Sony SRF-M80V AM/FM/Weather/TV Radio
- Display: LED
- Tuning: Digital
- Type: Pocket
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some good - some bad - equals fair
Pros
Compact size, ergonomic form, easy to use, armband included
Cons
Some controls (volume) cannot be "held", reception can be spotty, battery case opens unintentionally
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Not a bad little radio, you may find better for "on the go" use
I bought this radio primarily for use while walking and running, and in the application it has served me fairly well (at least well enough that I do not feel a need to replace it with another model).
Let's start with the positives. You'll notice right away that this is a small unit, and even with batteries installed the radio is still light weight. The controls are well situated in maintaining the compactness of the device without being too cramped for comfortable use. The control set is pretty standard for a radio, and includes a digital display, up/down rocker switch for tuning, 5 station preset buttons, and a band selector. The band selector cycles through AM, 2 FM's, and TV with each press. The mostly useless weather band is accessed through a separate button, removing it from the more common bands cycled through with the band button. The display is easy to read, even while running.
The radio comes with an armband. The unit itself is curved to accommodate this method of attachment. It can also be attached to a belt or waistband, in which case the curve also proves to useful. In either position the controls are oriented properly for use.
Moving on to the negatives, there are two controls that I find to be less than satisfactory. Most importantly is the volume. Adjusted via an analog thumb wheel, it is apt to changing with movement (probably via rubbing against clothing). I find myself having to adjust the volume control several times during the course of a run. The other analog control is the FM sensitivity switch used to prevent station bleed-over. It's nice that they provide such a control, but I find while running that it never stays set (movement again resetting it). There is a "hold" function to prevent unintentionally changing settings, but unfortunately this only applies to the digital controls. Making the volume control digital would reduce its ergonomic function slightly, but this would be more than offset by the ability to "hold" the volume control that this would enable.
Another problem related to unintentional actuation I've found is that the battery case can open too easily. I've never had this happen while wearing it, but it has occurred during handling.
Perhaps most importantly is the issue of reception. I run in hilly terrain with lots of tree cover which would be challenging to any tuner. This little tuner manages fairly, depending on weather. I usually can listen comfortably, but sometimes the breakup or static can be a nuisance.
Not really a con, but on my wish list I would like to have UHF reception in addition to the VHF TV Band, however I do not expect such a feature in a unit of this type.
Finally, I didn't mention it in among the "Cons" above, but I did not care for the headphones that come with this unit. They are like ear-buds, but attached to a rigid headband. I just find them uncomfortable, but I'm sure this varies by person.
Let's start with the positives. You'll notice right away that this is a small unit, and even with batteries installed the radio is still light weight. The controls are well situated in maintaining the compactness of the device without being too cramped for comfortable use. The control set is pretty standard for a radio, and includes a digital display, up/down rocker switch for tuning, 5 station preset buttons, and a band selector. The band selector cycles through AM, 2 FM's, and TV with each press. The mostly useless weather band is accessed through a separate button, removing it from the more common bands cycled through with the band button. The display is easy to read, even while running.
The radio comes with an armband. The unit itself is curved to accommodate this method of attachment. It can also be attached to a belt or waistband, in which case the curve also proves to useful. In either position the controls are oriented properly for use.
Moving on to the negatives, there are two controls that I find to be less than satisfactory. Most importantly is the volume. Adjusted via an analog thumb wheel, it is apt to changing with movement (probably via rubbing against clothing). I find myself having to adjust the volume control several times during the course of a run. The other analog control is the FM sensitivity switch used to prevent station bleed-over. It's nice that they provide such a control, but I find while running that it never stays set (movement again resetting it). There is a "hold" function to prevent unintentionally changing settings, but unfortunately this only applies to the digital controls. Making the volume control digital would reduce its ergonomic function slightly, but this would be more than offset by the ability to "hold" the volume control that this would enable.
Another problem related to unintentional actuation I've found is that the battery case can open too easily. I've never had this happen while wearing it, but it has occurred during handling.
Perhaps most importantly is the issue of reception. I run in hilly terrain with lots of tree cover which would be challenging to any tuner. This little tuner manages fairly, depending on weather. I usually can listen comfortably, but sometimes the breakup or static can be a nuisance.
Not really a con, but on my wish list I would like to have UHF reception in addition to the VHF TV Band, however I do not expect such a feature in a unit of this type.
Finally, I didn't mention it in among the "Cons" above, but I did not care for the headphones that come with this unit. They are like ear-buds, but attached to a rigid headband. I just find them uncomfortable, but I'm sure this varies by person.
