Category: Gadgets and Tech

Ideal for your 70s-style pad, this Smash ‘n’ Talk alarm clock could also be just the thing to curb your aggression.

In terms of looks, it would sit well in a room that houses a Tulip table, the shape being a definite throwback to that era. However, this is also a clock with a secret – hit it and it speaks the time.

Add to that a digital display, three alarm sounds and the option of the time being spoken on the hour and it’s quite good value for the £20 price tag.

Find out more at the Kitsch 22 website

Most (if not all) digital clocks come house in a plastic casing. So how about going for one packed in more traditional wood? That’s what you get with the Furni Gator SE wooden digital clock.

Sized at 12 inches x 6 inches x 3 inches, it’s made from a choice of either light or dark beech or mahogany, all featuring the red LED clock, which has all the alarm functions you would expect.

A really stylish item, especially if you want something to sit on your stylish vintage sideboard. It retails from $120 (around £60).

Find out more from the Velocity website

Is your iPod looking a little too modern? Well, how about turning it into a vintage-styled timepiece with the Retro iPod Alarm Clock.

Actually, it’s not that simple – look closely and you’ll find the "bells" are actually speakers and the "clock" charges your iPod. But it still works as an alarm clock – plug in your player and it converts to an alarm clock, waking you up with your choice of playlist or song. There’s also a snooze function and a large chrome knob for adjusting volume.

Powered by mains only and compatible with most iPod models, it’s available now for £39.95.

Find out more at the Firebox website

We’ve covered numerous retro radios in the past – mainly DAB radios for the UK market. But this Radio-One retro Bakelite radio is even more authentically vintage.

Available in the US, it’s made from a butterscotch-coloured bakelite, but substitutes the vintage workings for a modern-day AM/FM receiver, with tuning via the front dial. There’s also the usual power and volume controls, along with mains power.

Available online and worth a look if you go for that period look, you can pick one up for $250 (around £130).

Find out more at the Kate’s Paperie website