Comments on: The Alarm Clock Showdown: Awaken vs. Aurora http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/ Mac Apps, Reviews, Previews, Interviews, and Giveaways. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:57:29 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: EJ http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-154463 EJ Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:13:36 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-154463 Unlike Aurora as mentioned above, AWAKEN works EVEN IF YOU HAVE A LOGIN PASSWORD! That's right, if your Security preferences have the "require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver" checked, it's no problem. Just be sure your laptop is open if it's asleep (leave the cover almost shut if you're worried about dust). Unlike Aurora as mentioned above, AWAKEN works EVEN IF YOU HAVE A LOGIN PASSWORD! That’s right, if your Security preferences have the “require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver” checked, it’s no problem. Just be sure your laptop is open if it’s asleep (leave the cover almost shut if you’re worried about dust).

]]> By: Roger http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-101258 Roger Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:06:09 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-101258 The ability to turn on a powered off Mac is built into the operating system. If that's the sticking point, just use your Mac's built in scheduler to turn on the Mac, then the alarm should work just fine in Awaken. But like someone said, they are going to add that feature soon! The ability to turn on a powered off Mac is built into the operating system. If that’s the sticking point, just use your Mac’s built in scheduler to turn on the Mac, then the alarm should work just fine in Awaken. But like someone said, they are going to add that feature soon!

]]> By: wessley http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-77176 wessley Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:12:19 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-77176 Why none of these allows you not to modify the current volume level!? You always have to set up a volume level. How about just leave it the way it is when an alarm goes off. It feels kinda weird to be listening to music at say 7/10 volume, have an alarm going off and lowering the whole thing to 3/10 (or vice-versa!) Why none of these allows you not to modify the current volume level!?

You always have to set up a volume level. How about just leave it the way it is when an alarm goes off.

It feels kinda weird to be listening to music at say 7/10 volume, have an alarm going off and lowering the whole thing to 3/10 (or vice-versa!)

]]> By: Joe http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-63995 Joe Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:47:57 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-63995 Another one for alarm clock 2... free, small, light weight, easy to use and reliable. Another one for alarm clock 2… free, small, light weight, easy to use and reliable.

]]> By: Ryan Sandberg http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-63038 Ryan Sandberg Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:54:39 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-63038 I tried Aurora before it went to shareware, and it was VERY glitchy for me. I got the MacHeist bundle, and got Awaken, and I'm never switching back. It's got more than enough features for me, and its UI is amazing. I can't ask for anything more. I tried Aurora before it went to shareware, and it was VERY glitchy for me. I got the MacHeist bundle, and got Awaken, and I’m never switching back. It’s got more than enough features for me, and its UI is amazing. I can’t ask for anything more.

]]> By: strawberry http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62957 strawberry Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:50:26 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62957 I just use ical, automator and itunes. Its free. I just use ical, automator and itunes. Its free.

]]> By: Jerry Brace http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62755 Jerry Brace Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:24:53 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62755 @Shawn - the ability to turn on a powered off Mac was originally slated to be a feature in Awaken 4 but it was dropped due to some bugs to be worked out. This feature will be coming in version 4.1 which is in development now. I would be interested to hear if you would prefer this to be an app-wide preference or a choice per alarm. @Shawn – the ability to turn on a powered off Mac was originally slated to be a feature in Awaken 4 but it was dropped due to some bugs to be worked out. This feature will be coming in version 4.1 which is in development now. I would be interested to hear if you would prefer this to be an app-wide preference or a choice per alarm.

]]> By: Shawin http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62728 Shawin Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:24:07 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62728 Hi there, I've tried the previous versions of both, the betas as well as the final versions. Awaken couldn't turn on my macbook which had been switched off at night. Only 'sleep' works. With Aurora, I can turn off the macbook completely and it will turn on automatically and wake me up nicely each morning. There's no good alternative to Aurora 4. If you want a free one, or you have Tiger, you could get Aurora 3. Hi there,
I’ve tried the previous versions of both, the betas as well as the final versions. Awaken couldn’t turn on my macbook which had been switched off at night. Only ’sleep’ works. With Aurora, I can turn off the macbook completely and it will turn on automatically and wake me up nicely each morning. There’s no good alternative to Aurora 4. If you want a free one, or you have Tiger, you could get Aurora 3.

]]> By: Jack Amick http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62573 Jack Amick Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:56:12 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62573 Thanks for the tip Jerry. That new update looks great. Thanks for the tip Jerry. That new update looks great.

]]> By: macgasm http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62530 macgasm Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:34:17 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62530 Nice review. I prefer awaken personally, but for the most part they're both pretty interchangeable in my opinion. Nice review. I prefer awaken personally, but for the most part they’re both pretty interchangeable in my opinion.

]]> By: Jerry Brace http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62469 Jerry Brace Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:35:38 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62469 Hey guys - Jerry here from Embraceware. First - thanks for the review! Second - we're super busy working on Awaken 4.1 which will be a major update feature-wise. As with all updates - 4.1 will be free update. The first sneak peek is on our blog: http://embraceware.com/blog/ If anyone has any comments/questions for us we'd be glad to answer them via support@embraceware.com. We have a new person to help with support emails (http://embraceware.com/company/ she knows Awaken inside and out). Happy Easter/chocolate weekend :) Hey guys – Jerry here from Embraceware. First – thanks for the review! Second – we’re super busy working on Awaken 4.1 which will be a major update feature-wise. As with all updates – 4.1 will be free update.

The first sneak peek is on our blog: http://embraceware.com/blog/

If anyone has any comments/questions for us we’d be glad to answer them via support@embraceware.com. We have a new person to help with support emails (http://embraceware.com/company/ she knows Awaken inside and out).

Happy Easter/chocolate weekend :)

]]> By: Jason http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62373 Jason Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:36:31 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62373 Like Van Lam said above, Alarm Clock 2 is free, can wake your computer from sleep (regardless of password) and works with the Apple remote. And yes, it is really simple to use. Not sure I would pay for an alarm for the computer, though if I had EyeTV, Aurora's "wake to" feature sounds nice. Like Van Lam said above, Alarm Clock 2 is free, can wake your computer from sleep (regardless of password) and works with the Apple remote.

And yes, it is really simple to use.

Not sure I would pay for an alarm for the computer, though if I had EyeTV, Aurora’s “wake to” feature sounds nice.

]]> By: agua http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62263 agua Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:26:07 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62263 I've had the honor of owning Awaken since my Mac Heist 2 purchase, and I LOVE IT. Simple, elegant, easy, reliable. I have my mini hooked up to my stereo system and tv, so it wakes me up when I need it, reminds me to do certain things etc.etc. Its the best. I’ve had the honor of owning Awaken since my Mac Heist 2 purchase, and I LOVE IT. Simple, elegant, easy, reliable. I have my mini hooked up to my stereo system and tv, so it wakes me up when I need it, reminds me to do certain things etc.etc. Its the best.

]]> By: Dan http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62190 Dan Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:33:51 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62190 Aurora can wake your computer from being shut down as long as its open and you don't have a login password. I haven't upgraded to Aurora 4 yet because version 3 does everything I need. Aurora can wake your computer from being shut down as long as its open and you don’t have a login password. I haven’t upgraded to Aurora 4 yet because version 3 does everything I need.

]]> By: Brandon http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62189 Brandon Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:31:23 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62189 I've been using Awaken for well over a year now. It's great for me as someone who spends most nights in hotels. I've never trusted hotel alarm clocks and wake up calls are annoying. Awaken lets me wake up to my iTunes as the volume gently ramps up and I can leave the Mac on the desk and hit snooze with the remote! I’ve been using Awaken for well over a year now. It’s great for me as someone who spends most nights in hotels. I’ve never trusted hotel alarm clocks and wake up calls are annoying. Awaken lets me wake up to my iTunes as the volume gently ramps up and I can leave the Mac on the desk and hit snooze with the remote!

]]> By: Matt J http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62026 Matt J Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:33:31 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62026 You can leave the laptop open, but still put it to sleep. You can leave the laptop open, but still put it to sleep.

]]> By: AC http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-62005 AC Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:05:14 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-62005 I agree with jayKayEss - would rather use my cell as an alarm as opposed to my laptop. If the laptop is doing nothing in the night, I tend to put it to sleep. I agree with jayKayEss – would rather use my cell as an alarm as opposed to my laptop. If the laptop is doing nothing in the night, I tend to put it to sleep.

]]> By: jayKayEss http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-61990 jayKayEss Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:19:51 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-61990 Seems a little irresponsible to leave your laptop on all night, sucking up power, just to play an MP3 at 8am. Why not get an alarm clock with an iPod dock? Seems a little irresponsible to leave your laptop on all night, sucking up power, just to play an MP3 at 8am. Why not get an alarm clock with an iPod dock?

]]> By: Ammon Beckstrom http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-61961 Ammon Beckstrom Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:13:55 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-61961 I got Awaken as part of the recent MacHeist 2 Bundle and thought I would never use it. Somehow, I gave it a try, fell in love with it, and now I rely on it every day! Also, the Awaken developers are fantastic, they are great about interacting with the Mac community and responding to feedback. I got Awaken as part of the recent MacHeist 2 Bundle and thought I would never use it. Somehow, I gave it a try, fell in love with it, and now I rely on it every day!

Also, the Awaken developers are fantastic, they are great about interacting with the Mac community and responding to feedback.

]]> By: Van Lam http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-61949 Van Lam Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:23:09 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-61949 Ah... nothing like using a thousand dollar computer to replace a ten dollar alarm clock. Seriously though, Robbie Hanson's "Alarm Clock 2" does pretty much everything you need for free: http://www.robbiehanson.com/alarmclock/ Ah… nothing like using a thousand dollar computer to replace a ten dollar alarm clock.

Seriously though, Robbie Hanson’s “Alarm Clock 2″ does pretty much everything you need for free:

http://www.robbiehanson.com/alarmclock/

]]> By: rmaspero http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-61940 rmaspero Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:13:24 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-61940 I have Awaken and they sponsor my blog because I love them so much!! I have Awaken and they sponsor my blog because I love them so much!!

]]> By: marieboyer http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/comment-page-1/#comment-61927 marieboyer Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:29:41 +0000 http://macapper.com/2008/03/21/the-alarm-clock-showdown-awaken-vs-aurora/#comment-61927 I have Awaken and love it. I gave up on Alarm Clock Pro once I started using Awaken (because of simplicity of Awaken by comparison). Great user interface and silky, smooth functionality make this app a winner. But what sets it apart even farther from other competitors are these 2 things: 1. The developer is amazing. Never received such good customer service in all my life. He responds instantly to email questions and always asks for more feedback from his customers. 2. Updates are free for life. Not sure how you can beat that! I have Awaken and love it. I gave up on Alarm Clock Pro once I started using Awaken (because of simplicity of Awaken by comparison). Great user interface and silky, smooth functionality make this app a winner. But what sets it apart even farther from other competitors are these 2 things:
1. The developer is amazing. Never received such good customer service in all my life. He responds instantly to email questions and always asks for more feedback from his customers.
2. Updates are free for life.
Not sure how you can beat that!

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