Internet radios are very popular these days, since just about every person out there with a computer connected to the Internet via a broadband connection, some ripped music stored onto their HDDs and some special software can become an online DJ in no time. However, most people tap into the broadcasts provided by these stations from their computer, but this trend is about to change, as more and more Internet-enabled radio receivers take central stage in stores. This is also the case with the Sanyo R227, a full-fledged Internet radio receiver (complete with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connector), which also delivers a host of other useful functions, such as that of alarm clock.
Design[/HESAYS]Can't really say that there's something particularly impressive (or particularly un-impressive, for that matter) about the design of Sanyo's R227 Internet/FM radio. The color combo is a well chosen one, with the piano black case providing, to some extent, a sense of elegance, which means that it will easily fit just about anywhere you might want to place it, whether at home or at the office, in either an elegant, classic or modern setting. More importantly, the layout of the controls and display is quite OK. Practically, everything and anything you might need while working with the R227 is placed right in front of you, whether we're talking about the blue backlit LCD display or that big, round button, used for tuning through the various radio stations. [/HESAYS]
She says: I'm more than sure that, as far as the design of the Sanyo R227 Internet/FM radio is concerned, there will be clear differences of opinion between men and women. And while men may be very enthusiastic about the rather masculine and sober design of this radio, I don't really think women will agree. It seems that this item was never intended to stand out through
its design, which looks a bit too retro for the black and silver colors, chosen for its finishing to work. It looks more like the manufacturers tried to merge two completely different styles but failed. To sum up, if it weren't for the blue display and the wheel-shaped buttons, the R227 would look very unfriendly.
FeaturesHe says: While the design of the R227 doesn't really set it apart from any of the other Internet radio receivers on the market, things are quite different as far as its features are concerned. Thus, the device from Sanyo allows users to tune in to both Internet and FM stations, but can also be used as a wireless audio system. That's because it incorporates a Wi-Fi module, which allows the device to connect to wireless Internet networks, but also to stream music stored onto another computer linked to the same network.
The R227 also incorporates an alarm clock with extensive functions, which allows users to wake up to the sound of radio or music, go to sleep while listening to their favorite station or even snooze a bit when waking way too early in the morning. Moreover, it supports up to 16 pre-set stations, 8 for Internet radio and 8 for the digital FM tuner.
She says: If only the design was so well thought-through as the features of the R227, the life of this product on the market would have been much easier. Following the trend of multifunction and multi-purpose gadgets, this Internet radio offers its users the possibility to listen to both Internet and FM radio station, for free, something that many people would probably be thankful for, comes with 16 preset stations and a WiFi module, multiple-function clock and its dimensions actually make it suitable for the bedroom, den, kitchen or office.
PerformanceHe says: Although it's not a particularly powerful one, the audio system installed on Sanyo's R227 does “pump out” around 4 W, which is quite enough for an average, mid-sized room. Moreover, since we're on the subject of performance, it's also interesting to notice this device's extensive versatility, since it can play AAC, AIFF, MP3, RM, WAV, WMA files.
She says: The cool thing about the R227 is that, even though it may not look great, it comes with a lot of options, practically offering you a wide range of audio functions, into just one device. This way, you can listen to numerous radio stations, you can access shared music files from computers on the same network , not to mention the fact that it is enabled to play the most popular audio formats.
User friendlyHe says: Sanyo's R227 is quite an user-friendly product, the learning curve for the control system being quite a short one. As mentioned earlier, all the important controls are placed right on the front side, whether we're talking about audio-related functions or other controls. Plus, the radio is accompanied by a remote control, which makes controlling it from a distance even easier.
What's really important to mention here is the fact that even the most complicated phase of the setup process, namely connecting to the Wi-Fi network, is quite an easy one, the network key entry system being a very intuitive one. Practically, users who've used either a normal radio or a computer before will have very little trouble working with the Sanyo R227.
She says: Unlike other products of this type, it's nice that it's all very “open and honest” with this radio, meaning that you don't have to read its manual or look for hidden buttons to turn it on or change the station. Even more, it comes with a remote control, so that you don't even have to make the slightest effort, in order to perform the desired operation.
Value for moneyHe says: The device from Sanyo is not exactly what one might call a very expensive one, but it's not “dirty cheap” either. However, due to the fact that it offers so many functions, plus extensive connectivity and good audio, it's really worth the price, which is also most likely to go down even further on the future, as new models hit the shelves.
She says: This radio sells for 220 US dollars. Taking into consideration its wide range of features, spending that money on the R227 would seem like a true bargain. However, this products has its flaws too, so, it's up to you to decide if it's really worth its price tag or not.
Cool factorHe says: The Sanyo R227 is very likely to be quite attractive for a lot of users on the future, many of the features it provides being what one might call “futureproof”. Practically, since it features so many connectivity options, plus a fairly interesting design and extra functions, it might really prove to be quite popular for at least a few years. Of course, when WiMAX wireless broadband Internet networks will be deployed around the world the R227 will become almost obsolete, but that moment is still pretty far away.
She says: This device has indeed some pretty awesome features, but the technology in this field advances quite rapidly and there probably won't be long until other, better-equipped, radios will hit the market, and most likely they will sport a prettier design too.
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