Product Description

Available in fun and sporty colors like Metallic Red, Metallic Pearl, Metallic Blue, Metallic Bronze, and Gold, Eton's Mini 300 represents pocket-sized power. Weighing in at only 4.7 ounces, the innovative Mini 300 allows you to tune-into the world from wherever you are. It is not only a great AM/FM-Stereo radio, but the Mini 300 is also an amazing world band receiver capable of pulling in seven international Shortwave bands. With its easy operation, large LCD screen, and affordable price, the Mini 300 makes staying in touch with local and international news, music, sports, and culture one of life's simple pleasures.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24741 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Metalic Bronze
• Brand: Eton
• Model: M300BR
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.70" h x 1.00" w x 2.50" l,

Features

• Compact, highly portable way to bring AM/FM and shortwave reception with you
• Long-range antenna for receiving distant broadcasts; radio tunes 7 shortwave bands
• LCD display shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for sleep timer and alarm activation
• External headphone jack
• Includes handsome carrying case

Amazon.com Review
If you're looking for a solid pocket radio, and you think you might enjoy tuning in broadcasts from around the globe, then the Grundig Mini 300 might be the choice for you. This radio doesn't have the powerful features and reception of a higher-end shortwave radio, such as Etón's E1XM, but it does offer a convenient, pocket-sized way to bring clear AM/FM, and limited shortwave radio reception anywhere you go.

Small, sleek, and handy. The Mini 300 is ready to tune in the world wherever the notion strikes you. View larger.

Design and Controls
Measuring in at a tiny 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches and weighing only 4.5 ounces, this radio is certainly in the pocket-sized category. Grundig has spiced up pocket radio design with the Mini 300, offering this model in an array of attractive colors. In addition to the bronze we tested, this radio is also available in yellow, pearl, red, and blue. The tuning and volume dials, as well as the band selection switch, are found on the narrow sides of the unit. These controls are well-placed and can be operated with one hand. The front of the unit features the LCD display, power button, and a few push-button keys for setting the time, alarm, and sleep functions.

On the left side of the Mini 300 you will find a 3.5mm connector for headphones. Grundig has included a set of earbuds for private listening right out of the box, or the small, built-in speaker on the front of the device allows you to share broadcasts with other listeners. The Mini 300 gets its reception through a built in "stub" antenna that sticks up 2.25-inches above the device, and then extends an additional 20 inches. Although the compact design is handy for on-the-go listening, the "stub" portion of the antenna does make the Mini 300 feel a bit bigger than it should. A fully retractable antenna would have made this tiny radio a bit more travel-friendly.

The two dials on the right side of the unit control tuning and volume. The dials have a nice smooth action, but a note of caution: The dials can be easily -- very easily -- moved from their position. This is less of an issue with volume control, but for fine-tuning reception, you might find yourself re-tuning stations if you bump the tuning dial.

The Mini 300 is easy-to-use with a row of push-button keys and a convenient headphone jack. View larger.

LCD Display
The Mini 300's LCD display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. The display has icons that indicate when the alarm and sleep function are turned on -- a small loudspeaker and a bed, respectively. And as you flip through bands, the display indicates AM, FM, or shortwave selection.

There are two minor downsides to the display. First of all, there is no indication of which shortwave band you've selected. The Mini 300 is equipped to tune an array of bands -- 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters -- but regardless of your selection, the radio consistently displays a single "SW" for shortwave. Also, you cannot see the time of day when the radio is turned on; time is only displayed when the unit is powered down. Nonetheless, important data, such as band and tuned station, are easy to read, and the size of the radio certainly outweighs the limited information presented on the LCD display.

Tuning Options
Tuning the Mini 300 is very straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM, and shortwave signals. If you're new to shortwave, you'll have to take your time to find just the right frequency, as the Mini 300 does not offer an auto-scan function. Yet, even with our limited knowledge of shortwave broadcasts, we made several discoveries, and heard stations from around the world. Unfortunately, given our limited language skills, we did find it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! Even though the tuning dial is a simple, traditional design, meticulous tuning was easy and reliable.

After a little research and a good amount of time spent playing with the tuning options, we did discover that our best opportunity for tuning shortwave broadcasts was in the evening. AM and FM broadcasts sounded strong and clear, day or night, and we enjoyed listening to the radio on the bus and at the park. The Mini 300 runs exclusively off of two AA batteries (included).

Pros

• Compact, pocket-sized, and colorful
• Easy, one-handed operation
• Fast, accurate shortwave tuning

Cons

• Too easy to bump the tuning dial and disrupt the frequency
• Cumbersome "stub" antenna

What's in the Box
Mini 300 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.

Amazon.com Product Description
If you need a compact, highly portable way to bring AM/FM reception, as well as world broadcasts with you, the Grundig Mini 300 provides a nice solution. Weighing in at just 4.5 ounces and measuring 4.5 x 2.5 inches (H x W), this little companion slides into your pocket with ease. Its oversized telescopic antenna provides great AM/FM reception when you're camping, hiking, listening to sports, or just relaxing in the backyard. And because it can receive seven shortwave bands, you'll have access to both local and international news and music wherever you go.

Design and Controls
The Mini 300 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The antenna housing extends above the device, and it contains a long-range antenna for receiving distant broadcasts. Four buttons below the large, easy-to-read LCD control time, alarm, sleep timer, and power on/off functions. The LCD display shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for sleep timer and alarm activation. Meanwhile, tuning, volume, and band selection are handled by controls on the side of the device. A small speaker below the control buttons produces pleasing sound, or you can hook up a pair of stereo earbuds (included).

Tuning and Bands
Thanks to the Mini 300's reception of AM, FM, and seven shortwave bands, you can use the analog tuner to tune into your favorite local stations, as well as far-flung international broadcasts from around the world. The shortwave receiver operates on the following bands: 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters. In addition to the telescoping FM and shortwave antenna, the unit contains an internal ferrite bar antenna for AM reception.

Connections and Power
The Mini 300 operates on two "AA" batteries. A 3.5 millimeter headset jack is provided.

Extras
In addition to a digital clock, the Mini 300 also boasts an alarm clock and a sleep timer. It ships with a handsome protective carrying case, batteries, and a pair of earbud headphones.

What's in the Box
Mini 300 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.

From the Manufacturer
The AM/FM/Shortwave Pocket-Sized Radio is ultra portable—making it easy to stay informed wherever you are. It receives AM/FM and seven international shortwave bands. Features a display screen; clock; alarm; sleep/timer functions; analog tuner and digital frequency readout; built-in speaker; bronze-color case, 2 1/2 inch antenna and earphone socket. Imported. 4 2/7 x 2 1/2 x 7/8 inches(HxWxD).

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Customer Reviews

Very Nice Indeed!
For the size and price, this radio provides outstanding shortwave reception. I compared it against an old Realistic DX-440 and a Sony ICF-7601, and was able to pull in most of the frequencies that were received on the larger radios with equal clarity and sound quality. The analog tuning knob is firm and tight, but it takes some practice to coordinate your finger movements with the digital readout (which really flies if you have jumpy fingers!). The Mini 300 comes with two generic alkaline batteries, which is always a nice touch in this "batteries not included" marketplace. Plus they throw in a cellphone style, neoprene carrying case that is adequate and functional. The shortwave/FM telescopic antenna comes out about a foot and appears to have excellent sensitivity. The speaker produces a bold sound relative to its size, which is not hollow or shrill like many radios of comparable dimensions, and equally important, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The unit comes with a pair of standard earbud earphones, and the clock/sleeper features make this a very attractive piece of equipment.

Initially, I questioned the performance in the AM mediumwave band. Since most of my radio time is spent DXing distant AM channels, I was concerned that while the stronger stations came in loud and clear, bringing in those distant signals at night "seemed" to be a problem. Not so! Most nights I can pick up stations like WHAS in Louisville, or WBBM in Chicago which is about 800 miles away! It's all a matter of getting a feel for that small tuning knob.

Overall, in my opinion, this is an outstanding radio. If you're looking for something pocket-size that's strong in the seven supplied shortwave bands, as well as great FM and AM signals, this is an excellent choice.

Fantastic
For the price & size, this tiny radio is amazing & easily fits in any pocket!

AM-Much better than average reception for a radio this tiny.
FM-better than any pocket-portable I've used.
SW-I believe it might have an amplified antenna or an additional RF stage. It picks up more SW stations with it's built in antenna than any portable using a built-in antenna.

No RF images experienced on any band but FM. I live in the city so I leave the antenna down all the way for FM, & it performs fine. The AM isn't connected to the whip antenna, extending it for AM resulted only in increasing static on weak stations. I tried to clip a long wire antenna to it for SW. Some RF images & signal overloads occurred on SW with strong signals, but it did pick up a lot more stations that way.

The speaker sounds great & can go much louder than expected for such a tiny speaker in a tiny radio. Headphones sound great on FM, but are quite usable on other bands when you don't want to disturb others at night... Nightime is the best time to explore far away stations on the lower SW bands & AM.

A pair of 2000mah Lenmar AA rechargeable NiMi batteries lasted over 40 hours at about 10 - 4 hour intervals at a normal volume. They last longer at a lower volume or with headphones. Continuous use will be lower too. When testing battery life they last longer if given a break like in normal use. Continuous use will make the playing time as much as 1/3 less. If you play it real loud, the batteries will drain faster.

With a pair of cheap batteries lasting that long, who needs a bulky wind-up or solar radio?

Keep a set of alkalines handy if you want this as your emergency radio. NiMi rechargeables lose about 1/3 of their power per month just setting around. If the power goes out in your area, you won't be able to recharge them, & your local radio stations may be down. So DX & shortwave may be your only connection with the outside world & the news during an emergency. Alkaline AA batteries have a shelf life of years.

The tuning dial is a little touchy but one quickly gets used to it after the first day of using it. SW tuning wasn't as touchy as expected for this type of tuner, & less touchy than other pocket radios. Tuning is analog, but the LCD readout is digital & accurate.

Update 7/28/06 - Quote: "I live in NJ - southern part - and planned on using the radio primarily for Yankee games (880 out of NY)"

I'm way across the state in Buffalo, NY, surrounded by tall steel-frame buildings, & pick up 880 from NYC clearly with this radio day or night. It is more sensitive than most ordinary pocket radios, & almost as sensitive on AM as my GE "Super Radio". But my E5, DX-394, DX-390, & DX-380 are far more sensitive on AM. The E5 is the most sensitive portable on all bands... even FM (Sony fanatics may disagree but actual real tests prove them wrong).

Good radio for the money
I bought this radio because I wanted the features it offered in as small a package as possible. After having it for two weeks now, I am happy to report that I'd buy one again.

Reception is very good on all bands - AM, SW and FM. Audio fidelity is also very good, a surprise given the tiny speaker. I have no problem listening to Radio Havana, BBC, Deutche Welle (sp?) or numerous other stations, including my favorite AM & FM station. There is a small amount of frequency drift over time on AM and SW. Stations are easy to tune with the digital display although a light touch is required, especially on the higher bands. It is important to note that although the read-out is digital, tuning is analog - not DDS or PLL controlled; thus the small amount of drift I mentioned.

But for the money, a very good radio/clock/alarm which also has a "sleep function".