When is a clock not just a clock? When it provides so much more than just the time: temperature, time accuracy within one second per year, and a weather forecast, for example. This handsome wall clock, with its dual LCD screens and black-accented cherry finish, is an example of household life being enhanced by science. The WS-8157U-CH can hang on the wall or stand freely, with a built-in, fold-out stand. Radio-controlled time (to the hour, minute, and second) and date are prominently displayed, along with indoor and outdoor temperatures measured in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The day of the week can be displayed in English, French, Spanish or German.

Time can be displayed in 12- or 24-hour modes, and time zones from Greenwich Mean Time to -12 GMT can be selected, with three-letter identifications for US time zones. An alarm feature is useful as a timer, and, if the clock happens to hang or stand near a bed (or a couch that's used for napping), a snooze feature allows for gradual wake-up. The weather forecast, estimated to be 75% accurate, is based on change in air pressure over time. Three icons--a sun, a sun with clouds, or two rain clouds--indicate imminent changes in the weather. And there are two weather tendency arrows as well, indicating changes in air pressure.

The clock comes with La Crosse transmitter TX37U-TI. Clock and transmitter each operate on two AA batteries. For options in wall mounting, three screws and screw anchors and a strong adhesive tape are included. The WS-8157U-CH-IT measures 12-1/4 by 8 by 1-1/4 inches. La Crosse provides a one-year limited warranty on its clocks. Each clock comes with a thoroughly detailed instruction booklet. --Garland Withers

The La Crosse Technology® WS-8157U-CH-IT provides you with the Atomic time/date and indoor/outdoor temperature. It also features a weather forecasting function with 3 weather icons and a weather tendency indicator.