Pocket Radio Mini AM FM Stereo Radio Portable Battery Operated Radio, Includes Headphones, with Back Clip and Signal Indicator, Operated by AAA Batteries for Hurricane,Walking,Running,J-985 by PRUNUS

A few weeks ago, I was jolted by a small earthquake here in Southern California, so I naturally searched for my transistor radio to see if there was any news about the location and severity. However, I couldn’t find that radio, in spite of my frantic search for it. That’s when I went to Amazon to find a new one, and I was bewildered by the vast quantity and variety available for sale. I decided I wanted a small but simple one, without that bothersome antenna, or fancy digitized controls. I finally spotted the tiny Prunus J-985 model, which was a basic analog transistor radio, with no speakers, and where the provided earbuds also served as the antenna. It had an on/off switch, an AM/FM switch, a tuner wheel for selecting the stations, and a sound volume wheel. In other words, all the basics with no additional bells and whistles to add to the cost. It also had a metal clip for sturdy attachment to clothing. It was very light weight, and very small…about two thirds the size of a deck of cards, and all for only $17. Perfect!I read the accompanying blurb on the Amazon page, touting the features of this item, but like all such devices made in China these days, it sounded like it was written by a junior high school student who would have received a C- grade if it was a class project. But I decided to buy it anyway, because it also came with a DSP chip, That stands for Digital Signal Processor, which is supposed to be a chip primarily used in calculators. (I was sure it had its uses in radios as well.)When the gizmo arrived, I inserted two rechargeable AAA batteries, attached the earbuds, and began listening. (Tip: Buy a good pair of lengthy earbuds, e.g. from Sony, because the longer wire makes for clearer sound and the ear pieces are more comfortable.) Bottom line? The unit worked well. Quality of sound? About what you’d expect for a 17 dollar analog transistor radio. After all, “analog” means simple or usual, and that’s what the quality was…simple and usual. Actually, it was better than I expected, because it picked up almost every station in the surrounding geographic area. I even had a little trouble focusing the tuner wheel to the stations that I wanted because there were so many nearby stations broadcasting their diverse signals. I listen to my favorite AM stations when I’m in my car, but I don’t think I’ll be using my little Prunus, until there’s another earthquake or power outage, etc. Why? Because the number of sequential commercials on AM radio is a real turnoff. Give me Youtube, where you can zap the commercials after a few seconds. Can’t do that with a radio. Still, five stars for my cute little boom box.

Great sound, reception and quality, doesn’t rove from channel. Perfect on my walks in the hills where I live. I listen to both FM and AM music.

Overall I would give this a "4". I was expecting a slightly larger radio than this is, but it is a pocket sized radio, which is what I wanted, and I really like the clip on the back to attach to a belt or my shirt. I did have, already, a disappointing experience with it. I was trying to attach the radio to my shirt collar, and the channel changed; I didn't touch the channel. all I can figure is that when holding it, the side was soft enough to bend in with my holding it, and it changed the channel.

Initially I couldn't get the radio to turn on. I was using new batteries from a bundle I'd previously purchased in bulk. I tried several pairs without results. Apparently they'd all gone bad. After settng up an Amazon return I decided to pick up a new pair of AAA batteries in a last ditch attempt to get results.At last I got power and found that it worked quite well. It's very small and very basic, but it produces a clear sound and gets decent reception on all my local channels. It also seems relatively sturdy for the price. I don't know how long it will last, but for now I'm happy with it and have cancelled my return.

I am comparing this to the old Sony srfs83 and to the Sony srfm97. The srfm97 is digital, has great sound quality, and gets 40 hours of battery life on fm, or 65 hours on am on a single aaa alkaline battery. Why can't I find something like these Sony radios(or something better) that is currently produced? Why hasn't other companies figured out how to make a tiny radio with great sound quality and long battery life that is powered by a single AAA battery?

I love it. I love everything about it! Great size, Sounds excellent and Great price! I went for a 2 mile walk and listen to my FM radio. Wonderful! Easy to use! Unfortunately, I lost the battery cover and don't know who to contact to replace it!!!

Station goes out when close to any building. Not a good radio for walking around buildings

I bought this little transistor radio to look for power line noise on the AM band which I think is coming from Neighbor's house. I just take it and listen for static noise. But the AM reception is good. FM very good. Weather band is also very good. The controls work well. The case is THICK plastic and the battery door is cleverly constructed on a hinge. The battery light is always on RED and I guess that means good or on. The green tune light is handy and goes green when you tune in a station. The radio seems to LOCK onto a strong station no matter what the band AM, FM or WX. It must use a custom radio chip. If you drop it the case will probably withstand the drop. The antenna is bolted on really well too. Controls are marked well and the frequency for AM and FM and WX is clearly marked. BONUS - the frequency on AM goes from 520KHz to 1710 Khz so you can year a few extra stations at the top of AM. Strong belt clip that might break off if you try to break it off. I extended the belt clip 20 degrees from center and it did not break. I like the CE RoHS FCC certs on the belt clip. That makes me feel smart I bought a radio which was built well.