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iPhone - iPod Touch

An Alarming Warning About Alarms

SUMMARY: Your iPhone or iPod Touch alarms should not be solely trusted for very important alarms - here's why.

While the iPhone and iPod touch devices have a built-in alarm clock, it is advised to not rely 100% on this tool for important alarms such as when to catch a plane, take medicine, wake up for work, etc. If you have a separate phone (iPod Touch users), set an alarm there as well. Use your personal or hotel alarm clock. Use a web-based service that sends reminders via a text message, such as Jott.* But whatever you do, set a backup.

As mentioned in various media sources, this feature has been prone to errors. During the switch to or from Daylight Savings Time, some people have noted alarms going off at incorrect times. And after the switch to a new year, some alarms have not gone off at all.

Plus, another obvious "gotcha" - if your device runs out of battery power, you will hear no alarm.

If you do not have access to a backup system for reminding, you may wish to consider other alarm clock options available via the App Store - just search for "alarm clock" for many apps such as "Alarm Clock Free", "AppBox Pro", and "Nightstand Central.

Note that Jott was not reviewed for the purposes of this tip but was mentioned as an example of a reminder service as they offer a free trial. Other such reminder services exist, and it is recommended to do your research before choosing one. iTunes applications mentioned in this tip were not reviewed but listed as example alarm clock applications.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >