If you love to hit snooze repeatedly, meet Clocky - The Runaway Alarm Clock. Clocky isn’t just any alarm clock, but it’s a little robot on wheels designed to actually get you out of bed by rolling away, beeping, and whirring, making you chase it down to turn it off. Here’s a breakdown of how this quirky device works, what it’s like to use, and a few pros and cons to consider before deciding if Clocky is the answer to your snooze-button woes.
What Makes Clocky Different?
Clocky doesn’t just sit on your bedside table waiting for you to reach over and shut it off. Instead, as soon as the alarm goes off, Clocky takes action. Its wheels start spinning, it drops off the surface it’s on, and then rolls around the room with an R2D2-like beep that’s equal parts amusing and annoying. If you want to stop the noise, you’re forced to get out of bed and track it down.
This concept may sound a bit extreme, but it makes you move your body, which naturally helps shake off sleepiness. By the time you’ve found Clocky, your blood’s circulating, and you’re more awake than you would have been by just slapping the snooze button.
Putting Clocky to the Test
The first time I used Clocky, I set it on my bedside table, and when it went off, I wasn’t quite prepared for the chaos that followed. It beeped in a high-pitched tone, then launched off the table, wheels spinning as it rolled around the room. It didn’t go too far, but it definitely moved just enough to make me get up, which was surprisingly effective in forcing me out of my sleepy state.
If you’re worried about Clocky rolling into something valuable or delicate, it has a fairly limited range and tends to stay within a small radius. However, its movement is enough to make sure you can’t just reach over and turn it off from bed.
Clocky’s Quirks and Challenges
While Clocky does succeed in getting you out of bed, it’s not without a few quirks. First, it runs on four AAA batteries, which aren’t included, so you’ll need to have those on hand. Installing the batteries also requires a tiny screwdriver, which may feel a bit inconvenient.
Another potential downside is that Clocky’s build feels somewhat cheap, which makes you wonder about its durability over time. Some users have mentioned issues with Clocky losing its set time or the alarm occasionally turning itself off mid-beep. While I didn’t experience these issues personally, they’re worth considering if reliability is a top priority for you.
Pros & Cons of Clocky
Pros:
- Clocky’s primary success is that it makes you move. If you’re prone to sleeping through alarms or snoozing multiple times, this little gadget could be just the motivation you need to get up.
- There’s a certain comical aspect to chasing a beeping robot around your room in the morning. It brings a lighthearted start to the day and makes the wake-up process feel less robotic.
- Clocky’s persistence can be especially helpful for deep sleepers or heavy snoozers who struggle with more traditional alarms.
Cons:
- Clocky doesn’t have a rechargeable battery or a plug-in option, which means you’ll need to replace the AAA batteries periodically. Plus, the need for a screwdriver to install them isn’t exactly user-friendly.
- The plastic feels a bit cheap, and while Clocky did its job for me, other users have reported durability and functionality issues over time.
- Although Clocky does roll around, it doesn’t cover a huge distance, so if your room is small, it might only roll a short distance.
Is Clocky the Right Alarm for You?
Clocky is one of those products that either you’ll love for its creativity or find a bit too gimmicky. If you’re someone who struggles with morning routines or has trouble avoiding the snooze button, Clocky could be a fun and effective way to shake things up. It forces that essential morning movement, which can help you feel more alert, even if it’s only a short “chase” around the room.
That said, if you prefer a simple, straightforward alarm clock or aren’t a fan of battery-operated devices, Clocky might not be the best fit. It has its quirks, and while it’s mostly successful in getting you up, the build quality and lack of a rechargeable option might feel inconvenient for some users.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Clocky is a unique solution to a common problem. It’s effective in helping snoozers get up, and its playful, almost mischievous design adds a touch of humor to the morning routine. It may not be the most advanced alarm clock, but for those seeking a more active start to their day, it’s definitely worth a try. Whether you’re a chronic snoozer or just want a new way to wake up, Clocky could be that little nudge to get you moving.
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