this be a wonderful alarm clock for travel -- lightweight and easy to use . the alarm be about medium in volume . it start with a gentle rhythm , 1-2 pause , then get a bit more insistent -lrb- more ring between short pause -rrb- until you turn it off . the light be not very bright , but I find it adequate in a dark room . the clock fold very compactly -- the stand show behind the clock in the picture rotate around and become a cover . fold up , the clock be about 5\/8 '' thick . it arrive with the battery install . all I have to do be pull the plastic tab to enable the battery to start , and the clock be ready to go .