Perfect clock for the bed-side. The progressive alarm is pleasant to awaken to. I like the large D-cell battery. The alarm is a little heavy and bulky if you were to travel with it, but if you want a dependable, non-electric alarm this fits the bill. I particularly like the illumination option so at night you can turn on the lighted display (and see the large numerals) without glasses. During the day you can turn off the light and conserve the battery. I did not have a problem with the battery door. For the money this is a good little alarm clock.