Making waking practically pleasant

I’m not a morning person, but I don’t mind chatting with my alarm clock. “Snooze,’’ I say when its bells start ringing, and the pocket-size device responds, “Snooze time, nine minutes.’’ “Temperature?’’ I say. “The temperature is 66 degrees,’’ it replies. The clever Moshi Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock responds to nine voice-activated commands, including time, set time, alarm, and set alarm, and has prevented me from flip-flopping a.m. and p.m. settings by mistake. The clock has a pleasant female voice, requires no programming, and works when you speak in a normal voice. It weighs less than 4 ounces when loaded with three AAA batteries, and has two brightness and three alarm settings. It is available in white, black, pink, and blue for $24.99 from Moshi Lifestyle (877-556-6744, www.moshilifestyle.com), or from select Bed, Bath & Beyond stores.

KARI BODNARCHUK

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