Sony ICFS79W AM/FM/Weather Band Digital Tuner Shower Radio (White)
by Sony
List Price:
Our Price: $39.00
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Category: CE
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyModel: ICFS79W
Color: WHITE
Product features:
- Splash-resistant multi-band shower radio
- AM/FM/weather band with 20 memory random presets
- Built-In digital clock and countdown timer
- Selectable automatic-off timer
- Unique easy-grip design
- Selectable Automatic Off Timer
- Splash Resistant Multi-Band Shower Radio
- Unique Easy Grip Design
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony ICFS79W AM/FM/Weather Band Digital Tuner Shower Radio (White)
Customer Review: Sony S79W AM/FM/Weather Shower Radio - Great Performer In An Empty Field
Summary: 4 Stars
The Sony ICFS79W AM/FM/Weather Band Digital Tuner Shower Radio is really well designed for its purpose. I spent a long time trying to find a shower radio that had more than just AM/FM, like a CD player for example. I eventually gave up that quest and gave this a try. Perhaps there are just too few options in radios designed for use in the shower.
Quite frankly, I am kicking myself in disbelief over this product. I was open minded but skeptical when I got this. The strong reception is really the best feature, and the weather band and auto on / off timers are nice extras.
This guy is probably a 5 star product for most people, but I do tend to be picky. For me, it would be almost perfect if not for a few cons. Still, it's hard to find alternatives so it's difficult to know if there is a better alternative.
PROS
+ Absolutely GREAT reception; it's actually really surprising how good it is
+ Nice simple controls that are mostly intuitive
+ Nice extras, like the Weather band
+ Convenient timer to get you going
+ Nice Auto-Off feature for easy morning operation
CONS
- Analog volume adjustment provides little control at lower volumes
- Still requires large C batteries, that are less convenient than AA when using rechargeables
- List price is quite high
- Wire Antenna is difficult to stick up and often comes loose
- Weather band has more static than AM or FM
Granted, the last two cons are minor. Still, this guy could use some improvements. It's hard to believe that for this price only AM / FM and Weather bands are included. Still, while the weather band has static from time to time, the AM and FM are some of the strongest I have heard in a radio of any kind. I am not sure what kind of internal antennae and supporting electronics they have to compliment the standard external wire antenna. But whatever they did, the reception is surprisingly strong and clear.
Having to worry about replacing those large batteries is also a throw-back to 1989, and it would have been nicer if they could have used four AA batteries or some such more standard configuration instead. Most people with lots of electronics already have rechargeable AAs, but few people have rechargeable C batteries on hand. Better yet, if possible perhaps a rechargeable battery might have been an option given the size. Still, perhaps the extra juice of the batteries helps the strong signal. While I have only tested this guy for a few weeks, I have also heard that the batteries last a really long time in it. I will update my review after the first batch run out of power.
Still, if you need a shower radio, this is one of the better options. There are some that offer more features, like a CD player, but most have low satisfaction numbers. I will continue looking for other models. For the time being, it seems like despite a rather high price this might be the one to go with.
Enjoy.
UPDATE: September 2010
After using this unit regularly for more than 2 years, the only negative comment I can add is that the plastic covering the buttons on top has worn away over time. This creates the risk that water might be able to get in and damage the unit. However, even with all the humidity that goes along with being used in the bathroom, that hasn't happened yet. It's still going strong.
I will also say that some of the comments have been very helpful. The batteries have indeed lasted forever. Given the fact that over 2 years I've only had to change them once, perhaps the larger cell batteries were an appropriate choice for this design.
I hope this extra information helps you. Happy shoppping!
Description of Sony ICFS79W AM/FM/Weather Band Digital Tuner Shower Radio (White)
Get your hands on this easy-grip ICF-S79W AM/FM weather band digital shower radio and enjoy your favorite stations while you wash. There are 20 station presets for easy tuning, and the splash-resistant surface of the radio and supplied hanging strap make this shower radio perfect for staying up to date on the latest news and weather as you prepare for your day. A high-quality speaker produces robust sound that you can easily hear over the sound of running water.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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