Customer Reviews

Pogo Electronics Radio YourWay Mini 1GB AM/FM Radio Recorder

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have used the radio for about 1 month now, and will attempt to relay my perspective now as best I can. I may edit this review if I learn more. *See revised update below. I agree with the 1st reviewer in that it was difficult to learn the menue system, and operations. The manual does not explain some things all that well, and does not cover some of the operations clearly. I hate useless technical info. but this manual is vague in some areas. I admit that it took me some hours of trial and error.
I use this unit to pre-program talk radio, (like a vcr), and Pogo is about the only unit that I had found to make something like that.
Here are some comments; 1) Get rechargable batteries, 2) No usb port, however you can use the earphone output (which is only mono) to connect to the input of a home stereo system, or compact stereo with an aux. input. I connect it to my home stereo for improved sound. They include a short 1/8" or (3.5mm) cord with the radio for this. You may have to adapt this to your own system depending on its input. I got an (1/8" to rca) at Radio Shack. 3) No place to attach a strap, 4) The view screen is small, 5) No Antenna... The ear phone doubles as one. I live approx. 35-40 miles from the broadcast towers, and getting a clear signal can be an issue. It works ok when I listen to live radio as I can turn the unit to get a good signal, however finding the right position, and placement in my house when I'm not connected to the radio is a problem. Apparently all the heavy metals from eating Lake Michigan seafood has turned me into human antenna. Finding that good location when the radio is unattended is an ongoing experiment. Ear bud cord placement is critical, different locales in the house are also. I've even tried aluminum foil. Setting the unit on a sheet of it may aid reception? (The reception may be good when you set the radio down, but turn into static when you walk away). I would compare fm reception to a small desktop fm radio, or alarm clock radio. If they work OK for you, chances are the Pogo will too. I (may) consider a powered fm antenna that will plug into the earphone port, or input port when I am gone. I have NO idea if that will work, or is recommended because the POGO has no designated antenna input. Moving closer to the broadcast towers however is not an option for me at this time.
With that said; With time I have gotten fairly comfortable using, placing, and programming the radio. The sound quality is very good for talk radio with the 1 mono earbud, assuming you get good reception. The built in speaker is weak and is meant only for very close, and quiet conditions.
Conclusion; Even with the reception issues it has, I am able to listen to programs I would otherwise miss, (although sometimes with static).
Overall I like the unit and recommend it with the reservations mentioned.
I would buy another POGO knowing what I know.
Also; I was a bit unsure how to rate this unit (1-5) stars. I had considered giving it 4 stars, and easily could (would) have if I did not have reception issues. Remember though that I do live somewhat on the fringe of civilization. Your scenario may be different.
***Revised update: After 1 year of use...1/10/09 I still echo all of the negative comments made by everyone about this unit. Because this unit is so "battery hungry" it is possible for the unit to go completely dead, loosing all info. as mine did. (I had not used it for a few weeks). Now (even with new batteries) I am now unable to reprogram it to record. It seems that the loss of battery power has ruined something within the unit? At this point the unit is basically unusable. I could hardly recommend the Pogo because of all of its issues. I would also lower my previous rating down from 3 stars to 1, or 2.
BEST........kc

I was excited to find a recording radio at a reasonable price, but using it was less than exciting. It's difficult to program and the users manual is poorly written (I still can't figure out how to change recording quality). But my number one complaint is the fast forward button. It is difficult to push and if you slip, the recording is reset to the beginning and you have to start forward winding anew. I find it's best to break up long recordings into short segments but then you run up against the 5 program limit. The batteries don't last very long either.

I have had, for about four years, the "original" Radio Your Way. This model could operate on either batteries or electricity. It was starting to show its age, so I ordered the "latest" (and now only) model. I was disappointed. The new model proved to be very, very difficult to "program" to record radio programs at future times. I fussed and fussed with it and was not able to effectively program it. Plus, the new model operates on batteries only - and the batteries (I used rechargeable batteries) lost their power quickly. I returned the unit for a refund.

I am sorry the the original Radio Your Way is no longer are available.

The two AAA batteries last about 24 hours. If you want to record a radio show everyday this means changing the batteries every day! The directions are very cryptic, I have yet to get it to erase a file. You can reformat the drive to clean things up, but then all your settings are gone too. This radio is a pain to use, I suggest you avoid it. The no longer available PogoXL was far better than this cheaply made item.

This radio exceeded my expectations except that it is monophonic. Sadly, after
three weeks the display turned black and is no longer useable.

This little thing works like a charm but the programming instructions are very confusing (thus the 4 stars instead of 5). I had to call the company for clarification, but once you get the hang of it, it's very cool. Invest in some rechargable batteries for it. Battery life isn't that good.

I love this product - great for recording long radio programs - hours of storage.