Aggressive alarm clocks with blaring noises and obnoxious movements may be a necessity for those who sleep like the dead, and I have a feeling (from the sheer volume of Popgadget posts on screaming clocks that beat you over the head) that we've got a few of them among us. For me, sudden loud bursts of sound mean the house is on fire, a tidal wave has hit, the aliens have landed. It's not a good way to start my day.

The Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock is much more my speed. A half hour before you have to wake up, the clock's ambient light gradually turns on, and fifteen minutes before the set time, it begins to play soft "yet lively" nature sounds. The warmth from the lamp also releases aromatherapy scents (this part I can do without - I don't want to be assaulted by flowerly fragrances first thing in the morning).