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Electronics
Eton
Publisher: Eton
Compact, highly portable way to bring AM/FM and shortwave reception with you
Long-range antenna for receiving distant broadcasts; radio tunes 7 shortwave bands
LCD display shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for sleep timer and alarm activation
External headphone jack
Includes handsome carrying case
Available in fun and sporty colors like Metallic Red, Metallic Pearl, Metallic Blue, Metallic Bronze, and Gold, Eton's Mini 300 represents pocket-sized power. Weighing in at only 4.7 ounces, the innovative Mini 300 allows you to tune-into the world from wherever you are. It is not only a great AM/FM-Stereo radio, but the Mini 300 is also an amazing world band receiver capable of pulling in seven international Shortwave bands. With its easy operation, large LCD screen, and affordable price, the Mini 300 makes staying in touch with local and international news, music, sports, and culture one of life's simple pleasures.
If you're looking for a solid pocket radio, and you think you might enjoy tuning in broadcasts from around the globe, then the Grundig Mini 300 might be the choice for you. This radio doesn't have the powerful features and reception of a higher-end shortwave radio, such as Etón's E1XM, but it does offer a convenient, pocket-sized way to bring clear AM/FM, and limited shortwave radio reception anywhere you go. 
Small, sleek, and handy. The Mini 300 is ready to tune in the world wherever the notion strikes you. View larger. | Design and Controls
Measuring in at a tiny 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches and weighing only 4.5 ounces, this radio is certainly in the pocket-sized category. Grundig has spiced up pocket radio design with the Mini 300, offering this model in an array of attractive colors. In addition to the blue we tested, this radio is also available in yellow, pearl, bronze, and red. The tuning and volume dials, as well as the band selection switch, are found on the narrow sides of the unit. These controls are well-placed and can be operated with one hand. The front of the unit features the LCD display, power button, and a few push-button keys for setting the time, alarm, and sleep functions. On the left side of the Mini 300 you will find a 3.5mm connector for headphones. Grundig has included a set of earbuds for private listening right out of the box, or the small, built-in speaker on the front of the device allows you to share broadcasts with other listeners. The Mini 300 gets its reception through a built in "stub" antenna that sticks up 2.25-inches above the device, and then extends an additional 20 inches. Although the compact design is handy for on-the-go listening, the "stub" portion of the antenna does make the Mini 300 feel a bit bigger than it should. A fully retractable antenna would have made this tiny radio a bit more travel-friendly. The two dials on the right side of the unit control tuning and volume. The dials have a nice smooth action, but a note of caution: The dials can be easily -- very easily -- moved from their position. This is less of an issue with volume control, but for fine-tuning reception, you might find yourself re-tuning stations if you bump the tuning dial. 
The Mini 300 is easy-to-use with a row of push-button keys and a convenient headphone jack. View larger. | LCD Display
The Mini 300's LCD display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. The display has icons that indicate when the alarm and sleep function are turned on -- a small loudspeaker and a bed, respectively. And as you flip through bands, the display indicates AM, FM, or shortwave selection. There are two minor downsides to the display. First of all, there is no indication of which shortwave band you've selected. The Mini 300 is equipped to tune an array of bands -- 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters -- but regardless of your selection, the radio consistently displays a single "SW" for shortwave. Also, you cannot see the time of day when the radio is turned on; time is only displayed when the unit is powered down. Nonetheless, important data, such as band and tuned station, are easy to read, and the size of the radio certainly outweighs the limited information presented on the LCD display. Tuning Options
Tuning the Mini 300 is very straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM, and shortwave signals. If you're new to shortwave, you'll have to take your time to find just the right frequency, as the Mini 300 does not offer an auto-scan function. Yet, even with our limited knowledge of shortwave broadcasts, we made several discoveries, and heard stations from around the world. Unfortunately, given our limited language skills, we did find it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! Even though the tuning dial is a simple, traditional design, meticulous tuning was easy and reliable. After a little research and a good amount of time spent playing with the tuning options, we did discover that our best opportunity for tuning shortwave broadcasts was in the evening. AM and FM broadcasts sounded strong and clear, day or night, and we enjoyed listening to the radio on the bus and at the park. The Mini 300 runs exclusively off of two AA batteries (included). Pros
- Compact, pocket-sized, and colorful
- Easy, one-handed operation
- Fast, accurate shortwave tuning
Cons
- Too easy to bump the tuning dial and disrupt the frequency
- Cumbersome "stub" antenna
What's in the Box
Mini 300 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
If you need a compact, highly portable way to bring AM/FM reception, as well as world broadcasts with you, the Grundig Mini 300 provides a nice solution. Weighing in at just 4.5 ounces and measuring 4.5 x 2.5 inches (H x W), this little companion slides into your pocket with ease. Its oversized telescopic antenna provides great AM/FM reception when you're camping, hiking, listening to sports, or just relaxing in the backyard. And because it can receive seven shortwave bands, you'll have access to both local and international news and music wherever you go. Design and Controls
The Mini 300 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The antenna housing extends above the device, and it contains a long-range antenna for receiving distant broadcasts. Four buttons below the large, easy-to-read LCD control time, alarm, sleep timer, and power on/off functions. The LCD display shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for sleep timer and alarm activation. Meanwhile, tuning, volume, and band selection are handled by controls on the side of the device. A small speaker below the control buttons produces pleasing sound, or you can hook up a pair of stereo earbuds (included). Tuning and Bands
Thanks to the Mini 300's reception of AM, FM, and seven shortwave bands, you can use the analog tuner to tune into your favorite local stations, as well as far-flung international broadcasts from around the world. The shortwave receiver operates on the following bands: 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters. In addition to the telescoping FM and shortwave antenna, the unit contains an internal ferrite bar antenna for AM reception. Connections and Power
The Mini 300 operates on two "AA" batteries. A 3.5 millimeter headset jack is provided. Extras
In addition to a digital clock, the Mini 300 also boasts an alarm clock and a sleep timer. It ships with a handsome protective carrying case, batteries, and a pair of earbud headphones. What's in the Box
Mini 300 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
| Customer Reviews: |
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| Decent, but has limitations |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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The Grundig Mini 300 PE Shortwave Radio is a really small, compact and nice looking radio but tends to lack in quality when it comes to reception especially SW frequencies. The AM and FM stations work decent if the signal is coming from a powerful station but does not always get great reception from weaker stations or under certain weather conditions. The tuning dial is very sensitive and can be difficult to exactly get the station you want. Obtaining a shortwave radio station can be very frustrating due to the sensitivity of the tuner causing the station to drift in and out. You definitely need to have the antenna out as far as possible to assist with reception.
The radio comes with a clock, alarm, sleep functions, LCD screen, protective case and ear buds. I have found that I tend to only use the clock and protective case. The protective carrying case is very nice and comparable to many cell phone cases. It is important to know that this is an analog radio with a digital frequency display. The LCD screen is nice, but again, it is sometimes difficult to tune into a station. The tuning dial is very sensitive especially to movement. The sound quality is not bad for a small radio. When you get in a station you will be able to clearly hear what is being said with little interference or distortion.
This radio is best used as a back up radio. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces it is small enough and light enough to throw in a Bug Out Bag. I would use this as an emergency back up radio to hear any breaking news from a local AM or FM station when you need to know what is happening in a local or national emergency. Don't maintain high expectations from the shortwave bands. When used for this purpose I think you will generally be satisfied with this radio and it can be a great addition to your kit.
Overall, this is a low priced radio with limitations but serves a purpose. You won't be too disappointed if you know the limitations and have appropriate expectations of the radios capabilities. Keep one in your bag with a set of extra batteries and you should be good to go.
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| Charming, compact, decent sound, good reception |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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I always enjoy finding a compact AM/FM radio for taking on trips or occasionally using around the house. The M300 is superior to the small radios I have from Sony and GE. Much better station separation and rejection of adjoining frequencies. AM reception is very good; FM is decent, but won't pick up weaker stations that other radios in your home may get. Have not spent a great deal of time with the SW, but was able to get some stations. Sound quality is excellent for a radio of this size. While some people complain about the touchy tuning, it does take a bit of getting used to. However, it is forgiving: if you dial in 1368 for 1370 am, the sound will be fine without any sibillance. Overall this is a fine product with some nice bonus features, like an alarm and a sleep setting.
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| unfortunately terrible |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
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I own lots of radios (see my other reviews) and I had high hopes for this- Eton/Grundig have excellent reputations and I like some of their higher end units. This is very disappointing.
The biggest problem is that it doesn't stay tuned (a digital display doesn't mean digital tuning) rendering it functionally useless. If your station is super strong and it doesn't matter if it drifts from, say, 105.3 - 105.9 when you're trying to listen to 105.5 maybe it'll be ok for you. Then again, if your station is that strong, you could buy a $10 no-name radio. The size is nice, as is the very long extendable antenna. However, the name brand, nice list of features, flashy colors, and fancy packaging can't mask that this is essentially a cheap cheap radio not worth the shipping charges (I got mine with the remains of an an LL Bean gift card or It'd be shipped back).
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| Defective |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
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The radio would not turn on, despite trying with several new batteries (which are not included). Returned it and bought another one at Frey Electronics store. The replacement works, but switch positions for channels are flimsy. This item could use some improvement!
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| Great little radio |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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This is a very nice little radio. Good sound quality and sensitivity. I was impressed with the quality.
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