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.
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 yellow we tested, this radio is also available in red, pearl, bronze, 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.
Customer Reviews
Great little radio
This is a very nice little radio. Good sound quality and sensitivity. I was impressed with the quality.
Grundig, Quality Always
I have always been pleased with Grundig radios. This speaker is the best I've heard for a radio this size. I like rotary tuning with a digital read out and the drift is minimal. I use the Alarm and Sleep features daily. They are simple to set and easy to cancel or reset. I can go to sleep to music/talk radio and wake to the same. Also the outside covering feels rubberized and scratch/dent resistant.
I would recommend the M300 am/fm/sw radio to anyone who loves radio on the GO!!
Also, I love the bright colors available for the M300-Red,Blue,Bronze, Black,Hot Pink& Yellow!! I have one of each!!
I have been in love with radios since my childhood. I just turned 65 in March 2009.I have years of experience
evaluating Radios.
Mary King
Macon, GA.
Very sharp senative coverage fine tuning radio
I like to listen to shortwave, and found that on the Shortwave bands it pulled in alot of stations, also on the AM and FM bands, I am very satisfied with the receiver, even the ear plugs were quite good. I liked the digital tuning, as there was no drift, except a little on the AM band. It had a strong signal on alot of stations. I just couldn't believe how many stations, it pulled in on the shortwave bands, on a small radio like that. It must have a duel or triple conversion circut in it. Excellent radio for the price.
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