A knot tied on my finger just isn't doing it for me.

August 13, 2007 10:47 AM

I need a decent alarm clock for my PC.

The ones I've found have either only played WAV files or lack any useful features. I'd prefer one that's open source, but freeware works too. Features I would like: Plays MP3's, has both a time of day alarm and a countdown timer. (I have winamp, but haven't found a plugin that works very well). Or maybe there's some other software that includes this functionality as part of a larger package?

posted by IronLizard to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

hmm i had a plugin for winamp that worked well enough for me when I was too lazy to buy an alarm clock. how many of the plugins did you check? i remember that there were quite a few, and the one good one I found was fairly buried in the mess that is the Winamp Plugin site.

If you have Linux, I believe Amarok will do this as well.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 10:52 AM on August 13, 2007

I use ALARM, which definitely plays MP3's. Free, too.
posted by fake at 10:54 AM on August 13, 2007

Best answer: I use haven't done this in a while, but I believe I used Window's Built in task scheduler to run the playlist file. If the playlist files are associated to open with winamp, it should just open winamp and start playing as if you double clicked on the playlist file in explorer.
posted by ijoyner at 11:02 AM on August 13, 2007

The FoxyTunes addon for Firefox can do this, presumably with any player it supports.
posted by djb at 11:12 AM on August 13, 2007

The Scheduler plugin for foobar2000 can do time of day alarms.
posted by gmarceau at 11:36 AM on August 13, 2007

Best answer: I use and swear by Chameleon Clock. Plays MP3s, has skins and looks great down there where your old clock used to be. Don't know if it has a countdown timer, but I'm still fairly certain it won't disappoint.
posted by Effigy2000 at 2:07 PM on August 13, 2007

Best answer: If you're okay with leaving a browser window open, ALARMD has all your requested features.
posted by desjardins at 2:21 PM on August 13, 2007

Alarm Clock! It says what it does, and it does what it says!

I've used it for years. It's loud, and very, very simple.
posted by killdevil at 5:02 PM on August 13, 2007

My ASUS motherboard has a alarm clock built in so the computer doesn't even have to be on use it. MP3 compatible
posted by DJWeezy at 6:51 PM on August 13, 2007