In fact, the topic starter gadget is: "...featuring a built in AM/FM/SW/LW radio tuner, Earl lets you listen to the world no matter where you are. Live pause or schedule recordings on a truly worldwide emergency radio. Using SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding), be alerted to changing conditions over NOAA weather channels." and "...a VHF and UHF transceiver (with support for GMRS, PMR446 and UHFCB), Earl connects to analog and digital radio frequencies up to 20 miles away. Send secure text or voice messages via Walkie-Talkie; even transmit weather, location, and route information."

An external solar panel definitely could be more powerful and versatile, but if that tablet is the only thing you managed to grab and run, an integrated one is a godsend, imho.