PURE Digital Move review

PURE Digital continues to reign in the field of attractive DAB radio systems, this time coming up trumps with the Move pocket radio. This lightweight, palm-and-fingers-sized DAB radio player will fit snugly inside a large coat pocket or bag, or slide graciously into a small space on a shelf. It's an ideal companion for any radio lover, indoors or out, and is available for around £90.

Strengths
The smooth, metallic silver front is complemented by the rugged, almost rubbery outer casing, making it a delight to hold and a pleasure to look at. It's also deceptively lightweight, though not light enough to feel vulnerable to the odd knock or fall.

The three-line LCD display is backlit and comfortable to read. When listening to a radio station in DAB mode, Move kindly displays the station name, the bit rate and quality of the broadcast, battery life, volume level and -- wait for it -- the time.

Pressing the 'info' button brings up further information, such as a station's Web site and what the show is about. Text scroll speed can be controlled manually if desired, using the navigation button.

Navigating channels is also wonderfully simple. When in DAB mode, stations are automatically discovered and listed in alphabetical order, and can be browsed by a simple tap of the navigation button. Up to ten stations can be saved as presets, giving you easy access to your favourite shows without having to browse the entire list available.

A large telescopic aerial aids the reception of the humble FM signal, too. If you're ever in an area without DAB signal coverage, or if the signal is simply too weak, you can switch the system to FM mode. Tuning is, again, a simple touch of the navigation button. You're free to manually tune to a station of your choice or let the radio seek stations automatically. The auto-tune feature is accurate and fast.

Messages from the radio station scroll along the bottom of the three-line display

The Move is powered by a rechargeable built-in battery pack, lasting for an excellent 40 hours. On the right-hand side of the unit is a headphone socket and a USB port for software updates. Also featured is an auxiliary socket if you want to use the radio as a loudspeaker for your iPod or similar.

Sound quality is good for such a small radio. Music is more lacking in bass than we'd ideally like, but that's the result of using such a small system.

Weaknesses
In an ideal world, the Move would be splash-proof. It's only a small concern, but one to bear in mind if you think you might use this product in the bathroom.

We'd also prefer a record function and an electronic programme guide, although this would necessitate a larger screen, but most people won't miss these features in a device this size.

Conclusion
PURE Digital's Move is a good portable DAB radio system. Its natty design is complemented by its ergonomic feel, a host of useful features and good sound quality for its size. Music fans may find themselves desiring a little more bass even from a portable unit, but spoken word and general music sounds beautiful, and at £89 it's a cracking buy.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Nick Hide