JensenJensen JCR-310 AM/FM Stereo Dual Alarm Clock Radio with Top Loading CD Player, Digital Tuner and Aux Input, Black

I first got this clock to replace a simpler one that played cds. When I was looking at the reviews I got quite nervous because a lot of people said they couldn't figure it out, (including people who boasted about holding prestigious jobs and degrees). But it doesn't cost too much, and I'm alright with tech, so I gave it a shot. I'm very glad I did. It works well and is quite easy to understand once you understand one VERY SIMPLE thing.WHAT IS THE MYSTICAL MAGIC TO THIS ALARM CLOCK??? There are two (2) modes. Because there are so many functions, some of the buttons have to do double duty. There is a clock mode where the buttons manipulate the clock. On clock mode you can set the time, set the alarm, hit snooze, and turn off the alarm. On radio or audio mode, (it's just one mode, I just forget what the instructions called it since I bought mine some time ago), you can cycle between radio, cd, and aux, set the volume, playback mode, etc. THIS REALLY SHOULD NOT BE TOO HARD TO UNDERSTAND.What seems to confuse everyone is one of two things. First, if you want to have a cd play as your alarm, you first have to go to audio mode, put in the cd, set the audio mode to cd, make sure the volume is good, etc. Then you go to clock mode, and set the alarm. This WHOLE LONG PROCEDURE takes me 10-15 seconds. It's not hard.The second confusing thing is that you hold down the button that changes the mode to turn off the alarm. (I think it's called power/standby.) This button only changes the mode, and turns off the alarm. It's not that hard! If the alarm is making noise, and you want to make it stop, (outside of hitting snooze), then you hold down this button. When it isn't making noise, you just press it normally to change the mode. THIS ISN'T THAT DIFFICULT!Now it's true the instructions aren't great. But is two modes REALLY that difficult to grasp? All the buttons are easily labeled. One mode has its labels in black text on white, while the other is white text on black. A couple minutes of pushing buttons, and reading the labels for the buttons, and I got the whole thing figured out. I've had it for a few years now, it still is working great, and if it ever breaks, I'll be buying another.tl:dr THERE ARE TWO (2) MODES! One changes the clock. The other changes the audio. If you want your clock to play a cd as an alarm, set the audio to cd, and then set the alarm. Two quick steps? Yes. Theoretical quantum physics? No.PS: I weep for humanity...

I recently recieved this radio/CD player as a gift, and so far I'm really enjoying it!Positives:-The instruction manual is pretty simple, I only used it a few times, and every time I found what I was looking for.-Audio quality is pretty solid. It has a mostly clear tone and sound that you can turn up easily. Of course it's not AMAZING, but it allows you to listen to the sounds you want to hear.-There's no parts you have to construct or anything! It works out of the box.-Has a wider shape, but isn't unnecessarily heavy, either.-It's easy to learn. The buttons are labeled, and everything you may not know, like the program button, is explained in the manual. Most of it is self explanatory.Negatives:-The buttons are hard and don't exactly push easily. It requires a bit more pressure, but then again, this isn't a hugely expensive radio/CD player.-No brightness feature. I don't mind this all that much, but some may not like it.-I personally find it annoying to press the "function" button for all the modes, and having to hear radio static as I get to the CD or audio input function. I wish they were seperate buttons.Summary:If you're not looking for luxury, then I would recommend this radio/CD player on the sole basis that "it works". It may not be pretty and perfect, but it does its role like it's supposed to do. It plays CDs. It allows you to listen to the radio. It supports audio input, and it has a clock and alarm feature. They may not be innovative, but it definitely works as what it's supposed to be--and is still worth a try.

My old alarm clock bit the dust after a power surge during a storm a couple of weeks ago (even though it was on a surge protector). I had the alarm clock for around 15 years and miss it very much. I saw this Jensen JCR310 alarm clock on Amazon and was hesitant to order it because of some of the bad reviews. I decided to order it anyway. This alarm clock is great. It comes with an instruction manual - IF YOU READ IT - you should have no problem operating it. The alarm clock has everything my old alarm clock had, even the color of the clock display is the same - avocado green - the only thing different is my old alarm clock was silver and the Jensen alarm clock is all black. Read the owners manual and you should have no problems setting the time, setting the alarm or playing a CD. The only thing I found unusual is the back-up battery compartment is located under the CD lid instead of the bottom of the unit like most alarm clocks. I have tested everything on this alarm clock that I will be using and they all seem to work fine. It is also heavy enough that it will not be flying off your end table when you hit the snooze button. I give this alarm clock 5 stars.