Etón FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Black) by Eton
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Etón FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Black)
Digital camera Review: Good Radio
Summary: 4 Stars
The Eton FR150 is a good product for it's designed purpose. I purchased this radio primarily for emergency, camping, outdoor, and general use.
Pros:
Sturdy, well built, high quality materials
AM reception and selectivity
Small size and light weight
Solar and crank power generators
Standard mini USB power connector
Sound quality
Cons:
Battery capacity
FM/WB reception
I'm a little disappointed with the battery capacity. You can get 45 min of play time out of it, but it would be a far better product if you had the option of using off the shelf batteries for more extended usage without putting wear and tear on the crank when away from a power source. FM/WB is clock radio quality. It's okay, but eclipsed by the very good AM reception and selectivity for a small radio at this price point.
This is not the typical poor quality product that you find in most small radios. The build quality and materials used inspire confidence. I was very impressed with the AM capabilities. From a Detroit, MI suburb, I was able to dial in stations from Chicago, NYC, Cincinnati, Louisville, Richmond, Chattanooga, and even Atlanta from inside my home, away from windows during good night time conditions-outstanding! The FM/WB reception is okay and usable for FM, but far below the bar set by the AM band. I wish the FM was a little better for WB usage since this product is designed to be an emergency radio. In all fairness, my local WB channel is pretty weak at my location. I can barely pull it in near a window. There is zero chance of picking up WB from my basement during a bad storm. The speaker produces decent quality audio for a package this size. The mini USB connector for charging the battery makes this radio a great laptop companion. I already had a USB to mini USB cable for other laptop accessories I use, and a car charger too for that matter. I even have an AC adapter from a phone that can be used. Great choice on the power connector Eton! The battery capacity is good for emergency usage. For general usage, this radio would be a much better product if you could use off the shelf batteries. I would have gladly paid $5+ more for this feature. Eton could have vastly improved the usefulness of this product by including this feature. As is, it's good product. I would purchase a similar size and weight competitor's product if it exists for the battery option though.
Digital camera Review: Good for the price
Summary: 4 Stars
Nice enough radio. I keep it stored in a sunny spot to keep the battery charged. Wish it was easier to get a charger to charge my cell phone from it, but I am still looking. Overall, good product.Digital camera Review: Great Emergency Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this radio as well as the Kaito Solarcraknk KA500. The Eton gives me 32 minutes of play time for 3 minutes of cranking. The Kaito KA500 produces only 4 minutes of play time for 3 minutes of hand cranking. The Microlink FR 150 is smaller than a dollar bill, making it great for a backpack or glovebox. This is truly an emergency/survival radio. If sound quality is really important to you, you will be disappointed. The sound quality and reception are fine for emergency purposes, but not for daily use.Digital camera Review: Great Little Radio!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great little radio. It does everything it promises to do. I think it's a must to have in case of an emergency.
Digital camera Review: Great gadget
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this for my disaster/hurricane kit primarily because it is both compact and fully functional. The radio was working great when I tried it out. The flashlight's not overly bright, but it would be useful if you ran out of batteries. Most useful is the recharging crank. ONE NOTE-- YOU MUST FILL OUT THE WARRANTY TO GET A CONNECTOR FOR YOUR CELLPHONE.
I liked mine so much that I gave a few away as gifts for Christmas.