I'm a big fan of the oversized Invicta Force military style watches and own three different versions. Invicta has updated the Force lineup, taking off the left crown so you don't have the Frankenstein look with two crowns on both sides of the case (see photo below). Also the Invicta logo has been replaced with a 12 north of the dial. The overall look is much better. For example, the new Invicta Force F0048, $159.99 has this new look contrasted with the almost same old model, the 4831, $199.99. I'd get the newer, less expensive version.
Thanks, Terry:
Here's my eham review of the Tecsun PL-390. For performance and features versus price, I gave it 5/5.
Tecsun's PL-390 is a very nice implementation of the Si4734/35 integrated circuit. We've seen in the G8 how AM can go horribly wrong using that chip, and those problems are mostly fixed here.
Pros:
Easy Tuning Method (ETM) very good at finding current stations on FM/SW/MW/LW
ETM scans extended SW bands
five excellent filter sizes (6, 4, 3, 2, 1)
good copy on AM even using 1kHz filter
two speakers, with stereo FM
world clock, which can display when radio is on
very long whip (same length as G5)
very good sensitivity on all bands (though a hair less than G5 and E1)
excellent selectivity on FM (better than G5 and E1)
display light can remain on when using batteries
works well with random wire (though some image problems)
recharges batteries via adapter
good at handling fading distortion in AM
pouch has extra pocket for supplied external antenna, ear buds and USB recharge adapter
direct frequency tuning via keypad
plentiful memories (ETM uses its own bank)
Cons:
some image problems, but can be escaped by partially collapsing whip
no SSB
no synchronous detection
ETM takes 2.5 minutes to scan SW bands (several seconds on MW and FM)
best FM stereo experience is three inches from your nose
somewhat tinny and fatiguing sound, but not disastrous (as in G6 and YB300PE)
tinny sound even through good headphones
still some AGC flutter on AM, though minor
flimsy flip stand (very much like DX-398)
whip swivel impeded by body of radio
no included AC adapter
A very enjoyable small portable. The ETM consistently found 50 to 60 stations on SW using whip, even during early afternoon. Great bedside radio. Nice stereo FM with radio resting on your chest (just don't fall asleep!) SSB is still missed, and ECSS with 10 Hz fine tuning would be fantastic.
Considering the low price, this is a winner.