"It seems like "emergency radios" have to have a hand-crank for power. I won't go there. I have a good supply of AA lithium primaries and a solar panel that can easily charge AA NiMH batteries. "

I hear you. I would like all power options - AC mains, auto, standard batteries. I thought about re-chargeable batteries. I am just debating where it is "worth the effort" of keeping another device in my home ... a battery charger where I am constantly swapping re-chargeable batteries in and out. To be honest, I think that having a stack of 9-volt Eveready batteries is probably just as easy for me ... simpler.

Or alternatively, just have a radio that runs off the 12-volt supply from storage batteries ... car, motorcycle, or golf cart. Then you really would have a long-life battery.

Just my thoughts.