I see what you are saying about the ipod. I guess I just see it more as an alternative to a radio these days. I listened to my radio in my room a lot as a kid, and that is how my kids use their ipods. I have 3 kids, and none of them use their ipods with headphones unless we are going on a trip (like on an airplane). Their ipods stay in their docks in their rooms, and they just listen to it like a personal stereo. They don't carry them out to the livingroom or out to dinner. If they did that, I wouldn't love it either! I have 3 kids (11, 14, 17)--and we are a very close knit family. But I agree there are some kids who do get lost in technology, and that can be a big issue for some families. Good for you for thinking ahead!

I found this one, but it doesn't have an alarm: http://www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Living-Oversized-7-5-inch-Calendar/dp/B000Q6UZXU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289008602&sr=8-2 and the AM/PM indicator is just a red dot. This hangs on a wall, which wouldn't be convenient for an alarm clock. Could a second clock be used for the alarm? There's this one: http://www.amazon.com/Geneva-Clock-4248-Elgin-Alarm/dp/B0017GZC5O/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2 with an alarm and am/pm indicator, but it is not as large. Here is a link that might be useful: Large wall clock

We Have an Alaron pendulum wall clock that ticks REALLY loud. It also chimes REALLY loud. It's not a bedside clock, but if you like the ticking sound this one can be heard all over the house at night. As far as bedside clocks..we also have a Big Ben, wind up clock but it's in a drawer...never used because it's such a pain to keep it wound. I wonder if they make an electric one?

Well, I wish I had glowing reviews for this alarm clock but unfortunately, it's not working that well for me. It woke me on two of the five mornings I used it. This morning, neither light nor sounds registered with me and I slept two hours past the wake up times. I'll adjust the settings again (increase both brightness and volume) and keep using it for the rest of the week but it's not boding well as the key to turn me into a morning person. Btw, we have a cat that used to meow for her food at 4h30 in the morning. I never heard her but boy did DH wake up grumpy.