the alarm mechanism has some flaws. If your room is dark and you are facing the clock, I suppose the light alarm would wake you. If your room has a bit of light coming in and your back is facing the clock there is no way the light alone will wake you. Then you get the most annoying bell alarm. Truly not a "gentle" experience! I also thought the switch on the back to turn off the alarm was not convenient. You also have to remember to switch it back on every night. To set the alarm at an exact time takes some practice too, unlike a digital clock. Overall, I was disappointed in this clock. Seemed a bit cheaply made for $40, too. Back to my digital, radio alarm clock...
I LOVE this clock. Unlike its predecessor, it has a soft moonlike glow, not an acid green light that , at best, is not sleep inducing. It is a comforting presence and looks very cool. No tick tock either! Add the snooze button and it totals a great clock. Highly recommend.
I guess I did not do my homework - this clock is electric - it does not run on batteries. The alarm does not sound until after a significant delay - the size is ok - it is not particularly well made - the controls for setting the time and alarm are too small and only operate in one direction - overpriced for what you get.
