Sony SRF-M85V S2 Sports Walkman Armband Radio

I was sure looking forward to this new S2 armband ...

Strengths: Durable, sleek and easy to use.

Weaknesses: Essentially incapable of receiving even the strongest FM signals

Summary: I was sure looking forward to this new S2 armband radio as I just recently had to retire a previous Sony iteration of their "sports" armband radio that I've used extensively the past three or four years. Basically, everything on the new is an improvement over the old. The new one is sleeker, more secure, more reflective, only needs one AAA battery, has more channel presets that are easier to access, and includes several new features such as the local VHF TV band, the weather radio band and a stopwatch function.

The only fly in the ointment relates to the fact that this radio is essentially incapable of receiving a normal FM broadcast. I live in the middle of the greater Los Angeles area and there is no FM station this radio can receive clearly. The static is horrible and every station on the band is rendered unlistenable. AM reception and wx band reception is excellent. Even the TV band comes in fairly well. But let's face it, with no FM this thing is next to worthless.

Of course, I at first assumed that I had just been unlucky enough to get the one lemon in the bunch. Not true. I've been back to BestBuy twice and all three are exactly the same. Hate to say it, but somebody at Sony is getting fired over this one.

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Great sound, poor reception

Strengths: Great sound!

Weaknesses: Only picks up the strongest stations while on the move. Poor quality headphones included

Summary: I use this radio along with a pair of Sony MDR-EX81LPW in ear headphones. The sound with the EX81's is incredible! The standard headphones included in the package are horrible... just throw them away. The quality of this radio is great, but don't expect to pick up anything but the strongest stations in your area. Great for people on the move with a pair of EX81's.

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A bit disappointed with the product

Strengths: nice ergonomic design, and nice accessories included

Weaknesses: weak signal, especially when indoors

Summary: was really excited to get this item, since i usually go to the gym frequently. and since i'm missing most of my tv shows, i decided to purchase this item to listen to my shows. my gym has several tv sets, but don't have sounds for any of them. So buying this product seemed a pretty good idea. However, I tried it at home and found out that half of the channels are totally unlistenable. (was hoping to at least get fox) even became more disappointed when i got no channels working at all, when inside the gym. Also checked radio channels, they were ok when i was at home, but again unlistenable when in the gym. another note, it says in the box that the tv channels will only work until feb2009, til everyone is required to transfer to digital. not that big of a deal, since it's a year away. but, i wasn't even able to use it for an hour. i live in illinois, so im not sure if the signal is stronger else where. but i'd think twice in buying this product.

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New and improved not always the case

Strengths: smaller and compact. Only needs 1 AAA battery

Weaknesses: preset buttons are gone. AM reception poor.

Summary: I recently purchased the new version of this sports model. The SRF-M85V. I have to say that I prefer the older model the SRF-M80V. Missing is the preferred preset buttons. I like that I can hit 1 button to obtain the channel I want as opposed to having to surf through the Tune/Time set button to find my requested channel.

Also, I listen to AM radio/sports talk and games quite often. And I have noticed that my older model got better reception then this newer model. But I am willing to give this model some time to see if it will grow on me. I hope it will because I do like the compact nature of this unit. It gives me opportunity for many uses.

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Just what I was looking for

Strengths: the size,good head phones, multiple bands

Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet

Summary: Just what I wanted to have while I'm sitting at the beach. Most people prefer ipods, but I like the radio. Just like any radio, it depends on where you are as to how good the reception will be. With the AAA batteries, you might want to get some rechargeables.

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Sony SRF-M85V S2 Sports Walkman Armband Radio.

Strengths: Small, light, easy to operate controls.

Weaknesses: Cord too short (hard to work out and place on machine or on belt)

Summary: Powered only by 1 AAA battery - so you'll change it quite often. Good headphones, but cord far too short. Previous models had longer cords. Sound is good - that's the main thing.

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• I have returned this unit twice to Sony because it simply will no...