Thanks to LL Bean for offering a green energy product! I use this at home as my primary radio and speaker for my ipod and computer. My favorite thing about it is the recharging; I use only the hand crank or the solar charger, and it's never run out of power. Wonderful. When you turn the hand crank there's a light that comes on to show the strength of your cranking-- it's good to see that the cranking is working. Solar panel is great too, I just set it on the windowsill on a sunny day. I don't plan to ever use the AC charger.
I'm pleased with the sound quality overall, given the size and price. The sound does gets scratchy at high volumes, but only noticeably so if I turn it up to the point where I want to hear it over other loud noises (people talking, the shower running). At normal volume levels the sound is good.
I love the light on the front that tells me how strong the radio signal is.
I haven't used this outdoors yet, but I'll be taking it in the field this summer. The carrying case looks solid, so I won't have to worry about denting it up. I only wish my ipod was so easy to recharge.
I've only had the Active Trax Audio Player for a week now, but it is great for listening to music on the go and sharing it with others. What I like the most is that it is one last component that needs batteries. The crank is easy to use and about one minute of crank allows 25min of play time. Longer crank time provides a longer charge. It has a weather band, AM and FM radio, which receive good signal without having to fool with the antenna. I have not yet tried the solar charger, but I bet that will work well at the beach. The case is also durable and has a clip for attachment to a backpack. There is storage for my iPod Nano inside as well. A great value and a sustainable purchase.
It is a compact device you can take with you anywhere. Mine came with the "Stereo to Mono" mini adapter. Crank and solar panel are easy and free ways to charge this product. It DOES NOT have a great bass sound but I guess it wasn't intended to provide an amazing sound, but just a "practical" one. Easily gets distorted with high volume. It is useful for a lazy day at the beach or at outdoors activities.
I have taken this to several places to listen to music. It does not have a great bass but it was not expected to. I read other reviews that said you need to get a stereo to mono adapter, but mine came with one. The radio dial is a little hard to adjust but it can be done. I am happy with it over all.
