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Why do clock radios suck?

Most people keep a clock radio within a few feet of their head for nearly a third of their life. A clock radio tells people when to wake up hundreds of time a year. So then why do most clock radios sold in the US suck?

They all seem to have crappy buttons, an even crappier tuner, and in short, have failed to go through any substantial technology update since the advent of the LED clock - over 25 years ago.

Why can't now be the dawning of the age of the modern clock radio?

Here's what I'm looking for in a clock radio:
  • Large, adjustable-brightness display.
  • Digital tuning, with presets.
  • Automatic clock setting.
  • RDS - Radio Data Service.
  • Very low power consumption.
  • Excellent battery backup.
  • Reasonable price.
  • Decent buttons and switches.
These "requirements" aren't some sort of crazy dream - many very small, low cost devices have some of these features.

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