Review: Emerson ER100301 SmartSet Digital Tuning Clock Radio—The Clock That Never Needs Setting

Tired of staring at a flashing “12:00” after every brief power flicker? The Emerson ER100301 Digital Tuning Clock Radio is engineered to eliminate that frustration entirely. Thanks to its patented SmartSet technology, this device takes the hassle out of time-keeping, automatically setting the correct year, month, date, day, and time upon its first use and intelligently maintaining it through daylight saving changes and power outages.¹

This is more than just an alarm clock; it’s a modern, versatile bedside companion that combines effortless time maintenance, seamless Bluetooth audio streaming, a powerful charging port, and a highly customizable alarm system. The ER100301 is the set-it-and-forget-it solution for the digital age.

The Smartest Timekeeper: Zero-Effort Accuracy

The standout feature of the ER100301 is its Patented SmartSet Automatic Time Setting System.² This system provides a level of convenience unmatched by traditional clock radios:

• Instant Setup: The clock automatically sets itself to the correct time, date, day, month, and year immediately upon plug-in. The days of struggling with small buttons to cycle through settings are officially over.
• Power Resilience: A small, included button cell battery ensures time and alarm settings remain intact during a power outage.³ Once power returns, the clock instantly displays the correct time, meaning the “12:00” display is truly a thing of the past.

   

• Intelligent Maintenance: The clock adjusts automatically for daylight savings time and leap year, eliminating twice-yearly adjustments.⁴

   

Connectivity and Charging: Modern Bedside Utility

The ER100301 is ready for your modern devices, offering both audio streaming and charging capabilities:

• Seamless Bluetooth V4.1: Effortlessly connect your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices for enhanced audio streaming.⁵ You can enjoy music or podcasts right through the clock’s speaker, moving beyond the simple radio function.

   

• Convenient Mobile Charging: The integrated USB output (2.1A 5V) provides a dedicated port for fast and convenient mobile charging.⁶ At 2.1 amps, it offers a quick charge to smartphones and other USB-powered accessories, saving you a valuable outlet on your power strip.⁷

   

Personalized Wake-Up and Display

The features of the ER100301 prioritize a stress-free start to your day and comfortable viewing at night:

• Customizable Alarm Schedule: The alarm is intelligently programmable, allowing you to tailor your alarms to your schedule. Choose to operate the alarm on weekdays only, weekends only, or all seven days of the week, so you never accidentally set a 6:00 AM alarm for Saturday.
• Flexible Wake-Up Options: Wake up gently by selecting your favorite FM music or news station (with 20 station memories), opt for the traditional buzzer alarm, or use the programmable sleep-to music timer to drift off peacefully.
• Crystal-Clear Display: The large, easy-to-read 1.4” Cyan LED clock display is visible without being intrusive.⁸ It includes a dimmer control for ideal brightness customization, ensuring the time is readable in daylight and soft enough not to disturb sleep at night.⁹ A soft blue night light feature adds gentle usability in the dark.¹⁰

   

Final Verdict: The Smart Bedside Investment

The Emerson ER100301 is a highly functional clock radio that addresses every major pain point of older models. Its patented SmartSet technology delivers true convenience and reliability that is worth the investment alone. Add in the benefits of Bluetooth streaming, a fast 2.1A USB charging port, and a fully customizable alarm, and you have the definitive solution for your bedside table.

Stop fighting with the “12:00” display and outdated technology. Upgrade to the Emerson ER100301 for effortless timekeeping and a fully functional smart alarm experience.