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Alarm clocks aren't something that we tackle on a daily basis for review. However, the aXbo Sleep Phase Alarm Clock provides a unique solution to waking up which drew our interest. Instead of consistently waking you up at the same time, the aXbo monitors sleep patterns and wakes you only when you're in the lightest stage of sleep. See how it stacks up after the break.First things first, let's look at the good things the aXbo has going for itself. The unique approach to waking up really does work if you use it on a consistent basis. Waking up in lighter stages of sleep makes you feel less tired, even if you are only getting a few hours of sleep a night.

In addition, the attractive industrial design of the aXbo allows it to fit in in any decor. Everything feels well crafted and seems to have a very high standard of quality. The aXbo has the capacity to set two different alarms, for two different people, for two different times all while monitoring the sleep stages of both. The included wrist bands for the motion sensors are sized in "Large" and "Medium" for a typical couple.

As the aXbo tracks sleep stages, it logs them in its storage. Using a provided USB cable and software downloadable from their website, you can track your sleep stages and see when you fall into different stages throughout the night.

However, that is where the good ends and the less attractive aspect of the clock comes into play. The clock is priced at a lofty $349. In my opinion, this price tag is extremely hard to justify as the clock is relatively basic outside of its sleep phase monitoring aspect.

The poor controls on the device don't help its case. It's a struggle at times to deal with two buttons and a click-wheel as the sole source of navigation. Also, the screen is only backlit upon button activity, so if your room is remotely dark, you will need to press a button to be able to see the time. This is frustrating if you wake up early in the morning and do not know what time it is.

Finally, my biggest issue with the clock was that there is a 30 minute window in which it will wake you up. If you set your clock for 7 AM, it will wake you up between 6:30 and 7. While this is clearly to accommodate for a window in your sleep stages, you will be woken half an hour early on occasion which is frustrating in the least.

Ultimately, the aXbo is a very unique alarm clock with a very specific market: those who want to spend a large amount of money on something that will wake them up. Personally, I suggest a typical alarm clock. The results of the aXbo weren't stunning enough to justify its purchase in my opinion.

Pros

• Can track sleep stages
• Sounds alarm only when opportune
• Attractive design

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult controls
• Clock not consistently backlit

Updated 6/17/09: Corrected price information to more accurately reflect pricing in the United States.

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