We live in an earthquake prone area and I'm putting together an emergency kit. I'm a vet and handy with cheaper alternatives to expensive special purpose survival gear crap marketed to the SHTF contingent, but i'm stuck on the emergency radio.
Cheap kind - small, light, provides a radio, charges with solar cell or crank, can charge a cell phone allegedly - $25
More expensive kind - a little larger, provides all from cheap plus can run on AAA batteries (same as our lantern) and has a replaceable rechargeable battery. $55
Cheap Pros: smallest, lightest, cheapest Cheap cons: no AAA batteries
Expensive Pros: allows AAA batteries Cons: slightly larger and heavier
Is it worth the extra 30 bucks for the convenience of AAA batteries and potentially better build quality? Anyone had to use one before?