Eton FR1000 AM/FM/NOAA Weather/2-Way GMRS Radio w/Flashlight for $50

[Zac]

Includes hand crank capability and runs on AA batteries too.

http://www.buy.com/prod/eton-fr1000-am-fm-noaa-weather-2-way-gmrs-radio-w-flashlight/q/loc/111/212361599.html

[Stug]

The Eton FR1000 looks to be one of the most well rounded "crank" radio systems around. Pretty sure it even has solar and definately has a cell charger - after purchase you can contact Eton for your relevant tip to match your phone. The stand out part though is the GMRS feature which I beieve you do need a license for but puts it that big step up. You can get reports in and radio for help too on the GMRS frequencies. I am looking to pick one up soon.

[DoomOrBust]

Includes hand crank capability and runs on AA batteries too.

http://www.buy.com/prod/eton-fr1000-am-fm-noaa-weather-2-way-gmrs-radio-w-flashlight/q/loc/111/212361599.html

Link is dead, product no longer available.

[Capt_Overkill]

I know this is a little "tardy to the party" but...

It's a neat radio.  I have one that is similar.  The crank works pretty well.
Here's some pro's and cons on Eton's survival radios.  With the exception of the different models they are all about the same in respect to quality and performance.

Pros
Neat camping toy. 
Picks up strong FM signals fairly well.
Great for in tent lighting
Lightweight, even when full of batteries
cool factor

Cons and explanations

A/C power cord does not come with it.  Therefore it is difficult to charge the onboard batteries.  which are separate from the AA batteries. (looks much akin to a cordless phone battery)
I have heard from several people that these have weak and fragile feeling dials.  Mine do feel like to an extent.
A review I read said that the solar panel takes days to charge up a couple hours of play time.
Radio system is mediocre at best.  I'd hate to get that kind of reception when I was relying on it for communications.  NOAA reception was non-existent.
Some of them have shortwave capability.  From what I've heard it's not any better.
A big con is the cell phone thing.  Yeah, you can call them and they'll send you a brand new connection that will plug into your phone.
The downside is that is all it will do.  Plug in.  It charges via the dynamo only.  Modern phones have such a narrow band of power allowance, it's impossible to charge them.
I had a Motorola Razr, Blackberry Curve 1 and a Motorola Krazr.  None would charge at all.
Some receive audio from T.V. signals.  They were great till the government made them all go digital.  Now, those analog signals are all dead and so is the feature on the radio.

If you're going to drop the money for GMRS, you might as well get a you Ham Technician’s license and get a real radio in the 2meter/70centimeter bands.

Summary

It's neat and fun to have.  But I sure as heck wouldn't want to have to depend on it.