My experience with crank radios in general is rather hit and miss.

Radio Shack had one (IIRC it was their own brand) that worked for AM, FM, SW, and weather. It has decent reception, built in speaker, earphone jack, and worked off the crank, AA's and maybe had a jack for AC adapter. The only down side was it's bulk ~5x3x8. I keep it at the office now.

The last ETON I had (FR600) wouldn't charge the batteries even though they were supposed to charge from AC or solar. IIRC alkaline AA's were good for a week running the clock on it (no radio, no alarm, no weather standby).

After the ETON, I gave up on crank radios. For less bulk than the ETON, I can pair a Goal Zero solar panel & battery charger with a much smaller unit that runs on AA's (includes AC jack & charges rechargeables when plugged in) or the Radio Shack model.

EDIT TO ADD PS
I wish I'd seen the KAITO review before I got the ETON! Looks like a good system.


Edited by UTAlumnus (07/03/12 12:05 AM)