For a good few years, I have been using only the alarm on my mobile phone to wake up in the mornings. I've been meaning to look for an alarm clock to tell the time at a glance wihout having to fumble for my phone, so I am pleased to have taken this unit at no charge in exchange for a candid product review.
In the box I received:
- The clock (approx 149mm length, 69mm height, 43mm depth), with a CR-2032 button cell battery onboard.
- A DC to USB-A power cable (approx 610mm length)
- Manual with instructions in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Japanese
- Warranty card
I've tested the functionality of the unit I received alongside the included instructions, and I can objectively state that this is a great little clock. The beech colour looks good on my bedside table, and would coordinate with our kitchen or living room also.
As listed in the description, a DC to USB power cable is included, but not a plug adapter. I have several spare old phone plug adapters, and the unit runs happily from one of my old iPhone UK plug adapters with a USB-A port (5V 1A output). It could just as easily be run from another device with a USB-A port which might include a PC, a powered USB hub or a USB power bank.
A CR-2032 3V button cell battery came pre-installed, allowing the clock to retain time settings during brief power interruptions (for example when it's moved from one room to another and it needs to be unplugged and moved to another power socket). It doesn't look intended to be run off the internal battery for extended periods of time, and when the power cable is removed, there is no screen display output. The small battery cover retaining screw needs a fine-tipped Philips/cross-head screwdriver to remove it (I did not need to replace the battery but simply wanted to confirm its detail).
On the rear of the unit are three buttons: 'Set', 'Up' and 'Down', a DC power-in port, a recessed 'Reset' button, the battery cover, holes for the alarm speaker grille, and holes for what appear to be temperature and humidity sensors.
The English language instructions in the manual are clear and straightforward, and I found the flowcharts of menu options were a helpful addition which were simple to follow.
There are three screen LED Brightness settings, and two time windows - daytime (07:00-17:59) and nighttime (18:00-06:59. The clock will save the screen brightness set during each time window, and it will from then on automatically change the brightness level for day and night accordingly.
If the Sound Control Function is set, the clock display will turn off after 10 seconds, and then the display will activate if a noise such as a clap of hands is made, or if the top of the unit is tapped, and it will then turn off again after another 10 seconds. This isn't a function I'd intend to use personally, but it could be useful for some, or for those who might be sensitive to low levels of light during the night.
24-hour format or 12-hour am/pm format options are selectable
Celsius or Farenheit temperature scales are selectable
There is a single alarm tone (three short beeps, pause, repeat) which is similar to the alarm tone I have set on my phone. There doesn't appear to be a snooze function or an option to set an alternative alarm tone, but three separate alarm times can be set. When the alarm goes off, the alarm tone starts at a quieter volume, which then rises over around 5 seconds to a louder volume, then it stays at this higher volume until either when a button is pressed to turn it off, or after 3 minutes when it will turn itself off. There doesn't appear to be an option to set the alarm volume level. There is a shortcut function where holding the 'Down' rear button will turn on / turn off all of the (up to 3) alarms which are set.
For an alarm clock that does what it's said to do, and shows the time, temperature and humidity in a great looking and stylish little unit, I would knock off half a star for lack of a snooze function, but as there isn't a half-star option, and four does seem a little mean for what is a great product, 5 stars it will be.
| Manufacturer | Flysocks |
|---|---|
| Part Number | MC100EU-FS |
| Product Dimensions | 15 x 4 x 7 cm; 160 g |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. |
| Item model number | MC100EU-FS |
| Size | M |
| Colour | Brown |
| Style | Wooden Alarm Clock |
| Material | Wood |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Display style | Digital |
| Plug profile | Tabletop |
| Special Features | USB powered, 3 alarms, sound control, automatic brightness adjustment, screen auto off |
| Included Components | alarm clock*1， adapter *1 |
| Batteries included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 160 g |
