender. It's as noisy as a blender too, so it gets the job done.
- Have a hotel room? Bring an alarm clock. Though most swear by watches or by their mobile phones, travel alarm clocks are still the best choices for trips. Small enough to carry, travel alarm clocks are comfortable reminders of home; put one on the nightstand, and all will seem well. You can't put a finger on it, but waking to an alarm clock is still far more interesting than just the beeping of the mobile phone. The Global Atomic Travel Alarm is the best of the bunch, utilizing short-wave radio transmissions to synchronize to the local time. It's the best option for those who breeze through time zones for their work; jet-setting has never been easier.
- For those who have ample space in their living rooms, wall alarm clocks are great ways to keep the household synchronized. Though we seldom use these clocks to wake us up in the morning, they are usually used to maintain daily routines. These clocks are also great ways to teach children to tell the time, making use of bells and other sound prompts to make them more familiar with the hour hand. The Radio-Controlled Alarm Wall Clock is an excellent choice. It self-sets to the local time and only needs a quick press of a button to set your alarm.