Scrimp or splurge?: Digital radios

If you haven't explored the world of digital radio yet, you're seriously missing out. With dozens of extra stations on offer, clearer sound quality and much easier station switching, digital radio offers a much richer experience than the old analogue systems. And if you pay a BBC licence fee, you're missing out on some of the best BBC channels by not tuning into the digital airwaves. One Extra, BBC 6, BBC Asian Network – all great stations.

But prices range dramatically. What's the difference between spending a few quid or splashing out on a more expensive model? This colourful Intempo TRS-01, for example, will set you back £40, but don't expect much in the way of sound quality. It's better than most regular analogue radios of this size, but it's on the basic side.

Alternatively, you could spend £480 on an Eton Porsche P9123 with top quality sound. It picks up FM, MW and SW frequencies as well as DAB and you can even plug your iPod in.

But if you want my opinion, spend a bit more than £40 and a lot less than £480, and you should find a system that both sounds good and looks good too.