Sangean MMR-77 Emergency AM / FM Portable Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sangean MMR77

What is most impressive about this radio is its relative freedom from power issues. This radio is very conservative in its power consumption whether one is using an external 3-Volt power source, a set of "AA" cells, or the supplied 2 x "AAA" cell internal-rechargeable pack.

Reading the pre-sales description of this radio one may mistakenly assume that it plays for only thirty minutes from the internal rechargeable batteries. In fact what is being claimed is that one-minute of cranking the dynamo results in 30-minutes of playback. Cranking for two minutes will result in one hour of playback. The longer you crank the longer it plays. When fully charged the internal rechargeable pack will operate the radio at a reasonable volume level all day and on into the night.

The radio has a built-in replaceable "AAA" plug-in battery pack similar to those found in wireless phones. These batteries are recharged by the dynamo. This pack is accessible and replaceable, after 300-500 recharge cycles, by removing six-screws at the back of the case.

Further two "AA" batteries are easily replaceable through an access-port at the rear of the cabinet. The radio can also be powered by an external source, solar-cell, wall-wart, or what have you, through a socket located under a splash-proof cover on the left-side of the radio.

The dynamo handle is sturdy. The left-side of the case is partially cylindrical in shape. The left-edge of the speaker grill is actually a rubber grip. The radio is well balanced and easy to hold while cranking the dynamo. The dynamo can be cranked in either direction facilitating use by either Right or Left handed people. Lefties will not be able to see the green-LED which illuminates to indicate that one has reached adequate dynamo cranking speed. A minor inconvenience.

The bottom of the case has four rubber-pads which when combined with the radio's weight cause it to grip well on flat surfaces. No tipping. The overall build quality, fit and finish, of this radio is very-good.

A splash-proof earphone port is located next to the external power-port. Both earphone channels are driven, monaurally. The radio's internal speaker is only two-inches in diameter. This is not a boom-box, but the sound that emanates from the speaker is very accurate within its effective range. Classical and Jass music sound fine. If you are a heavy rock-listener you may yearn for more oomph in your everyday listening.
The primary purpose of this radio is to provide information when the lights go out, but it makes a useful everyday radio as well, with the previously mentioned exception for rockers.

There is a small incandescent bulb that illuminates the slide-rule tuning-dial and provides enough-light externally for small-tasks such as reading your watch or a business-card. The lamp is illuminated through a small push-button on the front of the cabinet. There is another small push-button on the top of the cabinet. This button activates a chirping sound through the speaker. The sound is similar to that of a smoke detector, but not as loud. This does not seem like a very useful feature but perhaps some of you will think of a use for it?

Another switch on the top of the radio selects between the AM and FM bands. A switch on the back of the radio selects between the internal dynamo powered batteries, or the replaceable "AA" battery and external power options.

Most importantly, in addition to all of the above, is that this radio has very good sensitivity and selectivity characteristics. Analog-dial radio tuning may be a new experience for any of you that were raised on digital-dial radios. The Vernier slide-rule dial of this radio is relatively small so one has to tune slowly and deliberately to isolate stations. However, once a station is tuned-in, one is rewarded with solid drift-free reception. The audio is free of noise or distortion, has surprising fidelity, and good dynamic range, within the limited range of the small speaker.

I recommend that every household have one of these radios, and another in the trunk of the car. When disaster inevitably strikes the prudent use of this radio as a source of current information could allay further personal-suffering, or loss of life.

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Product Description:
AM/FM Portable Emergency Radio with 1 minute wind for 30 minute play time, can be powered by standard AA Batteries (batteries not supplied) and can also be powered by AC Adapter (not supplied).

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Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio Pair Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The T9500 radios are great radios and are the best I have used in the GMRS/FRS consumer family of radios for under $100.These radios have a great quick release belt clip and seem to be well built.The weather channels are a plus and sound clear through the T9500's speaker.I like the way the transmit button works.It has two switches built in.Press the button on the bottom and your radio transmits on low power (.5 watt).Press it on the top and your radio will transmit high power (2 watts on GMRS frequencies only).

Ok power, yes the T9500 transmits at 2 watts max power.It was hard for me to find this little known fact as this site and Motorola's own site conveniently neglect this info.I had to search the web and finally found it advertised on REI's web site.I am assuming the Motorola marketing folks thought this was a smart move as most consumers falsely believe more watts equates to longer transmission range.

I used to think watts were like horse power, the more the better.If you took two identical handheld radios one radio putting out 2 watts and the other radio putting out 5 watts you would get about a ? mile increase in transmission range under real world conditions with the 5 watt unit, all things being equal.But things are not equal from brand to brand and thank goodness for Motorola that this fact holds true.I have discovered over the years after using many different handhelds that what matters more is the quality of the electronic components, good circuit design, antenna elevation and electromagnetic conditions.Mostly what people will find with those other company's 5 watt units is they will use their battery up faster. If you think by getting an FCC license ($85) and a nice fancy new 2 - 5 watt high power GMRS radio you are going to see some massive improvement over your old .5 watt FRS radios think again.You will be lucky to get double the range of a FRS radio all other conditions being equal.I had the 5 watt Midland radios and took them back to get these and could not be happier with my decision.I don't see any difference in transmission range between the two sets and the Motorola's sound better and have better features.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio Pair

Product Description:
The Motorola Talk about T9500XLR is the ultimate communication tool for the serious outdoor enthusiast. With a range of up to 25 miles and loaded with features, you are ready to tackle the great outdoors.

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Cobra HHROADTRIP 40-Channel CB Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased two of these units for our emergency "go" kits and regularly carry one in the truck.

I like the size and features where you have both CB and weather channels, the hot swap between services is handy as is the CB channel 9/19 hot key.The noise filter does work and gives better reception under some conditions.

Some limits I've found: The antenna designed for use with the unit in CB hand held mode limits communications to under a quarter mile line of sight in my case and the magnetic vehicle antenna will go about half a mile.I'm looking for a better mast antenna for the vehicle.

The weather channel reception is comparable with my scanner.

One thing that I didn't realize when I purchased the radios, and this would have made a difference to me, the A/C charging adapter is NOT part of the package and must be bought separately so if you want to stay off of the battery charger merry-go-round I recommend buying the charger when you buy the radio.Be aware also that the power cord provided for use in a vehicle does NOT charge the radios batterys.

What I really don't like and almost caused me to return the radios: These units use 9 - "AA" batteries, I purchased 18 rechargable batteries - about 5 bucks each, I hadn't purchased the chargers with the radios and ended up buying the biggest stand-alone battery charger I could find locally, all of the chargers I found work in paired sets and mine handles 8 at a time, so 9 is a real pain.

Tom

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra HHROADTRIP 40-Channel CB Radio

Product Description:
Cobra's aptly named HH Road Trip 40-channel handheld CB radio is ready to travel anywhere you do, bringing access to 10 NOAA weather channels and a four-mile range from its 4 watts of power. The onboard SoundTracker system reduces audible noise and interference by up to 90 percent over non-SoundTracker devices. Whether you're using it for emergency backup or convenient conversation between vehicles or camps, the HH Road Trip brings you quality CB communication.
High/low power switch reduces power consumption, extending battery life during spells when high power is not required. The unit operates on nine AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-Cd; batteries not included), or runs off your vehicle battery through the supplied DC cord with cigarette-lighter plug. An included magnet-mount antenna ensures maximum range.
The Citizens Band lies between the shortwave broadcast and 10-meter Amateur radio bands and was established by law in 1949. The Class D two-way communications service was opened in 1959. FCC regulations permit only "transmissions" (one party to another) rather than "broadcasts" (to a wide audience); advertising is not allowed on CB Channels because it is considered "broadcasting." Citizens Band (CB) Radio operators are not required to obtain an FCC license to operate their CB equipment or provide station identification. Nevertheless, an operator of a CB radio station is still required to comply with the communications act and with the rules of CB Radio Operation.
What's in the Box
Handheld radio receiver, DC cord with cigarette lighter plug, magnet-mount antenna, user's manual.

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Motorola XV1100 1-Channel VHF Business Two-Way Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've carried around many military radios weighing 7-10 times this thing's weight and not been able to get out over a couple miles.(The MIL AN/PRC-77, affectionately nicknamed the "Prick-77" was a beast for a radio and was usually not reliable with terrible battery life).

These Motorola's are simply spectacular and the battery life on these units is really exceptional.I was a bit skeptical because I don't like paying $400 for a set of radios...but...when you really need to rely on your commo, this will do it...and then some.(Oh yeah, this radio can operate seamlessly with all Motorola Spirit professional two-way radios, including all radios in the Spirit M-Series, the Spirit GT, the Spirit HP, the Spirit Pacer, and the Spirit S-Series).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola XV1100 1-Channel VHF Business Two-Way Radio

Product Description:
If you're in business and need to keep in close contact with your workers and colleagues, the Motorola XV1100 business two-way radio may be exactly what you're looking for. With hands-free functionality, a lightweight but rugged design, an extended battery life, and enhanced range capability, the Motorola XV1100 is designed with the professional who cares about efficiency and safety in mind.


Take a closer look at the Motorola XV1100's functions.
A handy belt clip, plus a rugged design make the XV1100 perfect for the work day. Many work sites, including construction areas, grocery stores, hospitals, and warehouses, require workers to cover vast amounts of area in the course of the day. These sites also suffer from high ambient noises generated from poor acoustics, machinery, vehicle traffic, and other loud sources. Keeping in constant touch with your staff requires communication tools that are specifically designed for these environments. When communications break down, your organization becomes less efficient, and issues such as productivity, safety, and profitability suddenly become serious concerns.
Operating on FCC frequencies reserved exclusively for business use, the Motorola XV1100 is a powerful two-way radio that can help you keep your businesses operations on schedule, maximize productivity, enhance security, and increase overall customer satisfaction. (The Motorola XV1100 operates on VHF frequencies, making it ideal solution for working outdoors and in and around wood structures.)
Thanks to a newly designed chip and optimized acoustic cabinet that provides clearer audio at higher volumes, the Motorola XV1100 offers a significant improvement of sound quality over earlier Motorola two-way radio models. The radio has also been designed not only to be weatherproof, shockproof, and drop-proof, but also to meet MilSpec810 and IP54 standards. In other words, this is a radio that's built to take the harshest work conditions your job can dish out.
A radio is only as good as its power source. With the included XTN NIMH rechargeable battery, you will get up to 15 hours of continuous work between recharges, and if you find yourself running a third shift on the same radio, you can throw in two AA batteries to keep the talk flowing for another 24 hours.
The Motorola XV1100 also lets you spread out. With vastly improved selectivity, sensitivity, and voice compression in the receiver, you can talk up to 200,000 square feet, or up to 10 floors in a multi-level building. (Talk range may vary depending on terrain and conditions.)
The XTN-series rechargeable battery offers a whopping 15 hours of life. Of course, talk range is meaningless if you have continual channel chatter. With the XV1100, you have 27 business-exclusive VHF frequencies along with 121 private line codes, including 83 digital private line codes (DPL). So not only are you more likely to find a clear channel with no interference, you also get a high degree of compatibility with your existing fleets of radios.
Speaking of compatibility, this radio can operate seamlessly with all Motorola Spirit professional two-way radios, including all radios in the Spirit M-Series, the Spirit GT, the Spirit HP, the Spirit Pacer, and the Spirit S-Series. So you can add XTN Series radios as you go, or anytime you need to replace radios or purchase additional radios for your fleet.
And speaking of fleets, the XV1100 is designed for split-second cloning using the multi-unit charger. This allows you to quickly add radios to an existing fleet, or pick up and move the whole fleet to a new location and set it up in a hurry with all the appropriate channel and code settings. So if you're in a business that necessitates close communication with your staff, the Motorola XV1100 is designed to do the job safely, efficiently, and economically.
What's in the Box
One XV1100 two-way radio, drop-in radio and battery charger, rechargeable NiMH battery, radio carry holster, AC adapter, and user's guide

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Insignia - AM/FM Clock Radio with Apple? iPod? and iPhone Dock - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)the only problem I have is that it is in black but other than that awesome alarm clock; cheap, loud and ipod ready.

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Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this specifically for emergencies. In the big fires we had here a couple years ago, radio was pretty much useless on the first day - several stations were off the air due to power failures and the press conferences with the police and fire chief were all on TV.Eventually, the radio stations advised people to watch their TVs.This unit gets good audio reception on three local broadcast TV stations plus a whack of AM and FM stations. Another reviewer indicated that the FM tuning isn't great. They're right - it isn't. That's the missing star in my rating.The NOAA weather stations come in well too.Once there's no more free broadcast TV signals, I guess this will be an expensive hand-cranked AM radio.

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Product Description:
With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit's AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built-in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency siren, the lightweight and portable Eton FR300 is an excellent and economical choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources.



FR250
FR300

FR400 Hand crank Cell phone charger Emergency lights Siren AC adapter included Water resistant Tuning AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather Size (inches, WxDxH) 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. Power Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC If you want a water-resistant radio, check out the FR 400.



Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Eton's emergency radios, including the FR300, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio, you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR300 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR300 can provide your compatible p!hone with power in a pinch.



Important Note: Until this year, Eton provided a package of several different cell phone adapter tips with every radio. In 2007, Eton began instead including a coupon for a free adapter for whatever phone you have. So, the first thing you want to do when you get the radio is fill out the card with your cell phone's make and model and send it in to make sure you have your adapter.


According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR300 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. In fact, the FR300 was still going strong over 75 minutes after we recharged t!he battery pack. The FR300 can also be powered via an AC adapt!er which , to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)


Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 6.00 x 2.5 inches (WxHxD), the FR300 is made to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case, and stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The light is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but it is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The FR300 also includes a red flash!ing LED light that can be used as a distress signal. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.





The large tuning knob and other controls make the FR300 a breeze to use. View larger.
The hand crank generator tucks neatly into the rear panel. View larger.
An emergency light is located next to the tuning dial. View larger.

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Midland GXT800VP4 26-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned several of the top rated Cobras and Motorolas.I already owned a pair of Midland's older "5 watt" radios, but I purchased the 800's to get the longer antenna and any improvements they might have made to the transmitter and receiver sections.The 800's have no great surprises.Range is very good for a GMRS consumer radio but we all need to start disregarding the outrageous published claims by the manufacturers on range and output.They are largely irrelevant.If you want more accurate information on output and range, browse through the very helpful two-way radio forum at: http://www.twowayradioforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4

According to the FCC, actual radiated power from these units (at the antenna) is a bit over 1.6 watts, but that's very good when compared with most other brands of GMRS radios on the market.In terms of usable range in a suburban environment, think in terms of 5 miles at the outside;less where there are hills, buildings or trees. Less yet from car to car.

The radios are a bit bulky but manageable.Sound quality is reasonably good, and volume is only OK.All in all, a good investment for the money and a 3 year warranty is one of the best.Based on my experience, I can recommend these radios for most consumer applications.

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Product Description:
The Midland GXT800VP4 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio Pair Pack with Rechargeable Batteries and Charger represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in performance. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT800 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.
The Midland GXT800 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 26-mile range in open territory. In addition to the 22 possible channels, the GXT800 comes with 121 privacy codes to lessen interference or eaves-dropping, as well as all 10 NOAA weather channels and a NOAA weather alert function. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.
The GXT800 radio is full of features such as an outgoing call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, and five incoming call alerts to identify various senders. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, an auto squelch for filtering out weak signals, and a vibrating alert for use in both quiet and noisy environments. This unit provides High, Medium and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power, and a VOX function with selectable levels for voice-activated, hands-free transmissions. The GXT800 also includes keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.
Midland's GXT800 radio is constructed to be water proof to JIS4 specifications, so it can be used in virtually any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The GXT800 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland GXT800VP4 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
2 GXT800 two-way radios, 2 x microphone headsets, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, DC vehicle adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

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Innovage Outdoor AM/FM Emergency Battery Free Crank Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Do not buy this radio.The hand crank option failed to work on the one I purchased, which would seem to defeat the purpose of owning it.In addition, it is impossible to contact the manufacturer regarding a replacement.This is the second problem I have had with products from this company, as I also purchased a flashlight that did not work.Avoid Innovage Outdoor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Innovage Outdoor AM/FM Emergency Battery Free Crank Radio

Product Description:
The Innovage Outdoor battery-free crank radio is the ultimate necessity in almost every household. Durably built for everyday use, this self-powered marvel is ideal for use in emergencies like power blackouts, hurricanes, earthquakes, and more. Lightweight and portable, it's also a handy companion for outdoor trips like camping and hiking.

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Midland NTVP1 Nautico 12-Mile 88-Channel Water-Resistant VHF Marine Two-Way Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This radio does what you need - not what you don't.The reception is good and sounds good.The calls I have placed were received "Loud and Clear".It is compact and comes with any accessory (rechargeable battery and two chargers, waterproof bag, bracket, clip) that you could want.It also runs on AA cells if your rechargeable runs down.

It does not have Digital Selective Calling which is not something I care about.It is not waterproof outside of its bag - also not a concern to me the way I use it.

I am a 25 year boatowner and I think the radio is great.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland NTVP1 Nautico 12-Mile 88-Channel Water-Resistant VHF Marine Two-Way Radio

Product Description:
Stay in touch with your friends and family. Now transmitting... the Midland Nautico 5W Marine Radio Kit! SAVE BIG! 12 miles of range... that's a mile more than most models on the market today! And outfitted with 5W of transmitting power, the highest level allowed by the FCC. So you can stay in touch with your fellow boaters, your travel group or emergency personnel should the unforeseen happen. And keep up with changing weather developments with immediate NOAA weather / hazard notification. Extra-durable, water-resistant body, and the included watertight storage bag even floats! Breaker, breaker: AC / DC charger powers up the rechargable battery pack at home, in the truck or on your boat; Receives and transmits on all U.S. and international marine channels; LCD display shows current active channel, and auto-monitor watches active channel for transmissions; Auto squelch removes annoying random radio "popping" noises; 3 call tones let you identify different calls from within your group; Headset for hands-free talking and receiving; Volume control; Keypad lock; Scan function; Battery level indicator; Emergency channel 16 access; Belt clip keeps Radio in easy reach; Measures 9 1/2", weighs 7 ozs. It's coming in clear... order this deal today and SAVE BIG! Midland Nautico 5-watt Marine Radio Kit

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Philips GoGear 8 GB Aria MP3 Video Player with 2-Inch Color Screen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Philips GoGear 8 GB Aria MP3 Video Player offers a lot of features for its price: large storage, 25-hour battery life, high quality earphones, FM radio, voice recorder, etc. However, it seems to be poorly received by most reviewers so far. Frankly, my first impression was not entirely positive. But after most initial problems and confusions were resolved, this device(*) turns out to be a very good value as a MP3 player.

(*)Note: The device I bought is the 16GB version, which I feel is a better value given the minor difference in prices.

Some problems and how to resolve them:

1. Documentation:
The enclosed "Quick Start Guide" is quite useless. It is very brief, and printed in tiny fonts. Luckily, there is an "User Manual" found on the mini-CD, which is a lot more comprehensive. You can also go to Philips web site support section, and download the latest documentation/software for "GoGear Aria 8GB" (SA1ARA08K/17)

2. User Interface:
Initially, I was having difficulty with navigation and control. In particular, the PLAY/Confirm button often requires several clicks to register. Finally, I pressed the 'RESET" button to restart the whole device (it does not delete my files, by the way). From that point onward, I never have any problems with button clicks any more.

3. PC Connection:
By default, the device connects to PC in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode. This is required if you want to use the Rhapsody music channel. I changed it to MSC (Mass Storage Class) mode, so that the device behaves exactly like an USB flash drive. This way, I can simply 'drag-and-drop' MP3 files into the player, instead of going through Windows Media Player. File transfer speed from PC to the player is about 3MB/S.

There is one problem I have not yet resolved. I prefer to organize my MP3 files in sub-directories, one for each album. This player allows me to use "Folder View" to navigate and play MP3 files in any directory. Unfortunately, it will not continue to play into the next directory. So after listening to each album, I have to manually navigate to a new album and restart playing.

Other observations:

- The sound quality of included earphones is reasonable, but they need to be inserted deep into ear canals to work correctly. I prefer my old Bose QC1 headphones, since they cover over my ears and are more comfortable over extended period.

- The video player mode is mostly a gimmick. A small screen with resolution of 220x176 is barely acceptable for playing short animations. All video files must be converted into SMV (Streaming Mobile Video) format using the included software. The conversion is slow and inefficient. It takes about 6 minutes just to convert a 90-second anime video, and the resulted file size is even larger than the original (higher resolution) version!

- The GoGear Aria is highly similar to the SanDisk Sansa Fuze in terms of physical size (see my Customer Image), battery life, and features. The Fuze is available up to 8GB, but its capacity can be expanded using Micro-SDHC card.

In summary: The Philips GoGear Aria is hardly an iPod-killer. But considering its low cost and rich feature set, it makes a decent MP3 player for my money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips GoGear 8 GB Aria MP3 Video Player with 2 Inch Color Screen

Product Description:
Enjoy an unrivalled sound experience with Philips GoGear Aria Portable AV Player (8GB) featuring FullSound. A real joy to use, you can download online videos to the player and easily navigate content on its 2" full color display.

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Motorola TalkAbout FV200AA 5-Mile 22-Channel Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We purchased these radios for use by our children when they go out of the house.They are very easy to operate, have great reception and were inexpensive.They have allowed our children to have more freedom because they can go to the park, but we can still be in touch with them and they can reach us if there is a problem.I would recommend these to anyone.

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Product Description:
The Motorola Talkabout FV200AA GMRS/FRS Two-way Radios, which replaces the T4500 model, offers active families a simple and affordable way to stay in touch. With an improved outdoor range of up to five miles, these sleek and compact, water-resistant radios can fit in the palm of your hand or into a pocket.
The FV200AA features audible call tones that grab the attention of your family and friends before you even start talking. A talk confirmation tone will sound when the push-to-talk button is released -- signaling when the other user has stopped talking. An audible low-battery alert ensures that you'll have plenty of notice that your batteries are running low.
Note: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that operators on General Mobile Service (GMRS) and Private Land Mobile (PLM) frequencies obtain an FCC license prior to use. To learn more, please visit the FCC web site.
What's in the Box
Two FV200 radios and user's manual.

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Midland GXT710VP3 26-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A very good hand held radio for family communications at a reasonable distance of 3 to 4 miles,but if you are expecting to be able to communicate at the claimed 26 mile range,you will be disapointed, as you will be with any of these types of hand helds that claim over a 5 mile range, unless you can get access to a repeater, and that is a whole nother situation which requiers an FCC licence.
I bought these for there small size, ease of operation and solid construction, they perform as I expected and I am very satisfied.

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Product Description:
The Midland GXT710VP3 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio Pair Pack with Rechargeable Batteries and Charger represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in performance. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT710 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.
The Midland GXT710 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 26-mile range in open territory. In addition to the 22 possible channels, the GXT710 comes with 121 privacy codes to lessen interference or eaves-dropping, as well as all 10 NOAA weather channels and a NOAA weather alert function. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.
The GXT710 radio is full of features such as an outgoing call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, and five incoming call alerts to identify various senders. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, an auto squelch for filtering out weak signals, and a vibrating alert for use in both quiet and noisy environments. This unit provides High, Medium and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power, and a VOX function with selectable levels for voice-activated, hands-free transmissions. The GXT710 also includes keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.
Midland's GXT710 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The GXT710 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland GXT710VP3 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
2 GXT710 two-way radios, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

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Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to think that there is tremendous quality control variability with this radio based on the wildly different reviews.

I'm a radio geek and have been collecting radios for the last 40 years.When I saw the ad for this Midland I just had to have it.I thought it would be a perfect addition for my camping adventures.The radio seems to be totally loaded with just about anything you would need.It has a GRMS/FRS 2-way radio, an AM/FM radio, a weather radio, a clock with alarm and even a 3 LED flashlight.Add to this the fact that it runs on both alkaline and a wind-up rechargeable battery!Wow.

Sadly, none of the functions work very well.Both the AM and FM reception are very subpar.AM reception could only receive the strongest stations and they bled over adjacent frequencies.Many stations that I could pick up on a cheap pocket radio could not be picked up on this radio.FM was worse, only picking up a couple of very powerful local stations.

Weather band worked, but only barely.I was able to pick up many more channels on a little Grundig/Eton wind-up.

FRS/GRMS radio functions were similarly mediocre to poor.

Cranking was more awkward than on other emergency radios that I have used including those by Freeplay and Grundig.

On a positive note, the LED flashlight is nice and the clock/alarm is also a nice feature. You also get a lot of accessories, including an external mic, both car and AC chargers and a carrying strap.

Overall, I was disappointed by this radio.The fact that others like it suggests to me that there may be a lot of variability between radios.However, in general, I would pass on this radio.There are many inexpensive GRMS/FRS radios that would do a better job.If you are looking for a good emergency broadcast band radio check out those made by Freeplay or Grundig/Eton.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio

Product Description:
The Midland XT511 Dynamo 22-Channel GMRS Emergency Crank Radio with NOAA All Hazard Weather Alert and AM/FM represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in both performance and sound. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT850 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.
The Midland XT511 radio provides you with seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS (Family Radio Service) and seven GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, for a total of 22 UHF channels. Additionally, the XT511 comes with 121 privacy codes to lessen interference or eaves-dropping, as well as all 10 NOAA weather channels and a NOAA weather alert function. This powerful radio has an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and is operated by large easy-to-use dials and buttons on the front, providing quick access to important features and push-button communication. More than just an emergency radio, however, this unit provides you with an AM/FM radio for entertainment, a clock with an alarm clock function, and a three-LED flashlight for illuminating your way at night.
The XT511 radio is full of convenient features such as five separate call alerts that identify incoming calls from your group, and a e-VOX function with three selectable sensitivity levels for voice-activated, hands-free operation. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, and a keypad lock so you don't accidentally change your settings. This unit provides both High and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save your power. The XT511 also acts as a base station for big outings by providing you with a built-in charger that allows you to charge other Midland radios, so you are never without the power to communicate in the wild.
Midland's XT511 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a dynamo power crank to recharge its batteries without access to electricity. This radio runs on a Midland rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by alkaline batteries in an emergency, with a battery source switch to change between the two. The XT511 comes with external jacks for a speaker/microphone/headset option, and a USB cable to charge your cell phone as well. The Midland XT511 pack comes with the radio, as well as a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, an AC wall power adapter, a DC power adapter, an accessory microphone. This radio comes in a stylish black and silver color scheme, and is backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
XT511 radio with dynamo power crank, rechargeable battery pack, AC wall power adapter, DC power adapter, accessory microphone, user's guide and warranty information.

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Sangean PR-D7 AM/FM Digital Rechargeable Portable Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently read analysis of the Sangean PR-D5 vs. the Sangean PR-D7 radios.The reviews missed the point:These two Sangean radios target different market niches and needs.The PR-D5 is essentially a table radio while the PR-D7 targets folks that need a radio for domestic travel.I'm sure the engineers at Sangean see it this way.Why not buy both radios?

The Sangean PR-D7 has a clean crisp sound with very low noise floor on AM and FM bands, a great improvement over Sangean radios of similar size such as the ATS-505 or the ATS-909.BTW, I've tuned in all the major stations in the greater Phoenix area without a problem including the hard to catch 89.5, a classical station.

I have been very surprised at the overall performance of the PR-D7 radio and listen to this radio on a daily basis.The Sangean PR-D7 ($59) does 90 percent of what the Trivoli Songbook does at 25 percent of the Songbook's $200 price tag.

Still, the PR-D7 could use a multi-voltage AC adapter and a lock switch to be a complete global travel radio (like the Sangean ATS-606).Also, when traveling, cloth pouch would be a really nice touch.And while I'm making my wish list, the PR-D7 in a red or yellow case would be neat and easy to spot in a hotel room so you don't leave it behind.

One of the things I like about this radio are the controls, easy to learn and use, plus you can see the frequency and time on the display.

Update September 2008:I just recently purchased Sanyo's Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries for my PR-D7 giving me greater flexibility whenenjoying this wonderful portable radio.I highly recommend Sanyo's Eneloop batteries.

Last week, from my greater Phoenix location, I picked KNX 1070 Los Angeles about 10PM in the evening.

Update October 2009: After owning this radio for 2 years, my little PR-D7 fell off a second story balcony and is now in pieces, so I ordered a second PR-D7 this morning.I suffer from cancer and kidney disease, so I've been in and out of the hospital several times this year, each time, my little Sangean PR-D7 went with me.

One of the neatest features of this PR-D7 is the no hassle recharging of the AA batteries, the radio automatically does this for you!!!

BTW, I ordered this radio from Amazon on a Friday morning and received the radio the next Tuesday morning.How's that for service!!!

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Product Description:

An ultra-compact AM/FM digital radio, the Sangean PR-D7 weighs just under 1.5 pounds and measures 8 inches long by 4-1/2 inches tall. It features conveniently located and an easily readable display for frequency and current time. It offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity, and will surprise you at its ability to pull in distant stations.

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