Conceptual bullet list of features:

. Smart intensity red LED or backlit LCD

.. Turn on bright during day (light sensor)

.. Dim at night

.. Turn off, with hand wave

. Soft-on alarm

.. Gradually light up ahead of time

.. Start music softly, ramp up to full

. Never-set clock

.. Accurate RTC chip

.. Receive RF broadcast of time from computer (or WWV if easy)

.. Set alarm with iphone app, website, or jog-dial

. Look nice

.. In nice wood case