Macneil Windup and Solar Powered Portable AM/FM Radio with Built-in LED Torch and USB Charging Cable - Ideal for Walking, Hiking Camping and Home Office/Kitchen use - in Alpine White

This is the fourth radio of this type which I've purchased - this one was a Christmas present for a friend, and she is very pleased with it. I use mine in the garden, and also during power cuts, and I've put in in my backpack on long walks - it's small enough not to get in the way. The radio isn't bad - just AM/FM, not digital, but I've learned from experience that a wind-up digital radio is totally impractical, because it eats battery power for breakfast. It has a slight tinny sound, but for the speaker size, it's not bad. The flashlight is handy, and bright enough to find your way to the candle cupboard in a power cut. Power - winding it up is definitely an option in an emergency, but it will quickly become a bit tiresome, because you'll have to "top it up" at least every half hour. Still, it's an option, and in a power cut, it's better than nothing at all. The solar option is good for outside - I've found that if I leave it in bright sunlight, it never needs recharging during the summer. The cable charge option gives the best and longest lasting results, so I try to keep mine topped up about once every couple of months. All in all, a good reliable little radio, with the useful torch, clock, and alarm functions. Definitely worth having one in the house.

radio reception poor around industrial environment......picks up airport coms....Speaker very high pitched, virtually no bass....solor panel only charges in direct sunlight....average radio best for residential use where when you do get reception you don't intend to move it. The built in light is bright...have not used the alarm feature.

I love this little radio and would highly recommend it. I have wound it up twice in about 4 weeks and have occasionally left it in my conservatory when the sun is out and it lasts for ages - it hasn't stopped working so it must last a long time. I take it from room to room - I love the torch on it as well, comes in very handy. I just love everything about it and am very pleased with it. I haven't used it outside yet but it must be great to take on holiday and I will certainly be doing that when I go.

Solar charge works all day

It didn't cross my mind that a wind-up radio needs a battery .... well, it does ! Moreover, unlike a normal battery, this radio uses some obscure 'contraption' of a battery with hair-like thin strands of two wires that are themselves attached to a minute plastic plug. In other words it's a job for radio technicians. I had to use a magnifying glass to see the batteries code I eventually ordered one one from Amazon but despite all of this I still ended up with a incompatible battery - number was correct nevertheless. Anyway, as it stands now I can't be bothered with it . I remember the celebrations of the invention of a wind-up radio. It was going to be the answer for the people of developing countries - they could have reliable access to information. But I must have missed the bit about theses radios still requiring batteries ... and batteries are of obscure types and with a short life (measured in months).

Solar charging doesn't take play back for up to 5mins

Good quality sound as I use in the garden, easy to use and set up and very compact if you wanted to take away with you. I have only charged via solar power so far and did try wide up which are brilliant - no need for batteries what could be better. Handy having time and found reasonably easy to see on sunlight to - which I wasn't expecting to be able to see well. Handy torch added extra. Well worth the money.

I mostly review books, but on this occasion I feel compelled to make an exception. Saying that this product is the 'best thing since sliced bread' does not do justice to this radio. It's brilliantly conceived and brilliantly put together; and it's a greener version of a standard product - not totally green, though, as it's made of non-biodegradable plastic! Oh and it sound pretty good to. As for value, penny-for-penny, I cannot think of a better product that I have EVER bought. Nothing cannot be improved upon though: I'd love it to have an LW band too! This notwithstanding it's a 5+++ stars from me!