CNET Editors' review
This program lets you set reminders and sync your clock with atomic timeservers, but its spotty performance is a huge deterrent. Banshee Screamer Alarm places a skinnable digital clock on your desktop and lets you schedule as many alarms as you want on a one-time or daily basis.
Creating alarms is simple, and you can accompany reminders with the default beep or a WAV or MP3 file of your choice. In addition, you'll find options to shut down Windows or run a user-specified program, document, or URL when the alarm expires. We like that users can assign separate sounds and actions to each alarm, as well as synchronize the system clock with atomic timeservers.
Unfortunately, Banshee Screamer Alarm took a while to connect and eventually failed to synchronize our clock. Timers and countdown timers also are included in the package, though we didn't find an option to stop user-specified actions when countdown expires. During testing, for example, we set Banshee Screamer Alarm to launch a file after countdown elapsed. But upon expiration, it kept launching the file until we're forced to use the Task Manager to stop it. This freeware is suitable for users of all skill levels, but with the plethora of better applications on the market, this one is not recommended.
Publisher's Description
From Hanov Solutions:
Banshee Screamer Alarm is a free, snoozeable alarm clock designed to wake you up. Play MP3s, execute programs, or shut down your computer at the time you set. Automatically synchronize your time with the Internet. Fully skinnable; import over 500 skins from other clock programs. Multilingual.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 12 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 12 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"An alarm - plain and simple"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Does what it needs to - enables me to set an alarm (or alarms) and snooze if I need to.
Cons
Not very intuitive to use. Sometimes doesn't sync with the time server.
Summary
The bottom line is that it does what I want - it allows me to set an alarm. It has a snooze feature, which I use if I need a few minutes to finish what I'm doing. It also has a timer feature, but I've never used it. This is not totally intuitive to use, so it took a few tries to get it right. I have to remember to set the time. I also have to remember to unset the alarm, or it may go off when I don't need it.
Overall this is exactly what I need in an alarm. -
"Easy and Awesome (like your mom)"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Everything about it from its small footprint to its ease of use
Cons
CNETS uninspired review
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"Small, Works well, but won't open with shortcut"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Good minimalist countdown timer, clock and alarm
Very low overheadCons
Wouldn't open by shortcut..very strange
Summary
I've had this on various PC's for years. Was surprised that it wouldn't open with a shortcut
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"Excellent Product"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Has a good look, easy to use once you get the hang of it, you can use you own music
Cons
After you download it, your a new tab will pop up and ask you to donate, not really a con, but slightly annoying
Summary
Overall a great product and it's free
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"I think it changed some settings on my computer"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Easy to set up multiple reminder alarms and set them to play different wav files or music, and to set reminder messages. I guess the snooze feature is handy, although I didn't really need it.
Cons
I would have liked the alarm reminder message to be more obvious since that's the main reason I use a program like this. I would also like an hourly chime option, just because I got used to that with the old program I used before.
Summary
Seems like an okay program, but I stopped using it because It seems to have changed the power settings on my computer so it wouldn't go into standby or sleep mode (not absolutely certain it was because of this program, but they got changed somehow after I added it, so I have to suspect Banshee Alarm was the cause).
I still want my old Alfaclock original version back! -
"Great Alarm Wakes Me with an OPERA or BIG BEN"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Just drop in an mp3 file and there is your alarm sound. Automatic activation sets alarm only for the days of the week you need it. Always on top with tiny size won't distract you from your work or ruin your page view. Multiple alarm setting possible.
Cons
Typing in alarm times.
Summary
What a good old alarm clock for your PC. It seems like I have used this forever. That is what a good timepiece is all about. Service and longevity.
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"Does what I need it to."
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
Loud and annoying alarm tone wakes me up when I need it to. It's simple and easy to use.
Cons
Gets stuck on timer
Summary
Older Version was better and less buggy
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"Best alarm anywhere"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
The Banshee works as advertised. I have several recurrent alarms set to different specs with different alerts and never fail.
Cons
More skins and sizing options would be a plus.
Summary
The alarms are easy to set and customize.
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"Exactly what I needed!"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
This clock runs in the background, has a regular-sounding alarm and is very easy to set and use.
Cons
There's nothing about this app that I don't like
Summary
Once it is set up, this desktop alarm clock works just like a regular one. You simply click on the clock to set up alarms. Nothing could be easier. I've tested it and it sounds like a regular alarm clock when going off and now I don't oversleep!
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"Great product, always goes off on time!"
Version: Banshee Screamer Alarm 2.55
Pros
easy to use, alarm plus timer features make for a bonus!
Cons
On one computer it always works perfectly, but on my other computer it must have had a faulty install - works fine if I leave it running in background, but won't restart if I close the program & try to run it again later.
Summary
Works great! Love the different skins available. I also like the fact that the window size can be teeny-tiny (about an inch across) to taking up half the screen. The fact that you can set it to play whatever sound you choose for the alarm is always a plus.
