5. On-Off Alarm Clock By Nina Tolstrup

Alarm clocks. What worthwhile statements can we make about them? They're a necessary evil that rudely awaken us every morning so we can start our days on time. Of course, some of us like to bash them into submission, to return to blissful dreamscapes and extend our absence from the waking world.

But every once in a while, something stylishly appealing and completely practical comes along and challenges the notion that an alarm clock should be, well, ugly and only serviceable. Nina Tolstrup (a fashionable Danish designer) linked-up with Lexon Design Systems of Paris to create the On-Off LCD alarm clock, a nod to the convergence of form and function.

The jaunty bend in this cool-looking clock also controls its alarm: numbers down, the alarm is armed; numbers up, it's turned off.

Its combination of an angled 45 degree curve, reminiscent of a hockey stick, and a high-density clear ABS plastic-over-color insert, gives it a durable and sleek appearance with a design that is also practical. Tilted one way to read the clock face properly, the alarm clock becomes active. Once the alarm sounds, tilt the clock onto its opposing side, and it simply shuts off. No more blind fumbling for the snooze or off buttons as on the old kludge of a nightstand clock you currently use. No more squinting at ridiculously small print through sleepy, partially-opened eyelids. No more frantic uncoordinated button-bashing as you attempt to shut up your morning nemesis once and for all.

Nina's On-Off not only looks a fair deal better than most of the other alarm clocks on the market, it's also comparably priced at around $35 online. It's available in colors to suit just about any décor: lime yellow, green bamboo, rhodemine pink, black, white and turquoise. An LCD provides backlighting of the time and calendar displays for easy viewing.

The On-Off alarm clock is driven by two AAA battery cells, and works in hourly chime mode. There doesn't appear to be a snooze feature - this could be either a pro or a con, depending on how motivated you are to get up on the first round...