Intempo GX-01

The basics

Using Wi-Fi or a LAN network to stream music from a PC, the GX-01 Internet radio gives you access to over 8,000 radio stations from around the world and also has an alarm clock, 99 presets and a USB port. And all in a box measuring 230x135x135mm.

The good

This wireless wireless can tune in to over 8000 internet radio stations all over the world - a disturbing number of which seem to be playing Celine Dion at any one time. There’s a handy alarm clock to let you wake up to afternoon shows in Oz although if you get fed up with suffering auditory jet-lag, you can also select from a vast archive of BBC Listen Again shows. Techies can even stream tunes from their laptop’s Windows Media Player or plug in a USB stick with MP3s. Keep an ear open for special offers – we found the GX-01 online for under half its normal price.

The bad

Unlike FM or DAB radios, there’s a noticeable delay when tuning between channels – and navigating the thousands on offer can get frustrating. Despite nothing in the instruction book, it’s easy to register with Reciva.com to speed up choosing favourites.

The bottom line

The GX-01 makes it easy to invite the world into your kitchen for a global knees up. Just don’t expect them to take out the recycling when they’re done.