Revo Pico RadioStation

I bought one of the original Pico+ DAB radios for the specific purpose of taking it to beaches and abroad - as a speaker for an iPod and FM radio, yet also to listen to DAB in the bathroom at home. For these purposes it is excellent - the sound quality is very good.

Unfortunately my Pico is dying after around 3 years use. The battery will no longer hold charge but worse the main screen stops working intermittently and ends up showing gibberish. I contacted Revo with regards to getting the unit fixed out of warranty, but oddly the repairs cost are more than a factory refurbed unit with warranty. Go figure.

I was seriously considering upgrading to the new RadioStation however I had some concerns about the original design that I shared with Revo over 3 years ago. Sadly, these have not been taken on board in this release, so anyone looking to purchase this item should be aware of the following small, but in my view, not insignificant flaws.

1) The text on the buttons will disappears completely with medium use in around 6 months - probably quicker. I have now had 2 sets of buttons and both sets lost all text - this makes operation of the unit difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with it.

2) There is only a momentary on/off button on the front of the unit. This would be fine it you don't intend moving the unit around, but this is a portable item. I can't remember the number of times I have heard the unit switch itself on in the overhead locker of an aeroplane, or in my backpack. A physical switch in the rear compartment would eliminate this issue.

3) I also purchased the optional carry case. Whilst this is a nice canvas design, it does not provide a proper location for the PSU. It will store inside the case on top of the unit, but this has lead to scratches on the unit itself.

4) The control wheel is not the easiest of items to operate - especially if you hands are damp or slippery. Whilst it looks quite nice, a push in knob would have performed better. It's no iPod control wheel.

Although these seem small points, they actually become very irritating, especially as they all could be quite simply resolved - and that could have been done years ago. It just proves that some companies don't listen to their customers.