Alarm clocks are enjoying a surge in sales these days. Perhaps it’s due to the cool and wet weather that causes people to snuggle into their pillows instead of snapping awake at the sound of the alarm clock.

                                            A "Classic" alarm clock.
 

In my case I require only my cell phone’s built-in alarm feature to wake up – I’m a pretty light sleeper you see. The only problem is, once awake, I sit up, look blearily around, and then fall unconscious again.

I’m debating on whether to “invest” in another alarm clock. Make no mistake though, that word is definitely appropriate when it comes to this Bose product: the Bose Wave Music System. It is priced at US$499, but even at that price this Bose product is a pleasure to use and behold.

                                             Looks like it was pulled from a high-end home-theatre system.

Already at its second iteration, the Bose Wave Music System (“Wave” from here on out) was designed for simplicity of use and exceptional performance relative to its size and intended use. I mean – who’d expect a glorified clock-radio to sound this good? That is probably the guiding question Bose engineers had when designing this, as online documentation and the general tone of Bose ads suggest that it was a huge challenge to achieve good sound with the small package they had to work in.

And work it does, and splendidly. The Wave utilizes a partitioned chamber within the body of the “clock” that directs the sound output (and I’m assuming,) the airflow produced by the bass elements of the machine through specially-designed cavities that are toned to give out a full-bodied bass response. I am by no means an expert in sound reproduction and technology, but to say the least, this little piece of engineering compared favorably to my computer-system setup – a Logitech Z5300 THX that came in 3x2 box and weighed a ton. This is of course in near-field listening.

                                             Making the soundwave work harder for better results.

Near field listening is defined as any sound field measuring 2 to 4 feet as measured from the sound device. The Bose naturally cannot be compared favorable to a sound system designed for gaming and a sound field measuring 4 to 16 feet (typical small room dimensions), but the fact remains that the way this unit handles the lower portions of the audible sound range is exemplary, and this serves to fill out the music played through it by a large margin. In other words, no tinny-sounding music here – this thing sounds like its packing a separate sound woofer on the floor.

To enhance the enjoyment, the Wave is capable of playing through an auxiliary-in port, so any sound-output device with a mini-jack can be connected to the Wave. Its CD player is now capable of playing MP3 tracks, and of course good ole’ radio is still there. All controls are on a credit-card size remote, contributing to the clean and functional theme that Bose is aiming for. This is further emphasized by the fact that the Wave does not have an unsightly antenna jutting out from the rear; the power cable itself serves as the radio’s antenna – although you can still attach an optional antenna for the additional gain.

On the whole, the Bose Wave is not for everyone. In addition to the premium price, the fact that this Bose sounds so good nearly eliminated it from casual consideration when buying something to wake up to. On the other hand, people with limited desk space, a penchant for amazing technology, or simply anyone who values style and matching performance – the Bose is of course available for desktop listening as well. This can no longer be called simply a “clock radio”.

                                             Need big sound on a small desk? Look no further.

It is up to the user where this unique gadget is used, but for all that, the Wave would be a waste if used as an alarm clock – it probably wouldn’t be very effective anyway, especially when a crooning kind of song is used as the alarm tone. If that occurs I might as well be unconscious until noon as the Wave soothes the senses and makes one snuggle down deeper into the covers.

                                              Dangerous business, this waking up...