I purchase this as a replacement for a travel alarm which I use on a daily basis for many year . I love this design with all the control conveniently located on the front of the clock . however , when I test it in the dark I be so disappointed . it be describe as ` backlight on demand ' . however it be not backlit at all . there be two very weak , relatively useless , little bulb on either side of the time display that do not shed enough light to allow you to read the time in a dark room . this just will not work for I . I be return it . very disappointing .