How about taking the idea to the "Next Level"(tm)!

First step: configuration includes beep frequency (hour, half hour, 15m)

Second step: Set alarm time and have different beep at alarm time (perhaps like a watch alarm: beep for several seconds or until any button is pressed).

Third step: Have alarm play an mp3 alarm file.

Fourth step: Make the alarm be a playlist rather than an mp3. This allows you to have a playlist of alarm tones and select either random or sequential so you can have variety in your alarm if you so desire.

Fifth step: Select whether you want the alarm to start your playlist or switch to the tuner and tune to a station.

Sixth step: Allow multiple alarms, each with its own action.

Seventh step: Allow the player to record the radio when the alarm goes off (is that possible?)

Eight step: Turn the empeg into a TiVo.

Ok, so that last one's a big step