We have reviewed the ICFC1T as a suitable clock radio for the seniors due to its simplicity and ease of use. However, not all elderly folks find tech stuff confusing. Quite a large number of them embrace technology and like to play around with gadgets ( with some help from grandchildren sometimes 🙂 ). These folks expect all the latest bells and whistles in their gizmos. The Westclox 81012BT Dual Clock Radio is a Clock Radio, which, at a budget price, comes with the features found in high end clock radios costing two to three times more!
What do we need from a Modern Clock Radio?
and how does the Westclox 81012BT Dual Clock Radio fulfill these needs?
Standard Features
The usual features that all good clock radios have – Dual Alarm with Snooze, Brightness Control, Digital FM Radio Tuning with Preset Stations, Ease of use. The 81012BT has them all.
Large Display
This model has 1.2″ backlit LED display which is pretty large and easily visible from a fair distance. The jumbo sized models in the market usually have 1.8″ displays, so this one is almost as big as the largest displays.
USB Charging
Since most people like to keep their cellphones within reach at their bedside, a USB charging port in a clock radio comes in handy to charge the phone.
Bluetooth
In a wireless connected home, even the humble clock radio is not left out! With Bluetooth connectivity, you can Connect & Stream Music Wirelessly from Bluetooth Devices to your Westclox 81012BT. So if the Radio Jockey at your favourite FM Station is having an off day, you can go to sleep listening to your favourite music from your ipod or mp3 player.
Some Alternatives – More Clock Radios with Bluetooth
Sony ICFC1T Dual Alarm Clock Radio is a wonderful clock radio gift for senior citizens. Last year, we had reviewed the Sony Clock Radio ICF-C318 Dream Machine, which was a great product, ideal for all those who prefer simplicity and a no-frills approach. However, the ICF-C318 and C218 have both been discontinued by Sony, I don’t know why. This is a major grouse I have against these gadget companies. They put in the hard yards, create different models of different products. Some succeed, some don’t. You would expect them to drop the models that don’t succeed and continue producing the ones that do. But they discontinue all old models in just a year or two. The consumers who have accepted the good products can’t get the same models a year or two later and have to research and hunt all over again. This is what I have done now to find a new model which fulfills the needs of the elderly – a clock radio which is easy to use, simple to understand and rugged enough to withstand a few unintended knocks
Sony ICFC1T Dual Alarm Clock Radio, White
This is a simple and functional alarm clock, clean and simple with aesthetically pleasing cubical design
What do we need from a Clock Radio?
and how does the new Sony Clock Radio fulfill these needs?
Some of the basic requirements from a Clock Radio:
Numbers should be easily visible
The Sony ICFC1T has large, easy-to-read, backlit LCD display with jumbo LEDs, which is easily viewable from across the room even when one is half awake and bleary eyed. You can change the light intensity.
Dual alarm for two people to use the same clock
With other clocks, to use the same alarm clock for two people, the one who rises first has to reset the alarm for the second person.The Sony C318 has a two alarm feature which is very easy to program. Set the A alarm for one and the B alarm for another and you are done.
Maintain Time and Alarm Settings even after a Power Outage
The Sony ICFC1T has full power memory back up, which is great if you have a short power outage.
it has a battery back-up (battery is included and already installed) and it loses no time.
The clock will automatically reset itself after a power outage.
Beep Volume
This clock radio has a light beep to start with, but the beeps gradually increase in frequency. No jarring blasts at one go.
Easy Alarm Setting
When you set the alarm time on this clock, you can go backward or forward. Some alarm clocks can only go forward and it takes forever; Setting this alarm is a breeze. Setting the alarm times on this radio are the fastest and easiest.
Like all stuff, the ICFC1T has its pros and cons. Let us review some other models of clock radios which do not have the disadvantages of this model.
The problem with spending on consumables is , a few cents at a time quickly adds up to a lot of spending. Batteries are a case in point. What is worse, over time, the types of batteries for different uses has only increased. So to meet our regular needs, we have to buy different types of batteries repeatedly.
In order to save money on batteries, one has to do two things right: 1) choose the right batteries and 2) use them efficiently to make them last longer. A few simple tips can help one and all to increase the life of a battery. Unfortunately, what complicates matters is, what steps to take depends on the type of battery. So this is one area where taking a closer look at the technology is worthwhile. Let us look at the different applications requiring different types of batteries and at what can be done to increase the life of a battery.
Alkaline Batteries – cheapest – drain quickly. Suitable for low power applications – wall clocks
Lithium Batteries – cost 4 times more, last longer. Useful in emergencies where you cannot wait to recharge battery
Nickel Metal Hydrite Batteries – cost more, but can be recharged. Cannot be kept idle for too long
1) Turn devices off when not using
2) Dont mix new batteries with old ones
3) Remove battery if you are not using the device for prolonged periods. This way, you avoid leakage of old batteries and you need not buy new ones assuming there are no batteries at home. Particularly in toys, kids use the toy a few times and then get bored and move on to the next toy. The batteries remain in the old toy and everyone forgets about them.
4) Store in a cool dry place. Rechargeable batteries can be kept in a fridge when not used for a long time.But not in the freezer. freezer temperatures could damage the battery’s contacts by causing condensation, then corrosion.
For heavy usage and irregular usage, rechargeable batteries are bettery – such as for flashlights and toys.( However, for flashlights, it is better to use the more energy efficient LED flashlights. A comparision to show this:
Rechargeable batteries are really intended for moderate to high current-draw devices that get at least moderate use. Typically, these are devices that require a battery change every 30 to 60 days – kids’ Wii gaming systems, cameras.
For uses where the battery lasts longer, almost upto a year, the cheaper alkaline batteries are sufficient -such as wall clocks and TV remote.
the batteries of low current-draw devices are typically changed so infrequently that the payback period for equivalent rechargeable batteries would be too far long to justify the investment!
Rechargeables may not save money if you put them in devices you don’t use often. That’s because they have a shelf life of only three to five years, compared with seven years for an alkaline
You should completely drain a battery before recharging, or it will forget how to fully charge. – This, called the memory effect, is true of cellphone and laptp batteries.
Batteries can become a costly expense over time with frequent use. Choosing to buy them at the right time can save you a lot of money on batteries. Many electronics stores, drugstores and grocery stores have “Buy One, Get One Free” sales on batteries.
Money can be wasted when you purchase popular name brand batteries. That does not mean cheap, unknown batteries should be purchased either. However, there are some battery products that fall between those two options. These less than popular brands are the few ways to save money on batteries.
They will work just as well for certain applications and can save you money on batteries. Purchasing name brand batteries for larger tools and using generic brands for basic products like remote controls is another way to save money.
Save Money purchasing Larger Battery Packages: Choosing to buy large batteries is like making a bulk purchase. They will last much longer than individual purchases or buying four to eight count battery packs. There are 12, 16, 24, 36, 50 and 100 packs of batteries available for purchase at discount and electronics stores that are a cheaper long term option. A large purchase could keep you from having to spend money on additional batteries for one whole year.
Buy too large a pack and keeping the batteries idle is also a waste of money due to the limited shelf life of batteries. As a thumb rule, buying one year supply of batteries in one shot would be the way to go.traditional alkaline batteries can hold a charge for years when not in use
wireless keyboards, track pads and mice – usual life is about 3 to 4 months with about 4 hours usage per day.Recharegable batteries are preferable for this usage. Apple’s branded batteries are nothing but Sanyo Eenelope batteries with Apple Brand. However, some keyboards have a sleep facility to automatically shut off power and conserve battery life. Standard Alkaline batteries are ok for this usage on a tight budget. But wireless mice usually dont come with sleep function and so the battery usage is more and rechargeable batteries are better.
there are essentially four types to choose from: nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCad), rechargeable alkaline, and lithium ion.
NiMH rechargeable batteries typically perform better than NiCads and are free of toxic heavy metals. Generally speaking, NiMH is the best all-around choice for most rechargeable battery applications. As an added bonus, most NiMH battery charger systems can accommodate NiCad batteries too (although the opposite is not true).
NiCads are being phased out in favor of NiMHs not only because they are losing the performance war, but also because of their inconvenience; the heavy metals used within the NiCad are toxic and require special disposal needs.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries have only two real advantages over NiMHs and NiCads: low cost and no need for special recycling. Otherwise, their long-term performance and recharge characteristics make these batteries a poor choice. Rechargeable alkaline batteries also require a special charger, which reminds me: don’t ever confuse rechargeable alkalines with the typical disposable alkaline batteries that are sold everywhere from 99-cent stores to the local grocery market – although some people do it, those batteries cannot be safely charged.
Lithium Ion batteries have great performance and can go unused for long periods without losing their charge. The big drawback is their price; not only are lithium ion batteries much more expensive than other types of rechargeable batteries, but they also require a special charger. Use them for rarely-used or high-drain devices like laptop computers, digital cameras, cell phones or portable televisions.
– A bad battery charger will prematurely age and greatly shorten the lifespan of your rechargeable batteries. Cheap chargers work too quickly, thereby heating the batteries, which damages them over time. Good chargers will keep your your batteries from getting too warm.
– Batteries should always be removed from their chargers after recharging.
– More expensive battery chargers extend the life of your rechargeable batteries by properly monitoring and controlling the charging process; many also shut off when charging is complete.
Self Leveling Laser Levels are becoming essential tools in any construction or remodelling project. Plumb, Level and Square alignments are no longer the painstaking work of old. Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Civil Engineers and Interior Designers are showing increasing reliance on this handy modern laser tool for accurate measurements and for marking lines and distances. Gone are the days of fixing line levels and plumb levels. Gone are the days of painstaking markings getting disturbed by clowns masquerading as colleagues. Laser levels have taken over the basic marking role and are providing greater accuracy, ease of use and productivity than imaginable even a few years back. And they bring in additional features such as the ability for self leveling, attaching to different surfaces, audio signals, change in line color to indicate errors! There are basic laser levels in the range of $20, and laser distance measures in the range of about $100. But the real techy stuff with all the bells and whistles cost a bit more, about $150 to $300. Let us review a few of these models.
The No.1 Bestseller
DEWALT Self Leveling Laser
The DEWALT DW087K Self Leveling Laser is a tool you’ll need in construction and remodeling projects. With this Self Leveling Laser, the use of chalk lines and calculations and markings becomes redundant. The unit is well built, and throws its beam with sufficient strength over a distance of 30 ft, enough to cover a normal room.
How to use a Laser Level
The video below gives an excellent intorduction to the use of a laser for plumb, level and square alignment and marking applications. They use a Stabila Laser Bob in the video, but it is the same with any other three beam or four beam laser.
Ryobi Self-leveling Laser Level
Ryobi Tek4 Self-leveling Plumb and Cross Laser Level
The Tek4 from Ryobi suits the needs of homeowners that are looking for an affordable self-leveling laser tool. It is useful in reading accurate line within a range of distances.
It is designed with LED indicator that will illuminate once it is out of level.
Apart from this, it has built in laser lock to enhance accuracy, projects its beam up to 30 feet distance and gives accurate readings within 0.04 inches per 100 ft.
It is not as sturdily built as a Bosch or a Dewalt, but for the price it is a good basic model
Bosch Self-leveling Laser
Bosch GLL2-40 Self-Level Cross Line Laser, Up To 30 Feet
The Bosch GLL2-40 self-level cross-line laser is a solidly constructed, sturdy yet compact tool. As one of the users points out, it is only slightly larger than a medium tape measure and weighs about as much as an SLR camera.
It has a range of 30 feet with clear, bright lines. This tool is thoughtfully designed with useful features such as low battery indicator and auto shut off when titled beyond 5 degrees.
This is a cost effective 2 beam leveling line laser from SKIL. It is very helpful for home decoration and remodeling work.
The range is about 15 feet with fairly clear lines.
It can be mounted on a tripod
Hilti Self-leveling Laser
Hilti 00411282 PMP 42 Plumb Laser Kit
This is a two beam Plumb Laser Kit from Hilti with a range upto 100 feet. Effective for basic alignment and plumbing work.
These large lava lamps are fun and very cool! You’ll love displaying them at parties and other gatherings. People enjoy watching the lava move up and down in a soothing motion. There are also glitter lamps and other unique lava lamps for sale here! Lava lamps have been around for a long time, yet they never go out of style. The offer a bit of a retro look, and also go well with modern design. Place a lava lamp in your bedroom, family room, den, or anywhere you want some cool motion lighting!
The Best Clock Radio for the Elderly – Sony Clock Radio ICF-C318
The Sony Clock Radio ICF-C318 Dream Machine is the ideal clock radio gift for the elderly and for all those who prefer simplicity and a no-frills approach. With all the technological advances, it can sometimes be difficult to select and use something as simple as an alarm clock. The reason is, a lot of the gadgets and gizmos these days come with many selectable features and settings. One needs to spend a lot of time understanding these features and settings. This is not always easy, particularly for those from the earlier generations who are sometimes befuddled by electronics technology. What they need is something that works right out of the box and serves the basic purpose. Let us take a closer look at the Sony Clock Radio ICF-C318 Dream Machine and its variants to see why it fulfills this requirement perfectly
Note: Sony have discontinued the Dream Machine models, including the ICF-C318. We have reviewed the ICFC1T as a suitable alternative.
Sony ICF-C318 Automatic Time Set Clock Radio with Dual Alarm (White)
The white is really more girly than the blacks and grays of most alarm clocks. This clock radio is small and inexpensive, with no funky extra wires and no external antennae.
What do we need from a Clock Radio?
and how does the Sony Clock Radio fulfill these needs?
Some of the basic requirements from a Clock Radio:
Numbers should be easily visible
The Sony C318 has a 0.9" green LED display, which is easily viewable from across the room even when one is half awake and bleary eyed. You can change the light intensity and the color of the light.
Dual alarm for two people to use the same clock
With other clocks, to use the same alarm clock for two people, the one who rises first has to reset the alarm for the second person.The Sony C318 has a two alarm feature which is very easy to program. Set the A alarm for one and the B alarm for another and you are done.
Main tain Time and Alarm Settings even after a Power Outage
The Sony Dream Machine has full power memory back up, which is great if you have a short power outage.
it has a battery back-up (battery is included and already installed) and it loses no time.
The clock will automatically reset itself after a power outage.
Beep Volume
This clock radio has light beep with no volume control, but the beeps gradually increase in frequency. No jarring blasts at one go.
Easy Alarm Setting
When you set the alarm time on this clock, you can go backward or forward. Some alarm clocks can only go forward and it takes forever; Setting this alarm is a breeze. Setting the alarm times on this radio are the fastest and easiest. Also, the alarm clock setting is a dial that is right on top. This is easier than a lot of alarm clocks that have the slide switch, often on the side where you can’t see it.
Sony Clock Radio InstructionsSony Clock Radio Instructions. Sony clock radios are convenient and full-featured devices used as alarm clocks, CD players and radios. The clocks have three different alarm settings, which take advantage of the built in CD player, radio or the standard buzzer sound. In addition, you can listen to yo
How to Set a Sony Dream Machine Alarm ClockHow to Set a Sony Dream Machine Alarm Clock. The Dream Machine is a line of clock radios produced by Sony, which includes budget-priced models under $25 to high-end units with built-in webcams and other security features. Most of these devices are easy to operate and involve pressing just a few butt
Infrared Quartz Heaters or radiant heaters provide considerable energy savings by directly heating solid surfaces without heating the surrounding air. They are highly efficient, occupy less space and most are portable. Let us review the top models of Infrared Quartz Heaters.
Duraflame Williams Portable Heater 10HM4126-O107
If you want to heat a room of more than 1000 sq.ft, this is the heater for you. An elegant looking heater housed in wood and veneer, it is also safe with no exposed heating parts
Dynamic Infrared Quartz Heater 4 Heater Elements 1000 Square Feet Dark Oak
This is an intermediate range heater that is suitable for use in rooms of upto 1000 sq.ft. It is a portable quartz heater with a dark oak finish.
An infrared electric fireplace that is beautifully designed to match with home decor. Features include SpectraFire flame effect , high effiency lifetime filter , InfraRed quartz tubed heater with long life.Â
LIFESMART Amish Inspired Power Plus 1200 Square Foot 6 Element
This is a high capacity heater with 6 elements which can heat rooms upto 1200 sq.ft. It is portable, easy to operate with a remote, and fits into the room decor like a nice piece of wooden furniture.
New EdenPURE Infrared Heater US1000
This is a high quality infrared portable heater which helps reduce your energy bills.
How does an Infrared Quartz Heater work?
An infrared heater is basically a tweaked incandescent bulb with a filament made of tungsten. With some modifications, the bulb, or heat lamp, produces infrared rays instead on the normal yellow light that a light bulb produces. In a quartz heater, a quartz tube surrounds the tungsten filament. For heating larger areas, a bank of 4 to6 elements is used. A fan blows air over the elements and the heated air flows out into the room.
This is a popular, compact heater for small spaces. It is a lighweight, sturdy and silent heater that really pumps out the heat. Ideal for use as a personal heater at the table or bedside.
There are some lucky blokes who hit the bed and sleep through the night without any interruption. The rest of us can’t help getting up at least once in the night for a glass of water. Having to actually get out of the bed and go in search of water is such a pain, which is best avoided by simply having a Bedside Water Carafe filled with water.Here are a few models to choose from.
