Panasonic RF-P50d Pocket AM/FM Radio Silver RF-P50D

There are dozens of pocket radios here on Amazon. This is one of the best. The Panasonic RF-P50D gets excellent reception on both AM and FM, and it sounds very good for a radio this size. In addition, as a unique and useful touch, the dial face even glows in the dark similar to the face of a glow-in-the-dark watch dial.This radio looks almost identical to the earlier version of Panasonic's pocket radio, which had the same model number as this one except the earlier model didn't have the "D" on the end of the model number. That one was okay for local stations but had very weak reception of stations that were distant. This revised model has vastly improved reception, especially on AM. I compared this side-by-side to Sony's small pocket radio, the ICF-P26. The sound quality is similar but this Panasonic is notably better at pulling in weak signals on both AM and FM. Compared to some of the off-brand pocket radios in this general price range - well, there's really no comparison, yet many of those cost as much as or more than this Panasonic. Here you get reception that closely rivals that of bigger portables. It's hard to find that in any pocket radio, let alone at this price.The luminescent tuning dial collects energy from ambient room light and then glows for a while when the room goes dark. It's a nice touch and useful for tuning the radio in bed. But, if the radio has been in the dark for a long time, such as stored in a drawer or a purse or carrying bag, the dial face will have to be exposed to light for a minute or so in order for the illumination feature to work.To complete the old time pocket radio feel, Panasonic even includes in the box with this radio a single-ear earphone. My uncle, who passed away many years ago, was a night watchman at a factory and he always kept a pocket radio with him, which kept him company all night as he listened to talk programs through old-style earphones just like these. And, because they only fit into one ear, the user is safer owing to having an ear open to hear things going on around him or her. The old way isn't always inferior.My informal observation is that battery life is excellent. Panasonic specs provided on the owner's instruction sheet included with the radio state that the radio will play 64 hours on 2 AA batteries on FM, or 68 hours on AM. Obviously this testing is at a certain volume level and duty cycle. In real life usage the batteries will last longer if the radio is played at lower volume levels (or through the earphone) and in shorter usage cycles. Playing the radio at high volume levels and for many hours at a stretch will drain the batteries more quickly.This is a top choice among small pocket radios. Simple to use, sounds good, great reception, free retro earphone - plus a dial that glows in the dark.

Great quality, size and volume control for such a small radio. Definitely works well and have amazing reception.

It's ol reliable Panasonic and the best is; Not made in Chiiina!Sounds good, shd be like $10 though...

Excellent quality, good sound and it's cheap.

This is a replacement for my first pocket radio (rf-p50) I either lost or misplaced. That one had an analog tuner so I had to be more precise to center the station but did have the tune light to help. This one (rf-p50d) has a digital tuner they refer to as afc and for me it's better for getting the stations in. The radio has good sound for a pocket radio, both AM & FM. Sensitivity is alright on FM while holding it but weaker stations may go out when I put it down unless I find a good spot for it, then they come back in without me holding it. On stronger stations it's not a problem. AM is good but can be improved by placing the radio next to a Terk AM loop antenna which I also have.

Compared to my old Sony transistor radio, this one is far less desirable, tuning is mediocre at best. It does not pull in as many stations as the Sony nor does it provide the clarity and good sound as did the Sony. Its not horrible, though much less a high quality radio compared to the Sony. However, the price is not bad,

Great little radio I would recommend

Poor sound quality; One unidirectional in-earphone listening. Ya get what Ya Pay For.