Travel-friendly alarm clocks: worried about sleeping through a meeting or missing a flight? These tiny timepieces slip easily into your suitcase to keep you on schedule

Shape, May, 2007

* Back to basics

This bright retro Bai Pick Up alarm clock ($28; flight001.com) is simplicity at its best. There are no bells or whistles to figure out, just a buzzer and a snooze button. The clock also lights up when you lift it, so it's perfect for those middle-of-the-night time checks. Available in green or blue (size: 3" x 3.5" x 1.75")

* A gentler way to wake up

Don't want to disturb your significant other? Slide the slim Lifemax 331 Under Pillow Vibration alarm clock ($31; lifemaxdirect.com) beneath your pillow and the vibration will quietly wake you (it also has a buzzer, if you prefer). Available in silver (size: 3.6" x 2.8" x 0.63")

* "Note-able" features

You can program the Troika ODM alarm clock ($36; troikausa.com) with a scrolling message. Use it for notes or reminders, like your flight number. The built-in calendar means you'll never think it's Tuesday on Monday again. Available in white (size: 2.5" x 3.75" x 1")