I own both the bell and howell and the coby (link below). The coby was
bought at ABC instore which often runs the radio for a hair under
$8.00. It is a superior radio to the Bell and Howell for the simple
reason that the poor analog dial is replaced by a digital readout with
manual dial controll. Neither of these should be compared with any of
the numerous $40.00-$100.00 portable shortwave radios commonly
available from any number of sources. However for $10.00 or less
(Coby), they very well accomplish their task as the lowest rung on the
ladder shortwave capable radios. If you can spend between
$45.00-$65.00, I would recommend the Degen/Tecsun 1103. The jump in
features/quality/performance is huge from what you get with the 2
$10.00 radios mentioned. But if your intended use and/or budget
dictates something in the low end range then I say go for it, giving
the nod to the Coby.

An R8 they ain't, but who would expect to find an R8 class radio for
$10.00?

Good luck and happy listening
Lungshot1 wrote:
What is the deal with this cheap radio? Is it any good or am I just
throwing
away $10 on a piece of junk?

I am not looking for anything fancy in shortwave....just something
that has
decent sound and can pull in shortwave bands for occasional listening
and
amusement.

Ed