hi...

Ultimately, it'll be a matter of waitin' and seein' if the E1 does
indeed perform well in all it aims to do. Because I can help but to
have my own doubt in this regard, I'd be hesitant to be one of the
first to run out and buy one.

As regards the size/portability issue, I can certainly appreciate your
opinion on this matter, Steve, especially given the many compact and
micro-sized portables out there nowadays. For me, the E1's size and
lack of handle is no real issue: I regularly carry an SW8, antenna,
etc to remote areas to get in some quality listening in a less
noise-filled environment. For that matter, I frequently do the same
with the SW77, which I carry in one of those Pelican 1450 cases (nice
fit for the SW77 and accessories). For the E1, it's simply a matter of
getting a new foam insert for the case and picking & plucking for the
E1's size specifications. But then, that won't happen until I'm
assured of the quality and performance of this product.

And, sure, there's no need to give any thought to the various features
if, beneath it all, the radio itself simply isn't up to par. That's
why I'm really keen on seeing some mag reviews, as well as additional
user opinions posted on this receiver. I have to say, though, that
it's good to see a portable receiver being provided with such features
as passband offset and more than two bandwidth filters. I would like
to see more such performance-related features being added to portables.
For too long, it has been a tiresome reality that the only reason to
upgrade from one portable to the next has been that the new model has
an additional 100 or so memories to leave empty. So, in designing the
E2 or whatever successor model there may be (if any at all), it'd be
nice if the Eton folks would consider giving us a notch filter, as
well...

Best,

j.a.mulc.