Ask HN: Do things like WakeMate really work?

Seems like an odd question, but as I am just about to buy one of these things: Do they really work? I mean: Yes, I know the theory behind it, but: Is anyone here who uses this thing (or something similar) and is really convinced of it? And how does it feel waking up without these things if you got used to using it?

I pre-ordered a WakeMate on November 25th, 2009 with a ship date in January. After the ship date passed, I got a "we're sorry" email which said that they tentatively planned to ship them in February. No word until March when they said they'd go out in March. In April, they told me the following:

"Based on your pre-order date (11/25/2009), you should expect your WakeMate no later than 07/30/2010."

I've heard literally nothing since. Their website now says that if I order a WakeMate today I'll get it in September 2010.

I can't speak to whether or not these sleep analysis tools work, but I absolutely can't in good conscience recommend buying this particular device (YC or not).

WakeMate so far for me is a sad story of a good product with a poor planning/release cycle..

Also their front page still shows the wrist band that will look nothing like the one you will get

final wrist bands here http://blog.wakemate.com/2010/08/10/final-wristbands-3/

compare that to front page http://wakemate.com/

Perhaps they are shipping to their new customers; cause they think there is no way to please the old ones?

In my experience, it actually didn't work at all.

I suspect one main problem was that you could only set the alarm to wake you up within a 30-minute window, which meant there was a fairly high probability that the optimal point in your sleep cycle would occur before or after the alarm (given that the average sleep cycle is 60-120 minutes).

That said, it's one of those ideas that just sounds so compelling (Circadian rhythm!?! Sign me up!) It could work, the Axbo execution just didn't cut it for me.

I actually know the Wakemate guys, and I'm really anxious to try their product. I hope it works! For their sake, and for all those sleep-deprived hackers out there like myself!

One question I have for HN, though, is: given their supply chain troubles and the fact that, for all we know, their product may or may not actually work, what do you think about pre-selling a brand new product? Is it ethical? Is it advisable from a long-term strategic perspective (e.g. does it create the wrong expectations settings for your first users?)

I'd be particularly interested to hear from Wakemate!

Does it work? I do feel like both the app and the watch nudge me awake at the right time, but you need to be disciplined enough to actually get up and make use of an unexpected 15-30 minutes in the morning.