35 out of 35 people found this review helpful.
GE (7-2664) AM/FM Radio Tuning In So I Can Tune Out
Date of Review: Feb 13, 2008
The Bottom Line: This radio is perfect for placement in my work areas. It's sturdy, has good sound for talk radio.
When I'm home doing chores like painting I like to tune my small portable AM-FM receiver to talk radio. I listen and work day flies by.
Good Enough Sound
I have had this GE AM/FM radio for a couple of years and it's just what I need. It's just the right size to give good enough sound. This is no "Bose" system. It's an inexpensive portable radio with AC/DC power. The few times I played music through it I heard the song but there isn't and "personality" to it. No well defined stereo, no deep base, no clear high notes. It's a simple radio and not really made for that kind of fine listening.
I've Got The Power
What makes this practical for me is that it is both AC and DC powered. I can have it plugged in all day and always with power but, if I'm outside or in a place without a 120v outlet I can simply listen to it using 4 AA batteries for power. When in this mode the AC cord can be contained in the back of the radio in an easy open storage area. That makes for a clean look and no tripping over wires in my work space where I may have power tools using the outlets.
A Problem
If there is a weak point of this portable analog radio its trying to tune in via the window and dials searching for an AM/FM station. It's tough to read a number and the dial is too sensitive so it's easy to pass by stations. My fat fingers do not work well with the dial. Because I listen to just one or two stations I marked the area with a permanent pen noting where they are.
Fortunately I do Not change the stations often so it really isn't a problem for me.
..and More Good
The switch to set the radio from AM to FM is easy to see and handle. I get very good reception most everywhere radios usually work. It's not temperamental in fading in and out. I am particularly pleased with the am reception.There are many places where I pick up static to a point that I cannot hear the station I am tuned into. I don't have that problem to the same extent as other radios I have had.
This radio has a built in antenna that can be extended. The FM sound, though I rarely use it is fine. It has built in Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) that can help keep the FM station from drifting.
The radio is black and is approximately 8"w X 4 1/2"h and just 2 inches or so deep. It has a fold up/down handle that has plenty of space for my fingers to reach through and when it folds down it's into a recessed area. A small jack allows for head phones to be connected. I've never used it.
Last Thoughts
This inexpensive radio is a tough piece of plastic in that I have dropped it a number of times but the thing keeps on playing. Though I have trouble tuning it the sound is fine, especially for talk radio. I wouldn't suggest this small speaker radio (3") for music listeners. It's not that kind of radio. I like the portability of it and the 4 AA batteries last a long time, even when played all day on their power. I like the option that I can plug it in too.
I recommend this simple no frills radio to anyone looking for a small portable that can take a beating, even if it doesn't have the best of music sound. It's excellent for talk and good enough for music for me. It's a good carry around for listening to a game at a picnic or even to the ball game. It gives me what I need. A companion on lonely work days where I have a chore at hand and want the day to fly by.
