I agree that the light be too dim to be of any practical use . why do they even bother ? but I find that hotel have clock next to the bed that I can check if necessary . I just do not trust the hotel clock alarm and they be usually way too complex to set . so I have be use these for year with total confidence . they be reliable , simple , easy to pack , indestructable -lrb- suitcase have be store in blaze hot and freezing cold attic -rrb- and easy to set . since I figure the battery be go to go one of these day -lrb- they be yearssss old -rrb- , and it be easier to buy new than find replacement battery -lrb- much less find a screwdriver small enough to open the back -rrb- ... time to order a few more .