I would look at a Yaesu VR-120D. This is a "DC to daylight" receiver. http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=Dis...mp;isArchived=0

You could also choose a similar Icom IC-R5. http://www.icomamerica.com/products/receivers/r5/

You could also get an Alinco DJ-X3, but I would prefer the Icom or Yaesu.

Both the IC-R5 and VR-120D have bar antennas for broadcast AM reception. I do not know about the Alinco.

All three of these are under $200 - which is still a bit expensive. I must admit to be impressed that they can make such a versatile radio that is smaller than a pack of cigarettes.

Here is one store that I trust. http://www.gigaparts.com/matrix.php?catcode=z-rx Scroll down to the "handheld" section.

Note that the antenna makes a BIG difference. None of the included antennas will be that good for shorwave. Your best bet is to get a SMA or BNC plug (depends on which model you get) and attach ten feet of wire to the center conductor. This setup should also be OK for CB radio too. The included duckie should be OK for TV reception all the way up to police bands (including weather, marine, FRS/GMRS, FM radio, and aircraft).