Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 NOT an atomic clock June 20, 2008
Don't let the "SmartSet" fool you. This is not an atomic clock nor does it set itself via radio waves to a precise time.
This is simply an alarm clock with a backup lithim CR2430 battery. When the AC power goes out the regular battery keeps running, but the display is shutoff.
When power comes back on all the clock is really doing is using the same time that the backup battery kept. So the fancy display you see when plugging it in is just the stored memory time coming back.
They set the correct time at the factory before shipping. So brand new the clock is set.
When my 3V battery died I had to go to 2 different stores (Walmart first, then finally Radioshack) to get a $5 replacement battery. I've had the clock for only 6 months.
Upon installing the new battery and plugging the clock in it did NOT set itself automatically. Instead it simply went to Jan 1, 2005. I had to manually set the date and time.
I believe their other "SmartSet" clocks are the same. If the battery ever dies and you lose AC power the clock loses its time setting and you have to MANUALLY set it.
 Good Luck finding a battery December 18, 2006
I have owned my little gem for a few months now and all of a sudden, the little red light is lit telling me that my battery is low. I took it to a dozen stores and have not been able to find a replacement 3 volt button cell for this unit. The radio reception is fair for FM and just forget about trying it on AM. I sent an email to Emerson to see what they have to say. Put your money in a Sony.
Great concept, lousy execution July 17, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
When my trusty Sony Dream Machine was doused with water, recently, it still functioned well as an alarm clock, but the snooze feature had apparently given up the ghost. I found this clock online and it reviewed fairly well. The features were what i thought I needed and the "Smartset" feature was very appealing as i would never have to reset the clock again.
Unfortunately, right out of the box the time zone setting was incorrect for the stated default Eastern time zone and I had to set it up manually. No big deal i thought and the clock worked very well...
Until this morning when it would refuse to display the time, sound the alarm or even play the radio. All of this after only owning it for 2 weeks. I thought the warranty would be helpful, but at a shipping cost of $9.00, it apparently is another way for Emerson to make money.
i have since taken that $9.00 cost and applied it to the purchase of an updated Sony Dream Machine!
great promise, terrible delivery June 5, 2006
I too liked the automatic clock setting feature. I like of all my timepieces having the "correct" time especially if there in areas of my home where changing the time is troublesome. Additionally, if you in in a building where the power was a little sketchy (power constantly flickering or going out), this clock and its price seemed too good as it would automatically set itself when the power was restored.
Now for drawbacks... The LED is very bright! I have trouble sleeping with clock near my bed. (Hint: keep it a good five feet away from you.) You can literally see it across the street. It is that bright - even with the dimmer on low. Also the alarm setting pooped out on me after 4 months. The lights for the alarm day selector died and so did its ability to actually turn the buzzer or radio, some clock radio...
 Got a clock for my mom too! March 15, 2006
I was at the store in the electronics department and stumbled upon the alarm clocks. I decided to go ahead and buy on because I knew my Sony was getting old and didn't have a battery backup. When I went home, I couldn't believe how nice this was. And all you have to do is just plug it in and it sets date, year, and time. Good reception on the radio too. And the blue backlight is easy on the eyes. So easy to use, I sent my mom one.
|
