La Crosse Technology WT-2165U Travel Alarm Clock

• Radio controlled time and date
• Dual time alarms with adjustable snooze
• EL backlight
• US map for US time zones
• Folding case for travel use

Amazon.com Review:
La Crosse Technology keeps you on time to the 10 billionth of a second with this compact digital travel alarm clock. Though a mere 3-1/2 by 2-5/8 inches when folded shut, the clock features radio signal-controlled time measurement. An internal antenna receives transmission from the WWVB radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado, which derives its signal from the National Institute of Science and Technology's atomic clock. As the transmission is continual, the clock readjusts itself regularly for incredible accuracy. Additional features include settings for time zone, day, date, and daylight savings, as well as dual alarms with distinct sounds and adjustable snooze. An EL backlight makes reading the numbers easier, and you can also choose between a 12- or 24-hour display. Powered by a single AAA battery, the clock only receives the radio signal from time zones GMT-4 (Maine) to GMT-10 (Hawaii), but the manual setting is an easy option for globetrotters. --Emily Bedard

The best travel alarm I've found:
While I sympathize with other reviewers who find that "atomic" clocks IN GENERAL do not suit their needs, it is grossly unfair to criticize this excellent product based on the fact that ANY "atomic" clock is inappropriate for them. Yes: if you travel outside of the continental United States (and yes, this includes Alaska and Hawaii) then this, or ANY "atomic" clock, will require you to set the time manually. Now that that's out of the way, I'll explain why this is the best travel alarm I've found. (1) I find the self-setting feature to be extremely useful and reliable. If I want to use the clock right away, then I set it once when I install the battery. From then on it keeps the clock set for me (this includes Daylight Saving settings). If I don't need to use the clock right away, then I let it set itself, which sometimes takes overnight to happen, but often happens during the day too. (Note: as with any atomic clock, you do need to specify the time zone that you are in.) This clock (and LaCrosse Technology clocks in general) receives NIST signals better than the Oregon Scientific atomic clocks I own (and I own several of each). (2) The display is very large and readable, and allows you a choice of what you want to see below the time (date, or day/date, or seconds, or alarm 1 setting, or alarm 2 setting). (3) There are two alarm settings -- nice when you're traveling with a companion. (4) Giving the clock a slight push to rock it back on its stand lights the excellent blue electroluminscent display, and cycles the lower display through both alarm settings. (5) The clock is solid and well-made, and makes for a sturdy and no-fuss item when the cover is folded closed. (6) The Snooze Alarm defaults at 10 minutes, but you can change its duration if you want. (7) The alarm is not overly harsh (as much as any alarm can be). I've taken this travel alarm on many cross-country trips and have appreciated its nice design and thoughtful features. I have no connection whatsoever with LaCrosse Technology, but I am a very pleased repeat customer. This travel alarm was the first LaCrosse Technology product I bought, and I am glad that I found it.

Works in some places, not others, but has great features:
I first tried this clock in Chicago, my hometown. It could not pick up a signal. I tried putting it in a different window each night, hoping it would get a signal, even put it outside. No luck. I recently took it with me on a trip to Toledo, farther from the signal origination point. I arrived at my hotel about 11:30 p.m., put the battery in and waited an hour. No signal. So I just left it on the windowsill and used the hotel clock that night. When I woke up the next morning, I found that it had picked up a signal sometime during the night. I used it as my alarm clock the next few nights with good results. So I would guess that the tall buildings in Chicago blocked the signal, or there was some other interference. In other words, I will never assume this will pick up a signal while traveling and so must often rely on manual setting. However, the features are terrific. I particularly like that you can set the length of time for the snooze and that is the main reason I am giving it four stars. The alarm is loud enough without being too loud, and you can also set a second alarm with a different sound for two people or if you just need a warning that you've hit the snooze too many times. You can also change the way the time is displayed and if you want to show the day of the week, date, etc.

A great little clock:
I got this clock because I hate clock-radios and I hate the awful beep beep beep of most electric or battery operated clocks. I really miss my old Baby Ben, bought back in the 60s. My boyfriend took it to South America in the Peace Corps and I never saw it again. I replaced it with a newer model, which was made of plastic and was a piece of garbage, and I have muddled through w/ a variety of clocks, none of which I've liked, ever since. This clock has two alarms, and if you set them both, 15 minutes apart w/ a 24 hr snooze function, the second acts as a snooze for the first and I never have to remember to set the alarm again unless I change the time. The back light is not permanently on but is easy to turn on, the alarm itself is not terribly loud (but I'm a light sleeper, so it's plenty loud enough, and it doesn't bother my husband). I don't care about the self-setting aspect, so it doesn't bother me that I have to manually re-set it if I leave the country with it. However, even though it is intended as a travel alarm clock it's my bedside clock at home. I like this clock!

Too long to set alarm.:
I liked the update feature this clock had. However, I soon found that if you can get the alarm set you need to make that your wake-up time from that point forward. It is too hard to change the alarm time! I love the size of the clock. However, I have had to replace it as I refuse to let it run my life!!!!!

La Crosse WT-2165U travel alarm clock:
I bought this clock becaue I understood it would automatically swith to whatever domestice timezone I was in. Either I don't know how to use it or it does not. I travel every week so wanted a worry free clock requiring little input from me that I could depend on rather then hotel wake up calls. Also it does not light up bright enough at night to clearly read the time. Nice light weight, compact clock, but disappointing.