Grundig M300BL Mini300PE Handheld Shortwave Radio (Metallic Blue) 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 Grundig M300BL Mini300PE Handheld Shortwave Radio (Metallic Blue)
Digital camera Review: BEST $5.00 RADIO I EVER BOUGHT
Summary: 2 Stars
Grundig sold out. Hard to tune. If it would have been $5.00 w/free shipping, it would be a pretty good deal.Digital camera Review: Charming, compact, decent sound, good reception
Summary: 4 Stars
I always enjoy finding a compact AM/FM radio for taking on trips or occasionally using around the house. The M300 is superior to the small radios I have from Sony and GE. Much better station separation and rejection of adjoining frequencies. AM reception is very good; FM is decent, but won't pick up weaker stations that other radios in your home may get. Have not spent a great deal of time with the SW, but was able to get some stations. Sound quality is excellent for a radio of this size. While some people complain about the touchy tuning, it does take a bit of getting used to. However, it is forgiving: if you dial in 1368 for 1370 am, the sound will be fine without any sibillance. Overall this is a fine product with some nice bonus features, like an alarm and a sleep setting.Digital camera Review: Decent, but has limitations
Summary: 3 Stars
The Grundig Mini 300 PE Shortwave Radio is a really small, compact and nice looking radio but tends to lack in quality when it comes to reception especially SW frequencies. The AM and FM stations work decent if the signal is coming from a powerful station but does not always get great reception from weaker stations or under certain weather conditions. The tuning dial is very sensitive and can be difficult to exactly get the station you want. Obtaining a shortwave radio station can be very frustrating due to the sensitivity of the tuner causing the station to drift in and out. You definitely need to have the antenna out as far as possible to assist with reception.
The radio comes with a clock, alarm, sleep functions, LCD screen, protective case and ear buds. I have found that I tend to only use the clock and protective case. The protective carrying case is very nice and comparable to many cell phone cases. It is important to know that this is an analog radio with a digital frequency display. The LCD screen is nice, but again, it is sometimes difficult to tune into a station. The tuning dial is very sensitive especially to movement. The sound quality is not bad for a small radio. When you get in a station you will be able to clearly hear what is being said with little interference or distortion.
This radio is best used as a back up radio. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces it is small enough and light enough to throw in a Bug Out Bag. I would use this as an emergency back up radio to hear any breaking news from a local AM or FM station when you need to know what is happening in a local or national emergency. Don't maintain high expectations from the shortwave bands. When used for this purpose I think you will generally be satisfied with this radio and it can be a great addition to your kit.
Overall, this is a low priced radio with limitations but serves a purpose. You won't be too disappointed if you know the limitations and have appropriate expectations of the radios capabilities. Keep one in your bag with a set of extra batteries and you should be good to go.
Digital camera Review: Didn't live up to the hype
Summary: 3 Stars
I've gone through a few radios over the past couple of summers... all I want is to listen to the Cubs game when I'm out and about.
I had recently lost my Sony, which was may favorite. It was the dark grey little digital one with a few presets, and a belt clip. So, upon looking for a replacement, I decided I wanted:
a) Another pocket-sized radio
b) digital tuning, can't beat that
c) This time, I wanted a speaker as well, so I can kick back with it at the park or the beach.
Well, after scouring through the reviews here, the Grundig looked like the best choice. It had great reception, a long extendable antenna, and "digital tuning"
The only problem is... the digital tuning on this device may as well just be analog, cause you still have to slide that wheel up and down... and it won't stay locked on your station. SO, what's the point? To me, digital tuning means two buttons for up and down, and a third button to "hold" or "lock" all the other buttons, so you don't have to worry about accidentally changing stations.
Plus, the power button on my particular model didn't work very well. I had to press it like 5 or 6 different times before it worked.
Anyway... very disappointed. A cheap $10 Sony, or Panasonic pocket radio could accomplish the same thing.
Digital camera Review: Excellent value, good reception overall.
Summary: 4 Stars
I was looking for a good replacement for a little Sony radio I had been using. The Grundig Mini 300 has far exceeded my expectations! Other reviewers had mentioned the "very sensitive tuning" and I agree, but once one gets used to it, it's not a problem. The AM reception is better than I had experienced with the Sony. I also gained having stereo for the FM as well as it's own satisfactory speaker although I usually listen using headphones. All this and then having SW bands to explore as well. All in all it's an excellent value. I would have gladly given it 5 stars except for the very sensitive tuning and a "loose" feel to the band switch. Neither of these things are a problem really, but just gives a "loose" feel. I'd buy another one in a minute if I had to replace this one.