Sony ICF-C318 Automatic Time Set Clock Radio with Dual Alarm (Black) Reviews

• ICF-C318/BC: simple, intuitive and improved

  
  By A29TRY42QEQDV4 on 2008-03-11
  This clock radio shares an obvious family resemblance to its highly successful predecessor, the Sony ICF-C218 Automatic Time Set Clock Radio (Black): 90% of the buttons and functions of the earlier version are implemented and placed identically in the newer model. The buttons and their labeling are so intuitive that a manual is hardly needed (but helpful for the Sleep and Time Zone buttons). The ICF-C318 possesses four new buttons, switches and controls and a feature that make it a more desirable model than the earlier one: a 3-level brightness button, a two-level buzzer volume switch, a second alarm mode rotary switch, a second alarm time setting control, and most importantly, the 'No Power No Problem' feature means the alarm will still sound even if the AC power is off when the alarm was set to ring. The efficacy of those new contols and feature were assessed.
  
  The brightness control was a feature requested by many users of the ICF-C218 who complained it was too bright in a darkened room. There is no doubt that the display of the newer ICF-C318 can be set to be very dim (thus pleasing insomniacs bothered by the 'nighlight effect') but at its brightest setting it is still too dim to be seen clearly in a brightly lit room. The alarm buzzer is not really a buzzer, its a peeper and the two level slide control has little noticeable effect on volume - its just not very loud either way. When ignored the alarm peeps more frequently. If you need a really loud alarm, you will be safer using the radio alarm rather than the buzzer. The rotary switches to set alarm mode (off, buzzer, radio) are improved in that the indicator on the switch is a larger, more visible groove than the the tiny, hard-to-see pit of the earlier model. The alarm time set knobs allow a new time to be set very quickly and easily; they are just a little clunkier looking than the sleek recessed toggle control of the earler model. The 'No Power No Problem' feature is the best new feature for this unit that sets it apart from the ICF-C218. I expect my alarm clock to work at a very high level of reliability, a power outage is no excuse for failure of that function. In this regard, the ICF-C318 performs as expected, but the ICF-C218 fails miserably. If the alarm mode is set to radio and the AC power is off when the alarm should ring, the ICF-C318 uses the buzzer (peeper) alarm instead; the buzzer probably drains less energy from the tiny backup battery than the radio.
  
  The radio portion of this clock radio performs adequately. The sound can be quite clear for a strong station but it is obviously not high fidelity. The radio portion of this unit is just gravy - the alarm and clock function are the only real crucial parts to me. It seems to keep good time. I synchronised it with an atomic clock initially and a week later see no difference between the two when they were compared again. Clock time is maintained by a Li wafer battery even when the AC power is off; I don't know why they didn't use a more common, cheaper, higher capacity backup battery like an AA. The clock will perform automatic advance and setback of the time for regions that follow daylight savings time. Fortunately, this feature can be disabled for regions like the state of Arizona that do not use DST. By comparison, Emerson clock radios that have 'SmartSet' are crippled - DST advance and setback cannot be disabled.
  
  How about aesthetics? In my opinion the earlier version's (ICF-C218) simpler shape and flat faceplate were snappier looking. The rounded faceplate and rear of the newer ICF-C318 seem less attractive. But its easy to dismiss the skin-deep homeliness when the other good features of the ICF-C318 are considered. The ICF-C318 comes in a white case and a black case version (complete Sony model numbers ICF-C318/WC and ICF-C318/BC respectively). This review applies to both color models because they are functionally identical. Although I don't normally like white appliances, it is a little bit easier to read the black button labels on the white case than the white button labels on the black case.
  
  It took a while for me to understand that with this clock there is both a manual and an automated way to spring clock time forward for Daylight Saving Time and to 'fall back' when Standard Time resumes. These two mechanisms don't always play nice together and that can lead to confusion. Well, at least it confused me. I should also point out that the instructions that came with the clock just discuss US Time Zones which have designated DST start/stop dates at least until 2015, and spring forward and fall back at 2AM. In other parts of the world, the designated DST dates and times often differ from the US so it is unlikely that the automated DST adjustment of this clock will be of any use (except in Canada). So where you don't fall into a US time zone, the automatic DST adjustment should be disabled; just remember to use the manual method on the appropriate date. And of course if you live in a part of the US (like Arizona) where DST is not observed, the automatic DST adjustment should likewise be disabled.
  
  I have concluded that the Time Zone setting has no effect on anything including automatic DST adjustment. I can only envision one situation where it would matter or be helpful to set or adjust the Time Zone: if you take the alarm clock with you when you travel and in your travels you cross time zone boundaries. Adjusting the Time Zone allows the clock time to be altered in 1 hour increments without having to go through the Clock button to manually reset the time. Its easy to set the Time Zone, so why don't you set it for your zone anyway?
  
  I will spare you some of the trial and error I went through to try to figure out how DST was implemented and if it worked correctly on this clock. DST adjustments are explained in the manual that came with the clock but those explanations didn't go quite far enough. I wanted to understand it so I could set this up for my mom and know exactly what would happen when DST started and stopped. Maybe my explanation will help you.
  
  Before you start, use the Snooze button to verify the year, month and day. If incorrect, then set using the Clock button.
  
  To Disable Automatic DST Adjustment For Places That Don't Observe DST
  Hold down the DST button until 'Aut' then 'OFF' appear, then release. If 'Aut' then 'On' appear, release the DST button then press and hold it again to display 'Aut' then 'OFF' and release the DST button. If the DST LED is illuminated on the front of the clock, press the DST button momentarily: this will have the effect of extinguishing the DST LED and setting back the time 1 hour. If the time is incorrect, find a good reference time source and use the Clock and + - buttons to adjust. So now you are good to go in places like Arizona that don't observe DST. Put some clear tape across the Time Zone and DST buttons so you won't be inadvertantly adjusting them as you are stabbing for the Alarm Reset button in the dark.
  
  To Manually Invoke DST Adjustment
  First, make sure you have disabled automatic DST adjustment by holding down the DST button to get Aut' then 'OFF' in the display. To 'spring forward' the clock, momentarily press the DST button. This will illuminate the DST LED and set the clock ahead 1 hour. To 'fall back' momentarily press the DST button. This will extinguish the DST LED and set the clock back 1 hour. By this method you can easily compensate for DST changes in locations other than the US where the date or time for DST start/end are different from the US.
  
  Automatic DST Adjustment
  If you live in a US time zone where DST is implemented, the automatic DST adjustment of this clock is handy. It's handy because you don't have to remember to do it and because it's easier than manually changing the time on your clock. To enable automatic DST adjustment, hold down the DST button until 'Aut' then 'On' appear, then release. If 'Aut' then 'OFF' appear, release the button and repeat to display 'Aut' then 'On' and release the DST button. If the date is within the range for DST, then the DST LED illuminates. If the date is within the range for Standard Time, then the DST LED is extinguished. If automatic DST adjustment is on, then at 2 AM on March 9, 2008 for example the clock suddenly jumped forward to display 3 AM and the DST LED became illuminated.
  
  Future Proof Automatic DST Adjustment?
  I set the clock ahead to March 8, 2015 and verified that it 'sprung forward' at 2 AM like it should. Without checking the years between 2008 and 2015, I assume the clock would also apply and remove DST on the appropriate date for those years. So the automated DST adjustment of this clock is probably good for at least the next seven years unless DST gets discontinued or altered by Congress before then.
  
  

• Inexpensive & Easy to Use

  
  By A1LGTTDHDH3OCC on 2007-08-14
  So easy to set & price is right. Radio works good too.
  2 seperate alarms, radio or beep. Time is correct out of the box - that's the only "automatic time set" in play here - -1 star for the "automatic time set" which isn't really... Battery backup built in - not a 9v, aaa or aa...looks like it will last - round, flat battery of some type like a watch battery, only larger.
  3 settings for display. The lowest is dim enough not to bother me and the highest is fairly bright - low is tough to see in full daylight..
  Good value here IMHO. Would buy again ....
  
  
  

• Clock OK, Dead Battery on Arrival

  
  By AWLGXDE9J6K6B on 2008-02-18
  This is a great little clock radio with all of the features that I wanted. And the price was right. However, I was not able to "just plug it in" so it would show the correct time (with time zone adjustments) as advertised. The CR2032 battery, which keeps the time when there is no AC power, was dead. I had to go out and buy another battery to replace it. I did and now it is working fine. A more general observation: the brand name Sony used to be synonymous with quality; now it is not. Lately, most of the Sony products I have bought have had one or more defects.
  
  

• ICF-C318BLACK

  
  By A37X1WCX2MKXLU on 2007-09-17
  Nothing that special about it; like the previous review mentions, the "Automatic Time Set" is a load of crap. It's just preset at the factory and they give you a button to change your timezone.
  
  Mine wasn't even set correctly (it was set to 12:00am but my cellphone showed 11:55am...hmmm). Aside from some initial frustration learning how to set the time (had to look it up in the manual on Sony's site: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=ICFC318&LOC=3 ) it's just a typical alarm clock except that you get 2 alarms. Nothing really wrong with it, but I definately expected more (I *already* had an alarm clock after all, so the only real difference for me is battery-backup and a 2nd alarm).
  
  Personally, I'd like to see alarm clocks have a better (ie. EASIER) method for setting both the time on the clock and the alarms. This one makes you push + and - buttons for hours then minutes. I like the idea that Aiwa had on my stereo: use a dial to quickly select the number and press a button to set it. Although, the cell phone method (press 0-9 to set it directly) isn't a bad idea either. Too bad alarm clock manufactures can't figure that much out...
  
  
  
  

• Tells me the TIME

  
  By A1MYQT1AWD8TY9 on 2007-10-17
  This is a standard alarm clock, with the bonus of two alarms. Decent design and has an inbuilt backup battery, but the only floor is that it is MASSIVE! It takes up a lot of space.
  
  
• Excellent low cost clock radio.
  By A35AOYCYTFLMXW on 2007-10-26
  This clock radio works very well. I like the adjustable display as the display on my previous clock radio was like a spot light even on low. The radio reception is excellent. I live in the hinterland about 70 miles from Austin and yet I can pick up my favorite Austin radio station. I tried an Emerson first from my local Walmart and ended up taking it back because it had terrible reception. It would not receive even the local station.
  
  
• Sony Dual Alarm Clock
  By A1V7R20GJZZHLW on 2007-12-30
  great product for couples. Instead of flipping a coin for who gets the music or buzzer alarm, this clock gives the option for both to have either music or buzzer. This is exactly why I purchased this clock. LED display light is a perfect brightness for a nice sleep.
  
  
• It is just a clock radio
  By A6A9ZI8SWA420 on 2007-12-11
  I have been using this for weeks now. I left it a minute or two off to see if it would ever correct the time. It has not.
  
  It has a little flat battery inside. There is a warning light on front to tell you if the little flat battery needs replacing. I replaced the battery with a new one and the light is still on.
  
  When you cut the power the display goes dead and when you turn it on again it remembers the date time etc. That is because of the little flat battery, not any wireless atomic clock connectivity.
  
  This is an inexpensive clock radio. Nothing wrong that.
  
  
• Great clock with a few annoying bits
  By A4C7YPWSXRHR4 on 2008-03-03
  Love this clock! Great big display that doesn't overwhelm you at night. A nice, unannoying "beep beep" for the buzzer alarm, that repeats in increasing increments as you let it stay on longer. Has two alarms. A decent radio. All the things that you could want in a basic clock radio.
  
  The annoying quirks: To turn off the alarm, you have to press this small button ... in the dark ... at 4:00am. Not so easy. Also, while the display doesn't overwhelm at night, it also doesn't during the day, and can be hard to see if it is bright in the room.
  
  Overall, best clock radio I've had.
  
  
• It's OK. Don't really trust it.
  By A35EL6G7SDSTSF on 2007-10-01
  Bought this to replace an ICF-C760 I've had for 11 years (pressed the "Alarm A" button and it just kept going--button inside clock). Had this about a month and in the past 5 days it has not gone off twice. First time, the volume was low somehow. This time no reason. Checked it before I went to sleep and checked it again when I finally woke up--all set properly, right time and volume, and ON. Will return. Trying same model, so we'll see. It is very loud (when it works) and very clear. Will probably go ahead and open up the C760 and get the button out and see what we can do. I need four alarms anyway.
  
  
• A FANTASTIC LITTLE CLOCK RADIO!
  By A2PJRSOCGNUVZ0 on 2008-04-25
  This is a great little clock! It doesn't take up much space, but it has features that you would expect to find on a larger, more expensive clock. It is super-easy to operate, too. It has dual alarms - each can have either buzzer/music to wake you up. The radio has a wonderful sound to it. The time display has 3 settings. I'm sensitive to light, and sometimes the lowest setting on some clocks can be too bright. But, on this clock, the lowest setting is just perfect. You get so many features in this clock and you'd think you'd have to pay a lot more money for it, but you don't!
  
  
• Great dual alarm clock
  By A3S8MVKDUUDNFM on 2008-03-27
  Very easy to set and use. I saw some reviews that complained that is was not loud enough. I am a very heavy sleeper and it seems quite adequate on my bedside table. Plus the battery backup is a must have feature with summer storms approaching.
  
  
• Okay clock
  By AXV502W5D45B3 on 2008-08-19
  This is a pretty okay clock. I bought it because I'm going off to college. I wanted a loud alarm clock so I could make sure I woke up for class, and I hoped this would be loud since it had two alarm settings [high and low]. However, both the settings create basically the same volume. The volume for the alarm clock is definitely not loud enough, and it is a beep NOT a buzzer as it says on the box. However, the radio does work and it is loud enough, so you can set that as your alarm clock. Another thing is that this clock promised that the time would be set when I plugged it in. It was not set and I had to set it myself. I know thats not much of a hassle, but I feel that they shouldn't advertise false information. [btw: I live on the US east coast so it wasn't that I had to set the right time zone.]
  
  So in conclusion: 3 out of 5 stars. Good clock but 2 of the claimed features were not actually present.
  
  
  
• Sony ICF-C318 Clock Radio
  By A8Q3R2EMI749G on 2008-09-26
  This radio was purchased for my wife as a birthday present, it is great it has large easy to read numbers and is very user friendly. My wife just took it out of the box and was able to figure out everything without the book. Two of the features that got me to buy this besides the price were the fact that it has a dual alarm, and also has battery backup. No more coming home and finding you have to set the clock before you go to bed, or having to reset it in the middle of the night if the power has gone out. We are very happy with the purchase!
  
  
• Great Product
  By A367DQZBZUNH42 on 2008-10-24
  I have used this alarm clock for 3 weeks now and it has been awesome. I use the dual alarms everyday and they never fail. I live in a small community quite aways from any big cities so I do not have a good radio connection and this alarm has had a pretty good connection so far, I prefer the volume loud and it does a good job. The light on the alarm is pretty bright but nothing annoying. Overall this is a really good product.
  
  
• Many Features for the Money
  By A5DWKCFEOSYW3 on 2008-01-03
  A good value-has many good features for a $20 radio. Can change the intensity of the display which helps for light sleepers. Small footprint is also a plus. Clock radio is adequate as is the speaker-could be improved if it was digital rather than analog.
  
  
• Great features
  By A3EECBIP5NXPK2 on 2008-02-08
  This clock radio was well worth the few extra bucks from a standard, one-alarm model. Everything is easy to set, numbers are large and easy to see. We liked it so much that we bought it for everyone in the house!
  
  
• a great little clock
  By A1ZSEJ8EUBQ98V on 2008-03-31
  This is a great little clock for the money. It didn't take me long to learn how to set and adjust the time and alarms. Having the option to set two alarms is a nice advantage, especially if one person has to get up earlier than the other. Overall, I think this is a very good, easy to use, economical clock. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
  
  
• ICF-C318 - adjustable display a plus
  By A3B417M03HRAQR on 2008-04-13
  Pros:
  
  *Has a button cell battery to keep the time in the event of a power outage. Also, the manual says that this battery can also power the alarm when the power is cut.
  *Adjusts for Daylight Savings time.
  *Adjustable brightness display (High/Medium/Low).
  *Adjustable (High/Low) alarm volume (although I don't notice a significant difference between the two.)
  *Very easy to set alarm time - two dedicated nobbs on the sides adjust the alarms directly.
  
  Other notes:
  
  The alarm starts off slow and then builds up. This isn't the loudest alarm that I've heard, so if you're the type that requires some extra loudness to wake up this may not be the one for you. I prefer the alarm on this because it doesn't jolt me awake.
  
  I really appreciate the adjustable brightness of the display, this was one of the main reasons I bought this model. I use it on the low setting; it may be difficult to see in the day, but it doesn't keep me up at night even though the alarm is right next to my head facing me.
  
  
• Best Alarm Clock I Have Ever Had
  By A1F01ILQDT8RIP on 2008-05-07
  The past few alarm clock radios I have gotten were from Sony. I always thought they were high quality and this alarm clock radio is no exception. The automatic time set function literally takes maybe two seconds to complete after you plug it in. Automatically adjusting for daylight savings time is very convenient. The only thing that I find weird about this alarm clock is that you can't set the times for the alarms without first setting the alarm on (radio or buzzer).
  
  
• Welcome to the 21st century of alarm clocks
  By A249AI3QPNMYBU on 2008-06-14
  Bought this to replace a 20 year Radio Shack clock radio/phone. I was hesitant to buy this item at first since it has a green LCD display and they say red LCD's help you sleep better, but this clock radio has a brightness control. You get three settings to choose from - low, medium, high brightness. I keep it at medium which is not too bright, and does not disturb my beauty sleep. The alarm is easy to setup and you have alarm 1 and alarm 2 in case you're mate is too cheap to buy their own clock radio. The radio reception is excellent which is what attracted me to this particular item. I get perfect reception for AM stations so I can listen to the NY Mets lose every night. The FM reception is even better. It has a nice slick design and does not take up too much nightstand room. The black color is sharp but they also make this item in white. I recommend this radio for only $14.99, you can't go wrong.
  
  
• Sony ICF-C318 Auto Time Set Clock Radio with dual alarms.
  By A1USM6AKED3HAF on 2008-10-21
  Well I seem to like the little chirping alarm noise it makes. Only once since I purchased it did I miss the first alarm. Not too bad since it fixes itself when the power goes out and doesn't lose your time that you set for the alarm to go off. Some of these types of clock radio lose everything when they lose power. The power seems to go out randomly often for everyone and if I don't notice the clock is wrong I could be late for work. I depend on my clock to wake me when I don't wake myself. I think for the price the look and sounds are pretty good. I would recommend this item... and I actually have to someone else and they like it as well. The numbers are nice and big and it isn't too bright in the bedroom at night time.
  
  
• Well-Made, Compact Clock Radio
  By A1EMAONH3LJJIQ on 2008-10-30
  I bought this for my husband. I was tired of listening to him cursing the old one. No complaints about this one. One day a week he has to get up an hour earlier than usual, so he's very happy with the dual alarm feature. We frequently have power interruptions (thank you JCP&L) and the battery backup feature is a must in our house. This unit doesn't take up much space and I don't think you'd find a better value.
  
  
• Easy to use
  By A2JIO1OLZ4QZBW on 2008-05-21
  I know how to use it in 5 minutes without reading the intructions. I like about the radio alarm because it is loud and clear. Very easy to use and the settings are simply straight forward.
  
  
• Easy to use alarm clock
  By A2XCU4OIALMVDS on 2008-05-27
  I got this alarm clock to replace one that was too bright at night. This is great. No frills and is a bit hard to see in very bright light during the day. But easy to see at night and you can dim it so that it doesn't interfere with sleep. Very happy with the purchase.
  
  
• Very pleased with this clock!
  By A2JIT4ZEDWRXG2 on 2008-07-04
  The face of this clock with nice green numbers is easy to see. I bought it so I could have a good trustworthy alarm clock. This clock has two alarms on it so you can set 2 different times for alarm to go off. Never be late again. I do not use the radio part so cannot comment on that part. This clock does not adjust its time automatically like an atomic clock but simply makes an adjustment for Daylight Savings time if you need that. The alarm gradually will get louder and louder once it goes off. If power goes off it has an internal battery which will maintain correct time when power returns. For the price I like this clock very much. They should not call it "Dream Machine" though, that is just advertising hype.
  
  
• A great way to wake up!
  By A3DF7CGI6XZ6O1 on 2008-08-22
  Personally, I hate waking up to a buzz. My old, and I mean old, clock radio only offered two reachable stations and I was continually falling back to sleep. This cutie pulls in the classical music station that I love. I can snooze and listen for a half hour, wake up gradually, before the second alarm beeps to alert me that it's indeed time for my sleepy self to get out of bed. The clock is easy to use, has a dimming button for the display which is large enough for me to read without my coke-bottle eye glasses.
  
  No, it's not an artistic treasure, but one rarely gets an artistic treasure for this price. It's precisely what I wanted and worked well from the moment I took it out of the box and plugged it in.
  
  I highly recommend this curvatious black treasure.
  
  
• Simply great!
  By A2GSJEP0UPVZMN on 2008-09-20
  I just got this clock in. It was very simple to set up...it would be easy to set up even if you didn't have the manual (single sheet of paper!). We have another alarm clock/CD/radio/sound machine combo. The settings were so complicated and difficult to remember that we just use it to tell time now. The best part? The knobs to change the alarm settings. Just turn the knob and hold to scroll the time. No more pressing buttons numerous times until your finger cries for relief. This is particularly helpful since my husband works swing shift and changes his setting twice a week. Recommendation: Buy it if you're looking for a basic alarm clock that is ridiculously easy to program.
  
  
• The little clock that couldn't
  By AGDHMC3C6ETU1 on 2008-09-30
  In the plus column, the radio on this alarm clock works extremely well. I live in the basement and have never been able to get radio reception down here until I got this clock.
  
  On the minus side, this alarm clock does not wake me with it's buzzer! The alarm is waaaay too quiet. The only other option is to turn the radio up all the way and let it wake you...violently.
  
  Overall, I'd say that this alarm clock is not suitable for heavy sleepers.
  
  
• OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!!
  By AXKO8RMLMN15W on 2008-10-01
  The alarm clock I owned before this I had for around 12 years. I was very particular when I went looking for a replacement. I looked at everything available out there and all different price ranges. I was a little reluctant when I saw this one because it had all the options I wanted, but it was so cheaply priced. I took a chance only because I trusted the name brand "sony". I received it and set it up right away. It was better than the clock I had before and just as reliable. The only thing I should have done is buy two of them. Allthough, I assume in another 10-12 years something else will be available. Do not hesitate to buy this great clock!
  
  

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