Folks who stay in hotels hate figuring out how to set the alarm. So some hotel chains are working to come up with traveller-friendly alarm clocks. Hmmmm.
The new models introduced by Hilton, Accor and Omni display two sets of time simultaneously, one for the alarm. They use specific words ? on, off, AM and PM ? instead of dots. Written instructions are inscribed prominently.
Digital music lovers can plug MP3 players into the new clocks to listen to their own music through the speakers. Like car radios, the new models also come with preset buttons for guests unfamiliar with local stations. Tapping on the button marked “jazz,” for instance, pipes in a broadcast from a local jazz station.
I like the two time displays, and the resolution of the “does the dot mean AM or PM or that the alarm is on?” question. On the other hand … dude, do you really need to plug your MP3 player into the hotel room alarm clock?
Still, new clocks may never satisfy travelers like Paul Lisnek, a Chicago jury consultant. He wishes alarm clocks with multiple functions would disappear altogether. “Hotels should keep the alarm clock simple” and have MP3 players, CD players and radios as separate gadgets, he says. “For me the clock is all about waking up.”
He may get his wish. Marriott is testing a traditional clock with a face ? and hour and minute hands.
What’s old is new again. I like analog clocks.
(via J-Walk)