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There is just something about grating alarms that rubs people the wrong way. It's also tied to the fact that most people do not get enough sleep. It's a common symptom of our modern lives. We've mentioned the Wake-Up Light before, but now it receives an interesting update. The new model, the HF3490, is very similar to the HF3480 but with one important difference. It now also includes an iPod/iPhone dock.

We think that this was one of the key elements missing from the original. The price for the new model is the same as the older model. If you don't know much about the Wake-Up Light, it's basically a light-based alarm clock, that gradually wakes up up over a period of 30 minutes. The light stimulates hormones that will wake you up. If you don't trust your biological diurnal instincts, there are audio-based back-up alarms. The new model can also be adjusted to 20 different brightness settings, making it also a good bedside lamp. The Wake-Up Light can also work in reverse, to stir your sleeping instinct by gradually lowering the illumination. The Philips Wake-Up Light HF3490 is available through Amazon for $200. The HF3580 is available for $170. We have to admit that it is pricey. We'd expect something like this to retail for less, but it's unique, effective, and will work well for people who have trouble waking up. We'd also like to see other companies or manufacturers making this product. That way, the price would come down.

[images by Philips]

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