Portable Dab Radio

[mjulian]

Can anyone recommend a small DAB radio - easy to use by someone elderly with arthritis - which doesn't EAT batteries? Have read loads of reviews and it seems that a lot of the small radios devour batteries very quickly. Preferably not one that has to be used with earplugs - just a straightforward radio. Currently using a non DAB radio but reception not so good anymore.
Many thanks in advance.

[gingejbee]

It's not just SMALL DABs that devour batteries....ALL of them do. It's much better to use them on mains power if you can.

[bhg481]

The DAB signal is highly compressed to enable more programmes to be broadcast in the same bandwidth. DAB radios have to uncompress the signal, which takes a lot of computing power and, hence, a lot of electrical power. For this reason DAB radios are heavy on batteries. I suggest you look for one with a mains adapter.
If you play an FM radio and a DAB radio together you will find there is a serious delay (several seconds) between the two broadcasts - this represents the computing power being used to uncompress the DAB signal.

[SirOracle]

I am sure all the portable DABs eat batteries. How about one that is both mains and batteries. Could your elderly friend cope with this?

[gingejbee]

...^^^hence the time signals "pips" on DAB are inaccurate by a few seconds!

[retrocop]

We have a PURE ONE my (that is what is written on the front) of our small DAB radio.It contains a re-chargeable battery and can be run off the mains as well. The battery re-charges when radio is played off the mains. Excellent quality tone and was a good price. I will try to find a link for you.

[retrocop]

http://www.pure.com/product/one-mi-series-2-vl-61801/

[MargoTester]

I too have a Pure DAB radio they are supposed to be the best. Mine has a CD played incorporated into it. It is mains only but small enough to be easily moved. (Pure Chronos CD) very good sound quality.

[mjulian]

Many thanks everyone. We do have several DAB radios run off the mains, some with rechargeable batteries. This one would be on a pillow at night - hence the need for batteries. I will investigate the Pure one which is much smaller than the ones we presently have. Thanks again for all your help.

[gingejbee]

Re retro's rechargeable radio...the battery pack is an optional extra @ £18.
My advice is to buy any DAB radio from a retailer who accepts returns easily/without fuss eg Argos because DAB radio reception can be fickle....you may need to return your original choice and try a different one!

[retrocop]

If you have to purchase the re-chargeable battery separately (I notice that the battery PAK is optional whereas ours was included a few years back) they cost £7.16p

[retrocop]

gingejbee
I bought a genuine replacement last week for the price I previously stated.I will show the link when I find it.

[gingejbee]

retro...I simply quoted the price given for the a1-pack on Pure's website....

[retrocop]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Pure-Accessory-ChargePAK-Rechargeable/dp/B00427WA8M

sorry. £7.99p and not £7.16p

[retrocop]

Got that wrong again grrrrr. £17.99. That's better. Sorry

[retrocop]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

or this site.

[sfby]

Roberts do a DAB radio with rechargeable batteries & a solar panel - we keep it on charge in the kitchen, but use it in the garden in the summer - usually lasts all day even if the sun's not shining brightly. Rubberised buttons / controls are easy to use.

http://www.johnlewis.com/roberts-solar-dab-2-digital-radio/p230859939

(Other retailers are available...)