In article PVMKb.47175$HQ.31735@okepread02, "BC" wrote:
I too enjoy the inexpensive shortwave radios in my collection. I have a
$20 Coby AM/FM/Shortwave from Fry's and my little Grundig PE-100 ($30 at
Radio Shack and other retailers). A note about the JX-M14, it is not
"digitally tuned" as Barry states but is an analog radio with a digital
frequency readout. This is a growing trend, my Grundig S350 has it,
Grundig's (Eaton) new pocket radio has it (not the YB550, the $49 one that
just came out), and this little jWin radio too. Truly digitally tuned radios
start at about the $60 price point (the Kato in Passport, I think, is about
that price).

Typically on these inexpensive radios you're giving up selectivity,
frequency stability, inteference rejection and other basic RF related
bugaboos. They tend to be, though, thrifty on batteries, sensitive enough to
be fun, and are simply bargain basement in price.
-----------
And for newbies who are used to approximations with dials and needles
the digital display, even in an analogue radio, is a better way of
their finding stations easily.
A friend also was grateful for the long battery life.