Grundig M300BL Mini300PE Handheld Shortwave Radio (Metallic Blue)

The Grundig Mini 300 PE Shortwave Radio is a really small, compact and nice looking radio but tends to lack in quality when it comes to reception especially SW frequencies. The AM and FM stations work decent if the signal is coming from a powerful station but does not always get great reception from weaker stations or under certain weather conditions. The tuning dial is very sensitive and can be difficult to exactly get the station you want. Obtaining a shortwave radio station can be very frustrating due to the sensitivity of the tuner causing the station to drift in and out. You definitely need to have the antenna out as far as possible to assist with reception.

The radio comes with a clock, alarm, sleep functions, LCD screen, protective case and ear buds. I have found that I tend to only use the clock and protective case. The protective carrying case is very nice and comparable to many cell phone cases. It is important to know that this is an analog radio with a digital frequency display. The LCD screen is nice, but again, it is sometimes difficult to tune into a station. The tuning dial is very sensitive especially to movement. The sound quality is not bad for a small radio. When you get in a station you will be able to clearly hear what is being said with little interference or distortion.

This radio is best used as a back up radio. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces it is small enough and light enough to throw in a Bug Out Bag. I would use this as an emergency back up radio to hear any breaking news from a local AM or FM station when you need to know what is happening in a local or national emergency. Don't maintain high expectations from the shortwave bands. When used for this purpose I think you will generally be satisfied with this radio and it can be a great addition to your kit.

Overall, this is a low priced radio with limitations but serves a purpose. You won't be too disappointed if you know the limitations and have appropriate expectations of the radios capabilities. Keep one in your bag with a set of extra batteries and you should be good to go.

I always enjoy finding a compact AM/FM radio for taking on trips or occasionally using around the house. The M300 is superior to the small radios I have from Sony and GE. Much better station separation and rejection of adjoining frequencies. AM reception is very good; FM is decent, but won't pick up weaker stations that other radios in your home may get. Have not spent a great deal of time with the SW, but was able to get some stations. Sound quality is excellent for a radio of this size. While some people complain about the touchy tuning, it does take a bit of getting used to. However, it is forgiving: if you dial in 1368 for 1370 am, the sound will be fine without any sibillance. Overall this is a fine product with some nice bonus features, like an alarm and a sleep setting.

I own lots of radios (see my other reviews) and I had high hopes for this- Eton/Grundig have excellent reputations and I like some of their higher end units. This is very disappointing.

The biggest problem is that it doesn't stay tuned (a digital display doesn't mean digital tuning) rendering it functionally useless. If your station is super strong and it doesn't matter if it drifts from, say, 105.3 - 105.9 when you're trying to listen to 105.5 maybe it'll be ok for you. Then again, if your station is that strong, you could buy a $10 no-name radio. The size is nice, as is the very long extendable antenna. However, the name brand, nice list of features, flashy colors, and fancy packaging can't mask that this is essentially a cheap cheap radio not worth the shipping charges (I got mine with the remains of an an LL Bean gift card or It'd be shipped back).

The radio would not turn on, despite trying with several new batteries (which are not included). Returned it and bought another one at Frey Electronics store. The replacement works, but switch positions for channels are flimsy. This item could use some improvement!

This is a very nice little radio. Good sound quality and sensitivity. I was impressed with the quality.