DIGOO DG-C10 LCD Projection Clock REVIEW Wake-up in Style
Despite the trend for our smartphones to assume multiple functions, I still like to use standard alarm clocks. It only took one anxiety-filled missed alarm to realize the danger of a power outage and the importance of a dual power supply system. It is for this reason that I look for systems with battery backup. I recently reviewed the DIGOO DG-C12 and found multiple positive and negative features. With network connectivity issues, I had to pass on that device. While searching the DIGOO website, I read about the DG-C10 LCD projection clock, and wanted to give the company a chance for redemption.
The DIGOO DG-C10 LCD projection clock arrived in a 5 3/4 inches long by 3 3/4 inches tall by 2 inches thick retail package. The colorful cover displayed a 2 5/8 inches long by 1 3/4 inches tall digital alarm clock, with red digital projector, resting upon a desk. The clock displayed the time along the upper 3/4 of the LCD screen, while the lower 1/4 displayed the times for the dual alarms and the day of the week. Rotating the packaging ninety degrees clockwise, you will find a grey side panel with two QR codes (mydigoo.com and Facebook). The opposing grey side panel detailed the specifications of the thermometer (-9 C to 50 C), and power input (dual 1.5V AAA battery or 5.0V/1A current). Interestingly, neither of the charging methods were present within the packaging.
Within the packaging, I found a 5 3/8 inches long by 3 1/8 inches tall by 1 inch thick alarm clock and a three panel instruction manual. Turning the alarm face down, I found the 2 inches wide by 15/16 inches tall battery compartment, removed the panel and installed two AAA batteries (not included). When the batteries were installed the alarm clock beeped three times and the 2 1/2 inches wide by 1 11/16 inches tall LCD screen illuminated a brilliant blue color. Beneath the LCD screen, I found two 1/4 inch diameter buttons labeled “TIME” and “ALARM,” and two 5/16 inches diameter semi-circles labeled “+” and “-“. Above the screen, I found an attractive printed DIGOO logo. The alarm clock appeared to be designed as a two part system. The main body/LCD measured 3 13/16 inches long and the projector section measured 1 1/2 inches long. The DIGOO clock had a 2 3/4 inches long by 1 1/8 inches wide base, which allowed the clock to rest securely upon my nightstand. The top of the clock had a light/ZZ icon that when touched, activated the projector. The right side of the clock had two on/off alarm toggles and a USB A port labeled USB Charger 5V=1A. The rear of the clock had a single projector on/off toggle, a projector rotation button. Lastly, the AC input port was located along the bottom corner of the clock.
To set the time, press and hold the “time” button and the screen will flash 12H. If you press the “+” or “-“ button, you can alternate between 12 and 24 hour time. When I pressed the “time” button again, the hour flashed. You can adjust the hour by pressing the up/down buttons and then you can repeat this process to set the minute time. Repeat the steps again to set the year, the month and the day. As a convenience, the preset calendar selected the day of the week for you. Setting the alarm proved to be just as easy as the time. To set the alarm function, hold the “ALARM” button for 2 seconds and the alarm time will flash along the bottom left. Set the hour and then press the alarm button again to set the minute time. Continue to press the alarm button to set the hour/minute time for the second alarm. When ready, toggle the alarm on/off and set the device onto your desk. Once the alarm time was met, the alarm made a soft, yet noticeable, single beeping noise. After roughly fifteen seconds, the alarm began to double beep, then triple beeped then rapidly beeped. After two minutes, the alarm sounds deactivated. While active, you can touch the top button or you can slide the toggle down. Tapping the top button initiated a 5 minute snooze function, which allowed the Almere sequence to repeat again. You cannot change the snooze duration, nor can you stop the bright backlit LCD from activating. When pressing the top button, the alarm will set to snooze and the projector will display a vivid red image of the clock time.
I have tested this device daily over the past two weeks. The alarm was adequately loud but I missed the option to change the tones/beeps. I loved the snooze function, the top touch sensitive button and the projector feature. The red colored projector was a smart choice biologically, as it should promote melatonin formation and enhanced sleep. The bright LCD screen, however, glowed a bright blue color and was not adjustable. This bright blue light likely negated the benefits of the red projector because blue light breaks down melatonin. I missed the option to activate/deactivate the LCD, specifically for this reason. It did not make a lot of sense to provide the more subtle red projection onto the ceiling, to then shock the retinas with a bright LCD, like Commissioner Gordon signaling Batman. The two AAA batteries worked well and lasted the entire two-week period. I was ultimately disappointed, however, in the lack of included 5V charger because I could not test the phone charging 5v/2A output. Their website states that the product should have shipped with a “Simply USB Power Cable.” Interestingly, the device I received had a circular power input port, instead of a micro-USB port.
With an included power cable, the clock should work well for a bedroom, dorm, hotel or for any other travel location. The battery only feature would also allow you to take the device camping/backpacking.
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Originally published at macsources.com on April 3, 2019.
