Freeplay Devo Wind-up Radio Full Review
Posted: 03 April 2008 by Chris Stevens
Sound quality on the Devo is average for a DAB, although the tone is slightly brighter than others out there. Although far from grating, there is an unmistakable transistor-radio tone to the Devo that means it never rises above its rank. Demanding listeners may ask a little more from this radio despite its tiny size, but for general listening we were very pleased with the fidelity. If you're looking for a more luxurious-sounding radio, you're probably not in the wind-up market anyway.
But the Devo's most impressive feature is its wind-up mechanism. It's surprisingly effective at transforming a small amount of winding into several hours of radio listening. Not only is this method of charging a welcome alternative to the fossil-fuel-gobbling radios that occupy our homes and offices, but it feels good to be working for your music.
One big drawback for us was the lack of available information about the production of the radio itself. We tried and tried to get specific information about working conditions, factories and packaging from Freeplay Energy, but didn't get very far. We do know, however, that Freeplay makes self-sufficient radios, flashlights and other gadgets that are innately greener than most other electronics because they don't require grid power.
Of course, DAB radios aren't as energy-efficient as FM ones, but losing the DAB tuner negates the Devo's unique selling point. Since the DAB radio requires so much hand-cranking, the reality is it'll often be powered up from the mains, so one obvious green improvement for the Devo would be to use a more energy-efficient tuner such as the one used in the PURE Siesta.
Still, Freeplay Energy has a lot to recommend it on the ethical front. The company's raison d'etre is to bring information and communication to the developing world, with British inventor Trevor Baylis pitching the first wind-up radio as a means to fighting AIDS in Africa through education. The company formed the Freeplay Foundation in 1998 to bring "sustainable access to information, education and energy -- to the people who need it most." It supports radio communications and education programmes, mostly in Africa, which is a charitable effort indeed.
But we're at a loss when it comes to information about the working conditions for the people who made this radio, and so we've had to mark the Devo down there. Too bad, because this radio -- and Freeplay Energy -- has a lot going for it otherwise.
Quality
Value
Ethics
Green
