To all who offered comments, both public and private. Thanks. After
reading everything I could on the three Kaito's I was looking at
(1101,2,3) and the Tecsun PL-230. I opted to go with the 1101.

I would like to say that there was some feature that I was really after
(and it's SW sensitivity is one of those), but truth be told, it was
price. I was able to get it for $32us new plus $7 shipping. At the price
difference between it and the others, I just couldn't justify going any
other way (hopefully, once it arrives, I won't regret it).

I can say that from what I've learned, all three of the Kaitos are similar
and yet different. SSB wasn't an issue for me, so even though the 1102
and 1103 have it, it didn't figure in. For the most part, SW and then FM
reception is what I was after. And depending on who you talk to, the
1101, 2 and 3 all excel. Portability and battery life was another issue.
I did like the controls a little better than the 1103. I didn't like
that SW isn't as fine tuneable as the others. But the fact that I got it
less than $40, was the major deciding factor.

As for the PL-230, I really considered it, but then found out it isn't a
dual conversion and I really wanted that. Plus, it was a little larger
than I would like.

Just to make the story complete, I looked at a number of portable radios,
but none of the ones in my price range (sub $70) really had the features I
wanted (like digital radio vs digital tuning of an analog radio or
continuous coverage vs various gaps, etc.)

So again, I'd like to thank everyone who helped.

Joeb

Joeb: The 1101 is a fine radio. It is more portable than the 1103
and is much easier to use. I didn't mention that scanning on my 1103
works poorly. The scan skates by most signals that are quite
listenable.
When I go for long walks along the beach I often carry the 1101.
With its push buttons and very good scanning circuit it is very easy
to retune. The 1103 would be a pain in that department as well as
not fitting so well in the hand.
Bob