yes, that fuzzy black one is unique indeed! it DOES feel rubbery, and is
one good looking radio. i have one of those and i also have a banana
yellow one! (the yellow one is the one i use at work) the mini 300 comes
in several colors. you do know that the 300 has sw broadcast bands, with
huge coverage gaps in between? that it is analog tuning? its selectivity
is wide as the open sky? that it drifts like a message in a bottle? that
its tuning knob is so sensitive that it ZOOMS off channel if an atom
bumps against it? i am not dogging this radio, i LOVE my mini 300! i use
it more than all of the others combined! but you do need to know what
you are buying. the mini 300 is like the sw equivalent of the little am
6 transistor pocket radios of the 60's and 70's. its handy and
convenient and fun. it has a personality and it takes some getting used
to if you want to get the best out of it. it will reliably tune in all
of the big broadcasters, and it will surprise you with some occasional
dx.(ONLY if there is no other station on the dial even NEAR the
frequency you are tuning to) it will shine best way out in the
sticks..... away from electronic interference. its a wonderful toy! if
you want a REAL sw then i can recommend the sangean ats 606. that radio
is an absolute jewel! (its three times the size of the mini 300, but
four times the cost!) it has great battery life, and it has continuous
coverage and is fairly sensitive and selective. its also a program
listening type of radio but it is small and very nice. for a serious sw
receiver look at the sony 7600 that they have been suggesting to you. it
has ssb, synch lock and is still a step higher in sensitivity and
selectivity! (yes, but its the size of a hard cover book, FIVE times the
price of the mini 300 and is a little rough on batteries) each different
radio has its purpose and each is a great buy. you could get two if you
cant choose. the mini can be used while hanging from the back of your
ball cap while you are riding, its sweet and simple and i use the
controls with one hand reaching behind my head. the antenna sticks up
solid and straight and the radio chassis couples to your head for
counterpoise just like you were holding it in your hand. then at night
you could use the more complex radio for better reception. you can use
both hands and your eyes because you will need them. it could be the
best of both worlds. imagine swling all day and then all night! and
riding my bike too! hell, if i had a small telescope to shoot some stars
late at night then i would never come home!