Ambient Weather
La Crosse Digital Travel Alarm, $29.95; 1-877-413-8800, Ambientweather.com
● Quality:
Best value, best overall. Compact clock has a snug case that converts into a stand. Buttons are hard to press, but there are only four of them (not including snooze). Takes one lithium-cell battery.
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Shipping/cost/time:
$5.75 for standard shipping (one to six business days); came in five days.
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Return policy:
Return in 30 days for credit or refund (less 15 percent restocking fee). Customer pays shipping if the item isn't damaged or incorrect.
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Phone/Web experience:
Site offers 10 atomic travel clocks. Staff was gracious when we called to ask if radio-controlled and atomic clocks were the same. (They are.)
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Comment:
We liked that the snooze could be set from anywhere between one and 59 minutes.
Brookstone
Global Atomic Travel Clock, $60; 292-6440, Brookstone.com
● Quality:
Clock is compact without being flimsy; bright screen looks good in the dark. Attractive black travel case. Takes two AAA batteries.
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Shipping cost/time:
Available at Web site and at Brookstone store in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road. Paid $11.99 for standard shipping (five to seven business days); came in six.
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Return policy:
If ordered from the Web, you have up to 60 days for exchange or refund; after that, exchange or credit. You pay shipping unless the item is damaged or incorrect.
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Phone/Web experience:
Site had two atomic clocks to choose from. The one we ordered was photographed next to a passport, in an attempt to look all jet-set.
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Comment:
Nice clock, but sleek design and bright backlight don't justify the price tag.
Hammacher Schlemmer
Slimmest Atomic Travel Alarm Clock, $59.95; 1-866- 426-6224, hammacher.com
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Quality:
Tiny alarm came with a leather pouch that folded into a stand and feels lighter than a deck of cards. Leather case can be folded over to make a stand - nice touch. Takes one lithium battery.
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Shipping cost/time:
$11.95 for standard shipping (three to six business days); ours came in five days.
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Return policy:
Return anytime for store credit or refund. You pay return shipping unless the item is damaged or incorrect.
● Phone/Web experience:
Two atomic travel clocks for sale on this site. We liked the follow-up call to make sure our billing and shipping addresses were different.
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Comment:
At just a quarter-inch thick, this clock was the slimmest of all.
Weather Connection
Ferrari Imola Speed- ometer Atomic Travel Clock, $49.95, 1-800-414-8655, weatherconnection.com
● Quality:
The outer case is sturdy, but the snooze button is too close to the off button. The sliding cover is so sleek we almost couldn't find the clock. Takes two AAA batteries.
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Shipping cost/time:
$6.95 for standard shipping (three to six business days); the clock came in three days.
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Return policy:
You can return within 30 days for a refund (minus 15 percent if the product is opened) or exchange. You pay return shipping charges unless the item is incorrect.
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Phone/Web experience:
Site sells eight other atomic clocks. We didn't like that they made us create an account, but the company says it's changing that.
● Comment:
The Ferrari-inspired "vroom vroom" alarm sound was so soothing, we worried the clock wouldn't wake us up.
