The Eton FR200: lean green listening machine
At just over a pound (and just under £25), the Eton FR200 combination radio and torch is just the thing for events from power blackouts to hiking expeditions. You can hand crank it, you can recharge its internal battery pack, or, if you must, you can use three AAA batteries (preferably rechargables full of solar power).
It receives standard AM and FM. Plus, the shortwave frequency coverage is 3.2 to 22 MHz, which includes the 13, 16, 19, 22, 25.31, 41, 49, 60, 75, and 90 meter bands. And it's also an LED torch. But say you've got an extra £10 and want a combination torch, radio and cell phone charger?
Well, then your option is the FR250. At £34.95 it's basically the same aside from that it's a little heavier (590g versus 500g), only comes in one colour (silver - where the FR200 comes in Metallic Red, Metallic Blue, Metallic Pearl, Metallic Bronze, Yellow, and Sand). I gotta say I love the human-powered stuff - anything that gets us piggy G8 citizens exercising a little more is all right by me. [GT]
