Who's got Becker/Blaupunkt radio ? Options

[jsteele22]

Since I don't really have anything else to work on on my teener ( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) ), I've been thinking about putting a radio in that gaping rectangular hole. I don't care a whole lot about sound quality or iPod inputs, but I want something that looks/feels right. So far, I've been attracted to the Becker Europa and the Blaupunkt Frankfurt. I especially like the ones with L/M/K/U pushbuttons, for that "authentic" German look. (I know, I know...)

Anyway, I've got questions for folks with one of these radios, or something similar :

1) Do they tune fairly easily, and hold a station ? (I sort of remember having to constanly fiddle w/ radios back in those days, but those were probably crappy radios, and probably all AM).

2) Do the other bands (besides AM & FM) have anything ? I've never gotten into shortwave radios, but it seems like it could be fun way to stay distracted on a long trip.

3) Are you happy w/ the vintage radio, or do you tire of it and wish you had a modern system ? Again, I'm not looking for great sound, but I do want something that works and isn't too annoying.

Thx