That is why a post like this should not be down played. When people that have never seen such a gadget or creative idea, look at this and say, "That's a really cool idea! How can I apply that to something useful?", that's a kind of inspiration.
Even though the clock is not cost effective, it is a novelty item that some people would put a lot more value on than the $3 Wal-Mart desk clock. You never can tell what the next guy might come up with, with the right inspiration.

Jon