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