PoGo! Products "Radio Your Way" Portable MP3 Player and Radio Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been wanting a DVR for my radio forever (ok, for at least two years), even if I wasn't entirely sure what I do with it. Well, now I have one, and if this first one inspires other manufacturers or better industrial & software designers, it's worth the purchase.
Radio recording (i.e. why you would pick this up in the first place) is fine for talk, completely useless for radio. One thing that these reviews don't make clear is that the recorded radio quality is terrible - completely flat and a bit muddy. It's perfectly adequate for talk, useless for music. The recording interface leaves something to be desired but works generally fine. The fact that you can't actually pause a recording in progress, turn off the device, and restart from that same location is completely brain-dead. In the end, though, I was able to listen to some NPR shows that took place a week ago while walking around a campground, and that's all I wanted in the first place.
As an MP3 player, it's acceptable but feature-deficient. I'm not an audiophile and don't have a particularly sensitive ear, so your mileage may vary, but music of varying ripped quality sounded just fine - unless you fiddle with the equalizer, in which case every type of music sounds bad. There's a bizarre repeat feature but no shuffle, no mid-song stop, etc.
It seems flimsy at first but has held up under reasonable conditions. I think the size and weight are fine. I'm happy it's expandable (was a requirement for me) and am disappointed that the solid-state market is moving away from expandability.
(One later addition to the review: the battery life seems to be about 50-75% of what's promised; I'm burning out in 7-9 hours.)
So, generally fine and I'm happy with the device. I'm hoping for its success so somebody else will do it better.

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Product Description:
Early Adopters Pick: June 2003. This is the first ever portable digital AM/FM radio recorder.
Addicted to radio but feeling left out of the MP3 revolution? Love MP3 but wish you could listen to the radio, too? Tune in to what PoGo! Products is up to and enjoy Radio YourWay. This device not only stores and plays MP3 and WMA (Windows Media audio) files and provides FM/AM radio reception, but also records any radio broadcast--news, sports, or music--so you can play it back at a more convenient time or transfer it to a PC.
Ten memory presets help you find favorite stations quickly and easily, and timer recording lets you set the Radio YourWay to record shows you'll be unable to listen to live. Recording is as simple as pressing a button, and you can even set it up to record daily or weekly programs. On playback, it's easy to fast-forward through commercials or unwanted material and rewind as often as needed.
The unit offers a built-in microphone, letting you record voice (microphone frequency response extends up to 3 kHz, fine for voice recording) or create MP3 files from analog sources like cassette or CD-player outputs using the Radio YourWay's analog line-level input. Its native recording time is about 4.5 hours with the built-in 32 MB memory, but you can use an optional SD or MMC storage card to increase the recording time to nearly 40 hours (up to 288 MB between the card and the internal memory). When connected through the USB port, recorded radio or voice recordings can be transferred and stored on a computer hard drive. MP3 and WMA files from a computer can also be transferred to the Radio YourWay for playback.
A special monitor function makes it possible to listen in the supplied earphones to what's being recorded, and an HD mode lets you use your 32 MB internal storage as hard-drive storage for whatever file types you need to store. The unit runs on two AAA batteries (supplied), and a DC-input jack accommodates an external power source (AC Adapter not included). Non-volatile memory maintains your time and other settings during battery changes.
What's in the Box
Radio YourWay device, earbud headphones, direct record (analog line-in) cable, USB cable, external FM antenna, two AAA batteries, neck strap, CD software, user's manual, warranty information.

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RCA 7-2887 Superadio III Portable AM/FM Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you love AM radio and are looking for a radio that has fantastic reception your choice comes down to two radios: the ccradio plus and the GE Superadio. These are the best radios on the market for fans of talk, sports, Art Bell, Phil Hendrie, etc. Which one should you buy? I have both (the GE for my office, ccradio for home) so here is my take on the two. Both have nearly equal AM reception. At night, you can easily pull in stations from hundreds of miles away (some say even over a thousand miles away but this depends on where you live). There the difference ends. The ccradio has a lot of features that I felt I wanted in a radio. It has a sleep timer, accurate digital tuning, automatic timer that turns your favorite show on at a predetermined time, scan buttons, lighted dial, power cord (not bulky adaptor), weather radio (with auto alert), memory buttons, tv audio of the network stations. The only flaw is that it has a grab indentation rather than a full handle. They are a family business and take GOOD care of their customers. The ccradio company LOVES radio and loves people who share their passion. Is it worth the [$$] for the extras? To me it is. The Ge Superadio has a rotary - and inaccurate - tuning dial. This will drive you crazy if you do a lot of channel switching. Some people tape graph paper to the radio and mark where they found the stations - it is that inaccurate. There is no timer, no alarm, no weather, no tv audio, no lit dial, etc. The sound is better on the GE Superadio, though. The GE SUperadio feels cheaply made and probably won't make it through many beach or camping excursions. The GE Superadio is enormously sized - it is the size of a small attache case or TV! If you only want to pull in one distant station and keep your dial set to that station, get the GE radio. That is all you need. It has great, almost legendary, reception without any bells or whistles. On the other hand, if you love radio, need the extras, change stations a lot, want something sturdily built that will last a lifetime, want to explore the large number of AM stations that are out there, go out and order the ccradio with slightly better reception (see their website to order). I am a radio person rather than a tv person. I have radio playing all day (as some people have tv going on all day). I sleep to radio (and need that sleep timer). I would rather listen to a talk show than watch a sit com. I would rather listen to Coast to coast, Phil Hendrie, and Rush than watch another rerun of Frasier or Friends. If you are like me, do yourself a favor and invest in the ccradio. You won't regret it. P.S., the FM reception will be better than you are used to, also.
Bottom line: The GE superadio is low cost with no extras and big and bulky. The CCradio plus is expensive, has every extra you could want (except a decent handle), more sensitive but does nto sound as good as the GE for music.

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Product Description:
The GE 7-2887 Superadio III is a high-performance AM/FM radio withlong-range reception for both AM and FM, rotary loudness control, andhigh-performance station selectivity and sensitivity to ensure good signalreception. A two-speaker sound system with a 6.5-inch woofer offers outstandingsound quality, and separate bass and treble controls let you adjust the sound toyour preference. Convenience features include a fold-down handle for easytransport, a headphone jack for personal listening (headphone not included), andtwo-way power operation with an included power cord or six D batteries.
GE offers a warranty ofa year on parts and 90 days on labor for the 7-2887Superadio.

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RCA RP7887 AM/FM Super Portable Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're looking for a 45-dollar radio with no frills, the best AM available, very strong FM, big sound and you don't care about looks or big size, accurate tuning dial, no clock or MP3 output, you've found your radio in the RCA High-Performance Super Radio. I keep mine in the garage and it booms big enough to hear when I'm washing the car. The AM is great. About the biggest headache is getting used to the tuning dial, which is less accurate than any radio I've owned. But it's still easy to use. To get a high-performance radio with digital tuning, presets, similar big sound, and accurate read-out, you'd have to dish out 125 dollars or so for the Kaito 2100. So depending on your budget and needs, the RCA may be the best radio available.

If you're looking for a replacement for the now discontinued Super Radio, you might want to check out the even better Sangean PR-D5, featuring a 200mm internal ferrite antenna, the biggest one available.

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Product Description:
PORTABLE AM/FM SUPER RADIO SUPER RECEPTION SWITCHES AUTOMATICALLY FROM AC TO DC

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Kaito KA009 4 Way Powerd Emergency Radio Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this radio not only as an emergency radio but also as a portable radio if I need it on a trip.I live in NYC, so there is no shortage of strong TV and radio stations.The radio came with an AC adaptor, earphones, and a small shortwave antenna which attaches through the earphone jack.As a bonus I also got a T1 shortwave antenna which can eiter plug into the earphone jack or attach to the telescopic antenna.The instructions were brief and gave specs and basic operating info for the radio.The external plastic case did not seem especially sturdy but it did not seem flimsy or slipshod either.The radio was otherwise fairly small and light and would not present a burden to carry around.

When I got the radio it was already partially charged.I ran the batteries down after a couple of hours, then tried the dynamo.After about 30 seconds of cranking, it gave roughly 30-40 min of radio play.The dynamo didn't feel flimsy and there was a certain amount of resistance when using it.The radio also comes with a solar cell, but anything short of direct sunlight will not operate the radio directly (according to the docs, it can still recharge the built-in NiMHbatteries).The radio can also take 3 AA batteries, or can use the AC adaptor to recharge the internal batteries and operate the radio.2 LED's show the internal battery status - green if the power is good, red if the power is low.A third LED lights for the tuner or when the dynamo is used.

The radio functions pretty well.AM/FM reception was good and gave me no trouble.It does not have stereo but that wasn't important to me.One nitpick was that a couple of the printed numbers for the tuner were slightly off, but otherwise no big deal.The TV tuner also worked pretty well. I got all the major VHF stations with very little effort except channel 5.There was a lot of FM interference on that channel and it was difficult to get a fix.As far as the other bands are concerned, I know very little about them so I can't say much.I got a few stations on the AIR band but most of it was static.For the weather band, I got a rather low but clear signal around the center of the band.Everything else was clouded by interference from VHF channel 7 and FM.For shortwave, I managed to get a few foreign language stations, but without knowing what to look for there was not much I could do.

The radio also came with a white LED embedded in the side, with the on/off switch located just below it.The LED looked like a typical 5mm LED - not a Luxeon or Jupiter - which gave out a narrow flood of light and was adequate to light a short distance, or writing held close to the light.It otherwise wasn't as bright as a dedicated flashlight - my Infinity Ultra and Arc-P were significantly brighter, but it's good to have in a pinch if no batteries are available.

Overall, I found this to be a good emergency radio for its size, power and price with a good selection of useful options.

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Product Description:
The unit is a versatile emergency radio to keep in the trunk or take on your next camping trip. Although its performance on any given band is modest, it does receive an amazing number of bands: AM, FM, TV Audio channels 2-13, Weather 162.55-164.4 MHz, VHF high band 145-174 MHz and four shortwave bands (6-9, 9-12, 12-15 and 15-18 MHz).The versatile unit can be powered four ways: From 3 AA cells (not provided), via the built in solar cell, via the hand cranked dynamo generator (which charges the internal Ni-MH cells) or with the supplied AC adapter.Comes with earphones and antenna wire with clip.6.5x5.4x2.6 inches (166x138x68mm 477 g).

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Kaito Electronics Inc. KA500BLK Voyager Solar/Dynamo Emergency Radio - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I tested the KA500 along with several other self-powered radios for a project I'm working on in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.I found that the KA500 is a very capable shortwave receiver it's just not nearly as rugged as its competitors. Here are my thoughts:

What I like about the KA500:
- Solar Panel--the KA500 is one of the only portable shortwave receivers out there with a built-in solar panel. The panel is effective enough that it will power the radio (if in direct sunlight) without batteries and produce a reasonable amount of volume through its built-in speaker.

- The 5 LED reading lamp -- This reading lamp is impressive. If the batteries are fully charged, the lamp works for VERY long periods of time. I'm also an amateur radio operator and found that the reading lamp is bright enough that it lit up my large radio table.

- Good shortwave sensitivity -- For a self-powered analog radio, I was impressed with the shortwave sensitivity. I also found the AM broadcast and FM bands adequate/average.

- Good selectivity -- When a station is tuned-in well, you don't often hear adjacent signals.

- Good frequency coverage -- I like the fact that KA500 covers the NOAA weather frequencies, FM, AM and a very large portion of the SW spectrum (from 3.2 MHZ to 22MHz, missing only a little used piece between 8 & 9 MHz)

What I didn't like:
- Quality -- Though the radio feels solid in your hand, I found through my testing that the quality of the KA500 is actually quite poor. More than once, the tuning mechanism would slip and the needle would get stuck in the middle of the dial. The worst part, though, is the poor quality of the hand-crank mechanism. The dynamo and crank arm feel cheap. Well, they are cheap.After only a month of occasional testing--and with me being very careful with the hand crank--the dynamo started showing signs of failing. The crank became less fluid to turn and would rub the side of the radio chassis. One day, while slowly cranking, the crank arm just snapped in half. No more crank power.

- No Fine Tune control -- Kaito fits the whole SW1 and SW2 spectrum on a small dial. There were a few times I wish this radio had a fine tune control like the Grundig FR200.

BOTTOM LINE:
I sent my KA500 back and did not get it replaced. It's a shame, really. I loved the radio's features and overall performance, but was very disappointed with quality.

I could only recommend this radio to someone who plans on tucking it away and using it on rare occasions or someone who wants a basic full-featured radio but never plans on using the hand-crank.I'd also keep the receipt handy for the return (and buy from an authorized dealer like Amazon or Universal Radio).

For my purposes, I will be using the Grundig/Et

COBY CX-CB12 AM/FM/LW/SW 12-Band Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For most people, Coby isn't the first name that comes to mind when you think of bang-for-the-buck electronics, but if ever the company had the opportunity for a turning point, or at least a shining exception, the CX-CB12 could be it. Know ahead of time that this radio doesn't break any new ground in sensitivity or selectivity - it picks up the same AM and FM stations at the same strength as any other under-$50 radio you've ever used. That being said, this radio has some big advantages.

A quick glance at the wider-than-tall analog display gives you an idea of it's expansive shortwave band coverage. There aren't any other radios in that under-$50 class that let you listen in on the 60 all the way to the 13 meter bands. Any and all of the major international SW broadcasts can potentially be received by this radio.

The control surfaces belong on a much more expensive unit - the power and band selection switches on the front move with luxury car smoothness, and the large, open tuning and volume wheels on the right side have clearly been designed for comfortable long-term listening.

Add to this incredible battery life. With only the little "Tune" LED contributing to power drain aside from the actual radio circuit (the power and band selection indicators are all mechanical), you can enjoy several hours of listening a day for literally months without replacing batteries.

Should you purchase one of these gems, you should also pick up a $10 pocket reel antenna (available here on Amazon and anywhere else radios are taken seriously), which will exponentially improve your SW reception. I have picked up several numbers stations (Google "numbers stations" if you don't know what those are) using only this $10 radio and $10 antenna setup. You won't be able to use a bare wire or large antenna, as powerful and/or nearby AM stations will flood the dial at all bands and frequencies, rendering reception impossible (yes, you'll have to spend more than $20 to hardcore DX). Accessory-wise, the included earbuds are of course cheap, but this makes sense as the purchase price should go towards the actual radio itself, not earphones. A quality set of headphones will result in quality sound.

And all of this for *ten bucks*. It's an ideal first SW set - if you or someone you know is interested in what the buzz is about shortwave, you can get your foot in the door here for the cost of lunch. At this price, losing it on vacation or having a curious youngster immolate one isn't such a big deal. It's quite possible that this is the low-cost mass-produced Model T of shortwave radios, and hopefully Coby will take note and build on this example in the future.

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Product Description:

The Coby CXCB12 World Band AM/FM/LW/SW Radio is a simple multi-functional solution for your portable radio needs. Its sleek yet classic design features an integrated full-range speaker and headphone jack for private listening. Digital LCD display and capability to receive SW 1-7 world bands are just a few of its many features.Features:

Sensitive AM/FM analog tuner
Receives LW/SW 1-9 world bands
DX/Local switch
LED tuning lock indicator
High-performance telescopic antenna
Integrated full-range speaker
3.5mm headphone jack
2-way power with AC/DC operation
3V DC jack (adapter not included)
Requires 2 x "AA" batteries (not included)

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