I use an external solar panel to charge my portable AM, FM Shortwave.

I looked at those solar & hand crank radios and found the sensitivity lacking. They are OK for local AM & FM stations, but any long range listening (DX) they are not up to the task.


I use a Sangean 803-A, and a Radio Shack DX-392 (also made by Sangean)

With the solar panel I get a fairly good radio and also have a solar recharging ability.


You should decide what you want in a radio, if you want local stations the hand crank / solar radios may do it for you. If you like to listen to shortwave or enjoy AM DX I would go with the external solar panel.