digital alarm clocks. The price is right at $20 - this can't be beat.

ot home), the radio simply plays for an hour. I purchased the white version because it is easier to see the markings on the controls (especially in dim light). The problem with the white version (as noted by others) is the plastic overlay covering the display allows the LEDs to emit too much light (even on dim setting) and there is also a bright yellow aura or halo around each LED.

Solution... I made a 3 7/8" (10cm) square screen cover from translucent vinyl (actually, using the purple color from a loose leaf divider set, I had sitting around) and taped it over the front. Seems to help considerably. You can experiment for yourself. See before and after photos.

power chord plugged out ( ideally it is supposed to work with the battery) . I tried changing the battery, thinking that might be the issue. Still no luck. It doesn't work on power saver mode even with the new battery that I put in. It is very disappointing that though the clock is of portable size, I can't really use it in a place without electric supply! Even the radio receptors are not remarkable!! They don't tend to receive clear signals which makes u use this definitely only for alarm purposes. But even on that part, the constant buzzing sound of the clock, after few weeks of proper functioning, really makes me write this to help others not fall in the trap !!

I tried over and over again, and after a while was able to change the time. What I realized was that the button that puts the clock into change mode worked only intermittently.

I called Sony to see about repair or advice. But, I had what I would describe as a less than satisfactory experience. The first person i spoke with had no idea what she was doing, and would not listen to my explanation of what was wrong and kept trying to follow her "script." The first thing on the script was to change the battery! Now, it is pretty clear that the button is not connected to the backup battery, and that the problem was the button. However, nothing I could do would dissuade the person from going in the direction she wanted. She finally suggested escalating to some other service unit and she said they would be in touch. And, they called the next day.

But again, the man refused to leave his script and wanted me to remove the battery. When I tried to explain that the button was working at the moment and so changing the battery would not make any difference, he just would not understand or listen. I asked to speak with his supervisor but he said that no one was there (wherever "there" was). I asked about returning for repair/replacement since I am in warranty, but it turns out that I'd have to pay to ship the radio back. Considering the cost of the radio, the cost of shipping plus my time made it more economically "wise" to just dump the radio!

It is really sad that Sony, which tends to make good products, has such poor customer support. I would recommend that they take a lesson from Apple, Amazon, and Costco, all of whom realize that their futures depend on customers, and that excellent customer service results in loyalty. At this point, I'll never buy another Sony product. Too bad - I am planning to purchase a new laptop and Sony is not a brand I'd consider because of service.