What is the perfect gift for a 12-year-old girl who has CDs but no CD player? What if the girl also wants a radio? And wants her music on the go? As if gift buying weren’t challenge enough, now I needed to find this perfect present. Enter the Curtis Portable CD/Radio (Model # RCD163).


Description

This silver-gray music machine is a nice looking unit. It is compact, measuring 8 1/4" long x 9" wide x 4 1/2" tall – it is smaller than a piece of copy paper! And it only weighs three pounds, which is ideal for a child. A great option is that it takes 8 C-cell batteries or uses the included AC/DC plug.

The CD player is located on top of the machine. It has an easy-access thumb/finger hole to open and close the CD door. The CD sits horizontally in the player. Also, the CD player not only plays regular CDs but also plays CD-R/RW discs.

Next to the CD player on top of the machine is a small dial pointer window that displays the AM/FM radio stations. A small green light goes on when a Stereo FM station is playing. The handle is built into the top of the machine and sits flush on the machine when not raised. The handle is rounded on one side, and flat on the side that rests against the top of the player. When the handle is raised, the CD door on top of the player does not open all the way.

On either side of the machine front are two round speakers. The controls on the front include these buttons: repeat, program, search, stop, play/pause. In the center front there is a LED display with red digits that show the numbered CD tracks.

Along the left side of the player is a hole for an audio jack, selection for either CD/Off/Radio features and a dial volume control. The volume dial is ridged for easier turning.

Along the right side of the player is the tuning dial for radio stations, also ridged for easy turning. Next to this is a band selector with these options: AM/FM/FM Stereo.

At the back of the machine, along the top, is a telescoping antenna that clips into place when not in use. Beneath this is the receptacle for the AD/DC plug.

The bottom of the player has four rubber feet and a large opening where the batteries are installed.

Here are the feature highlights:

* Top Loading single CD Player
* AM/FM Stereo Radio
* Plays Audio CD / CD-R / CD-RW discs
* Two-digit LED Display
* Skip / Search Function
* Program up to 20 tracks in desired sequence
* Repeat One / All Function
* Battery or AC/DC Operation (with polarized plug)
* Built-in Handle
* Head-phone jack
* 10-page Instruction Booklet (in English and French)


My Experience

It was a challenge finding a CD/Radio Player that was small enough for a child to carry ... without having cartoon figures imprinted all over it. This 12-year-old wouldn’t allow herself to be seen carrying a Hello Kitty or Sponge Bob boom box. I stumbled upon the Curtis CD/Radio Player when searching the internet. I saw it on the Best Buy website for $19.99. I couldn’t believe this player cost so little. I decided to visit a brick-and-mortar Best Buy store to make sure it wasn’t a piece of junk. Imagine my amazement when this actually turned out to be a beautiful, classy little unit. Perfect for an almost-teenager.

Before giving the gift, I opened the cardboard box and removed the player from its styrofoam protective packaging. I opened the panel on the bottom of the unit to insert the C-cell batteries. I’m glad I purchased a 12-pack of these batteries. The Best Buy website said the player took 6 C-cell batteries ... the unit needs 8 C-cell batteries. The large slide-open panel on the bottom of the radio is easy to open and close, and the batteries are simple to insert.

The antenna is easy to unclip, raise and telescope. The handle would be more comfortable if it were rounded on both sides. (It is rounded on one side, and flat with plastic lattice-work on the back.) However, despite being round on only one side, the handle fits well in the hand. It’s easy to hold onto the player and carry it.

Then I tested the radio to make sure it worked. I tuned the radio to my favorite FM oldies station ... just to shock the 12-year-old when she turned it on. An oldies listener she is not! The sound is great. There is a large range to the volume control, too. Me, I turned it low, but I’m sure it won’t stay at that volume long. Louder is better, right?

I couldn’t test the CD player since a protective shipping cardboard held certain parts of the player in a secure position. I didn’t want to risk harming the player before giving it as a gift.

I repackaged the unit and wrapped it in colorful paper and ribbon.


A 12-year-old’s Viewpoint

My fancy wrapping job didn’t last two seconds. “I can’t believe you got me this!” came the excited squeal. She reached for the plug, and I told her I had already put batteries in the player. She bolted upstairs and came charging back with a music CD.

I opened the CD door and removed the protective cardboard in the CD player. I didn’t have to tell her how to work the player. She popped in the music CD, turned on the CD player ... and jacked the volume. I asked her how the music sounded. Definitely preoccupied, she replied, “Great!”

She listened to the first song of the CD then ran up the stairs again, returning with earphones. She plugged them in. I lifted the handle to show her it had one, and off she went ... traveling with music.

I saw her an hour later switching radio channels. So much for the oldies. Reception was static-filled, so I lifted the antenna for clearer reception and left her to find a favorite radio station.

The instruction booklet was ignored (are you surprised) in favor of pushing buttons, switching and turning every dial available. This player generates good music quality considering it is a simple 2-speaker portable radio.

I can tell that an adult will have to explain how to program the track numbers so that songs can be played in order of preference. There is also a nifty feature that allows one to locate a specific passage within a track. Simply press a button and the CD plays at a fast speed with a low volume until the button is released to continue normal playing. There is also the choice of repeating a single song continuously or to play an entire CD continuously. The CD will stop playing when the CD compartment door is opened, a radio station is selected or if the CD reaches its end (provided the continuous play option has not been chosen). It’s also simple to erase the programming by either opening the CD compartment door, by selecting the radio, or by pressing the stop button twice.

Of course, she might surprise me by reading the instructions! But she seemed more interested in tuning the radio and sorting through her CD collection.


Summary

This gift was a hit. I’m delighted she’s happy and enjoying her music. Not bad for $19.99 at Best Buy. I’m tempted to pick one of these up for myself! It’s a great little machine.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Additional Information

Warranty one year on parts and 90 days on labor.

C.I. Service Dept.
4600 Witmer Industrial Estates, Unit 12
Niagara Falls, NY 14305

www.curtisint.com


Please read my other reviews:

JVC DVD Player

Belkin Emergency UPS Battery Backup

Acco 3-Hole Electric Punch

Conair Ion Hair Dryer

Conair 1875 Watt Hair Dryer/Brush

Black & Decker Pro Finish Iron

Quilt Pro Software

Janome Jem Sewing Machine

Maytag Gemini Double Oven Range

Rubbermaid Big Max Shed

Black & Decker Cordless Lawnmower


Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 19.99