.Video may have killed radio and MP3 players, CD players, but streaming audio hasn’t killed radio yet. You can still buy a portable radio and get unlimited music and information for free. There is no expensive data plan and there is no monthly fee. Everyone takes the radio for granted, however there is a lot of difference between radio receivers. The Memorex AM/Fm pocket radio aims to provide good ergonomics and good performance at a reasonable price. Priced between $16 and $20, the Memorex is more expensive than the cheap $5 radios you can find at Big Lots, but the models are less expensive than A small number of radio enthusiasts asked.
Dimensions. Note the AM/FM pocket radio is about the size of a small “dumb” cell phone or a large Zippo is lighter. It measures 1 5/8 inches by 3 1/8 inches by 3/4 inches.
Ergonomics. The radio is manually activated via a traditional wheel on the side of the unit. The volume is controlled by another wheel on the top of the unit. The slider at the top of the radio switches from off to AM to FM. Another slider on the side activates the DBS bass boost circuitry.
Power. One AAA battery powers the radio. No cause is the source of external power.
Output. The Memorex AM/FM pocket radio comes with earbud style earphones and accepts earphones and speakers that use a standard 3.5mm jack.
Reception. Radio reception depends on a variety of factors including location, buildings, atmospheric conditions, the power of the radio station, and the distance from the radio transmitter. When running, it can be frustrating to manually modulate this Memorex unit, as radio stations can come and go depending on your location and the position of the antenna (the wire in the headphones). During my long walks with our dog, I found myself on a constantly busy dial. However, since I found the power station very strong, I was able to keep it versatile with the control wheel. The reception was much better when I was essentially in a sedentary position working on my computer at work.
Sound Quality. Good. The Memorex AM/FM pocket radio has a DBS switch that significantly boosts bass and enhances pop music. It was a similar performance to that delivered by my Coby CX-7 AM/FM personal portable radio, but the performance is delivered in a nicer package.
Overall, a small radio like this is always handy to have. You can use it while walking or working. It is also very useful to have a radio device in your home or office as a working disaster kit. I don’t think the performance was much better than any other small radio. However, the modern Memorex style of this unit makes it look much less geeky than many other portable radios. It’s a nice little radio.
